vital-scans open quality ledger

nih.gov: Accessibility — week 2026-W32

Automated Accessibility Conformance Report (OpenACR): Download ACR. Machine-readable; compatible with GSA OpenACR tooling. Automated tools find ~⅓ of real barriers — supplement with manual AT testing.

Training priorities

Top WCAG success criteria by pages affected this week. Use these to focus team training on the highest-impact issues.

SCCriterionPagesRulesNotes
1.4.1 Use of Color 4725 2
1.4.6 WCAG 1.4.6 1582 1
1.4.8 WCAG 1.4.8 1582 1
2.5.5 WCAG 2.5.5 1582 1
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (semantic structure) 351 5

Next 10 actions

Clusters are fingerprinted by normalized selector path + rule id + snippet shape. Rank score = (severity weight × pages affected) / distinct components for the rule. This supersedes the template threshold heuristic while still surfacing it as a validation signal.

Top 10 clustered component fixes for this week.
ClusterSeverityPagesWho it affectsHow to fixEvidenceDecision
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~3143 finding(s) on 3143 page(s).
XPath / selector: .usa-alert
<div class="usa-alert">
 Serious 3143 Requires manual testing. Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region. pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~3124 finding(s) on 3124 page(s).
XPath / selector: #system-breadcrumb
<h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2>
 Serious 3124 Requires manual testing. Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region. pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1400 finding(s) on 1400 page(s).
XPath / selector: #block-nih2-uswds-search
<div class="search-block-form usa-form block block-search container-inline" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-nih2-uswds-search" role="search">
 Moderate 1400 Requires manual testing. When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart. pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Health Information"
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Grants & Funding"
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1). pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "NIH is moving the launch of its new website to the fall to ensure the best possible experience for everyone who relies on our websites for health information, research, funding opportunities, a
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~1582 finding(s) on 1582 page(s).
XPath / selector: text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"
 Moderate 1582 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57 pages (CSV)

Bug reports

18 issue type(s) are shown by default out of 36 total. Prioritized by severity, key pages, WCAG level, and prevalence; use the toggle to show everything.

Overall severity mix: 4 critical, 7 serious, 21 moderate, 4 minor. By WCAG category: 15 WCAG 2.0 A, 4 WCAG 2.0 AA, 3 WCAG 2.x AAA, 8 Best Practice, 6 Undetermined. Ordered by severity, key-page impact, WCAG level, and prevalence. Following accessibility bug-reporting best practices. Download: Markdown · JSON (full archive) · JSON (AI diagnostic) · CSV (all findings) · Priority pages CSV · Priority pages JSON.

Automated testing does not establish full WCAG conformance. Findings in the verification lane require manual testing before they are treated as confirmed failures.

Default view shows 18 prioritized issue type(s); 18 more are available if you switch to "Show everything".

5 finding(s) marked "possible duplicate" — Alfa and axe-core both flagged the same WCAG SC on overlapping pages. If they target the same element, the axe-core report is authoritative. Filter the CSV by possible_duplicate_of to see these. Two engines flagging the same barrier reduces the chance of a false positive.

Findings needing review

These findings need manual verification before they can be treated as confirmed failures. Obligation remains visible for each finding.

Critical axe link-in-text-block WCAG 2.0 A Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1) 3143/3333 pages · 17342 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e27d5231
Pattern ID
VS-8ade3360
Combined ID
VS-e27d5231 (pattern VS-8ade3360) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
a[href$="www.cancer.gov"]
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (8 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="https://www.cancer.gov" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" title="(opens in a new window)">https://www.cancer.gov</a>

Description

Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 3143 of 3333 scanned pages (17342 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: a[href$="www.cancer.gov"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-in-text-block against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

Impact

Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).

  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 3143 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI

Serious axe list WCAG 2.0 A <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1) 152/3333 pages · 152 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-1f485843
Pattern ID
VS-a0bdbdf6
Combined ID
VS-1f485843 (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-pagination__list
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<ul class="usa-pagination__list pager__items js-pager__items">

Description

<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements. Detected by axe-core rule list on 152 of 3333 scanned pages (152 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository?page=14.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-pagination__list
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule list against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 152 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use <ul>/<ol> with only <li> children for lists; don't fake lists with <div>s.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/list?application=axeAPI

Critical axe image-alt WCAG 2.0 A Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1) 55/3333 pages · 133 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-5ab002fd
Pattern ID
VS-9074b4dd
Combined ID
VS-5ab002fd (pattern VS-9074b4dd) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .link--no-tag.thumbnail-teaser__link[typeof="schema:WebPage"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" width="200" height="auto" class="image-style-thumbnail-large">

Description

Images must have alternative text. Detected by axe-core rule image-alt on 55 of 3333 scanned pages (133 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
  2. Locate the element: .thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .link--no-tag.thumbnail-teaser__link[typeof="schema:WebPage"] > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule image-alt against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 55 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> a meaningful alt attribute. Use alt="" only for decorative images so screen readers skip them.

Drupal tip: In Drupal's Media Library, fill the "Alternative text" field when uploading or editing an image. For images in body fields, the CKEditor "Image Properties" dialog includes an Alt Text field.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-alt?application=axeAPI

Critical axe label WCAG 2.0 A Form elements must have labels (WCAG 4.1.2) 33/3333 pages · 37 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-1687da13
Pattern ID
VS-fafffee0
Combined ID
VS-1687da13 (pattern VS-fafffee0) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.chosen-search-input
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="" data-bef-auto-submit-exclude="true">

Description

Form elements must have labels. Detected by axe-core rule label on 33 of 3333 scanned pages (37 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=181.
  2. Locate the element: .chosen-search-input
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule label against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 33 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate every form control with a <label> (via for/id) or an aria-label/aria-labelledby.

Drupal tip: Use Drupal's form element "Label" setting. In Webform, every element has a Label field — ensure it's not empty or hidden. Check that twig templates don't strip <label> elements from form fields.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/label?application=axeAPI

Critical axe aria-allowed-attr WCAG 2.0 A Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes (WCAG 4.1.2) 30/3333 pages · 43 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-edba72fa
Pattern ID
VS-1467ea8a
Combined ID
VS-edba72fa (pattern VS-1467ea8a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
div[aria-multiselectable="true"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div aria-multiselectable="true" class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default">

Description

Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-attr on 30 of 3333 scanned pages (43 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: div[aria-multiselectable="true"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-attr against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 30 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove ARIA attributes that aren't allowed on this role/element.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-attr?application=axeAPI

Serious axe valid-lang WCAG 2.0 AA lang attribute must have a valid value (WCAG 3.1.2) 24/3333 pages · 48 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e7a698a2
Pattern ID
VS-dd1c019f
Combined ID
VS-e7a698a2 (pattern VS-dd1c019f) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="https://salud.nih.gov/preguntele-a-carla" lang="esp">Pregúntele a Carla</a>

Description

lang attribute must have a valid value. Detected by axe-core rule valid-lang on 24 of 3333 scanned pages (48 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs.
  2. Locate the element: li:nth-child(12) > a[lang="esp"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule valid-lang against WCAG 3.1.2 Language of Parts.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/valid-lang?application=axeAPI

Serious axe link-name WCAG 2.0 A Links must have discernible text (WCAG 2.4.4) 21/3333 pages · 21 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-6fe78636
Pattern ID
VS-e9fe47ac
Combined ID
VS-6fe78636 (pattern VS-e9fe47ac) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link"></a>

Description

Links must have discernible text. Detected by axe-core rule link-name on 21 of 3333 scanned pages (21 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-in-page-nav__link[href="#"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-name against WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the link discernible text. Avoid empty links and icon-only links without an aria-label.

Drupal tip: "Read more" links from Drupal Views should use the "Link text" rewrite field to add context, or add aria-label via the Views rewrite output.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-name?application=axeAPI

Serious axe color-contrast WCAG 2.0 AA Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3) 11/3333 pages · 22 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e01eba07
Pattern ID
VS-be8d563e
Combined ID
VS-e01eba07 (pattern VS-be8d563e) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.media--view-mode-full-width.media.media--type-image:nth-child(1) > .field--name-field-long-caption.text-formatted.field--type-text-long
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-long-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item">NIH logo instituted in 1969.</div>

Description

Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds. Detected by axe-core rule color-contrast on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (22 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
  2. Locate the element: .media--view-mode-full-width.media.media--type-image:nth-child(1) > .field--name-field-long-caption.text-formatted.field--type-text-long
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule color-contrast against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase the contrast between text and its background to at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text). Check both light and dark modes.

Drupal tip: Check your Drupal theme's base CSS. Themes like Olivero and Bartik have contrast issues in default color schemes — override failing color pairs in your subtheme's style.css.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/color-contrast?application=axeAPI

Serious axe scrollable-region-focusable WCAG 2.0 A Scrollable region must have keyboard access (WCAG 2.1.1) 1/3333 pages · 4 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-fcd33d6f
Pattern ID
VS-c613c153
Combined ID
VS-fcd33d6f (pattern VS-c613c153) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="usa-table-container--scrollable">

Description

Scrollable region must have keyboard access. Detected by axe-core rule scrollable-region-focusable on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (4 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-table-container--scrollable:nth-child(29)
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule scrollable-region-focusable against WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%), Limited reach (2.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population
  • Limited reach — 2.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Make scrollable regions keyboard-focusable (tabindex="0") so keyboard users can scroll them.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/scrollable-region-focusable?application=axeAPI

Serious axe region Best Practice All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3143/3333 pages · 6272 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-423fdc33
Pattern ID
VS-f18df681
Combined ID
VS-423fdc33 (pattern VS-f18df681) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
.usa-alert
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (8 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="usa-alert">

Description

All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 3143 of 3333 scanned pages (6272 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: .usa-alert
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 3143 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.

Drupal tip: Use Drupal's region system (header, navigation, main, sidebar, footer) and map each to an HTML5 landmark element in your theme's page.html.twig.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI

Serious axe heading-order Best Practice Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2337/3333 pages · 2440 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-c42b5471
Pattern ID
VS-d25f622d
Combined ID
VS-c42b5471 (pattern VS-d25f622d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h3></h3>

Description

Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 2337 of 3333 scanned pages (2440 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 2337 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use heading levels in order (h1 → h2 → h3) without skipping; structure, not size.

Drupal tip: Drupal Views and blocks can insert headings at arbitrary levels. In the Views UI, set "Title tag" for each display. For block titles, configure the heading level in the block's layout settings.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r62 WCAG 2.0 A Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color (WCAG 1.4.1) 1582/3333 pages · 4715 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-b9fc6f77
Pattern ID
VS-efd91fdd
Combined ID
VS-b9fc6f77 (pattern VS-efd91fdd) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e27d5231 (pattern VS-8ade3360). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r62 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (4715 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r62 against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

Impact

Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).

  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Make links visually distinguishable from surrounding text (not by color alone).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r62

Moderate alfa sia-r64 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1) 179/3333 pages · 179 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e2ce95cc
Pattern ID
VS-3c632d31
Combined ID
VS-e2ce95cc (pattern VS-3c632d31) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (5 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-1f485843 (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 179 of 3333 scanned pages (179 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r64 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 179 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64

Moderate alfa sia-r2 WCAG 2.0 A Image has accessible name (WCAG 1.1.1) 24/3333 pages · 67 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-3057ea6a
Pattern ID
VS-a24eaa8c
Combined ID
VS-3057ea6a (pattern VS-a24eaa8c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" width="200" height="auto">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

Description

Image has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r2 on 24 of 3333 scanned pages (67 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
  2. Locate the element: <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-05/20240917-blood-test.jpg?itok=8VWvchu8" width="200" height="auto">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r2 against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> an accessible name (alt text), or alt="" if purely decorative.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r2

Moderate alfa sia-r68 WCAG 2.0 A Presentational children of an element are not focusable (WCAG 1.3.1) 18/3333 pages · 20 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e5149ddf
Pattern ID
VS-d6097011
Combined ID
VS-e5149ddf (pattern VS-d6097011) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<ul class="chosen-results">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

Description

Presentational children of an element are not focusable. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r68 on 18 of 3333 scanned pages (20 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=181.
  2. Locate the element: <ul class="chosen-results">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r68 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r68

Moderate alfa sia-r8 WCAG 2.0 A Form field has accessible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 17/3333 pages · 19 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-475b28ce
Pattern ID
VS-a48e6078
Combined ID
VS-475b28ce (pattern VS-a48e6078) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-edba72fa (pattern VS-1467ea8a). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Form field has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r8 on 17 of 3333 scanned pages (19 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases?page=181.
  2. Locate the element: <input class="chosen-search-input" type="text" autocomplete="off" readonly="">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r8 against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate the form field with a label.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r8

Moderate alfa sia-r7 WCAG 2.0 AA Element with lang attribute has correct language (WCAG 3.1.2) 13/3333 pages · 26 instances · possible duplicate Likely template
Bug ID
VS-2e52a405
Pattern ID
VS-400f3a18
Combined ID
VS-2e52a405 (pattern VS-400f3a18) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
@lang="esp"
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e7a698a2 (pattern VS-dd1c019f). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element with lang attribute has correct language. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r7 on 13 of 3333 scanned pages (26 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs.
  2. Locate the element: @lang="esp"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r7 against WCAG 3.1.2 Language of Parts.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r7

Moderate alfa sia-r11 WCAG 2.0 A Link has accessible name (WCAG 2.4.4) 10/3333 pages · 10 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-a917f46f
Pattern ID
VS-28ebd979
Combined ID
VS-a917f46f (pattern VS-28ebd979) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

Description

Link has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r11 on 10 of 3333 scanned pages (10 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/challenges/targeting-rna-disease-novel-technologies-trdnt-challenge.
  2. Locate the element: <a href="#" class="usa-in-page-nav__link">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r11 against WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the link an accessible name via text content or aria-label.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r11

Moderate alfa sia-r66 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6) 1582/3333 pages · 83133 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-a60aee69
Pattern ID
VS-646b1e0b
Combined ID
VS-a60aee69 (pattern VS-646b1e0b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (83133 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r66 against WCAG 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced).

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66

Moderate alfa sia-r111 WCAG 2.x AAA Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5) 1582/3333 pages · 45734 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-3306edba
Pattern ID
VS-cb53cc4d
Combined ID
VS-3306edba (pattern VS-cb53cc4d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.1)
XPath / selector
<a class="usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (45734 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <a class="usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r111 against WCAG 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced).

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111

Moderate alfa sia-r57 Undetermined Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1582/3333 pages · 6329 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e90b87ef
Pattern ID
VS-c18be945
Combined ID
VS-e90b87ef (pattern VS-c18be945) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (6329 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57

Moderate alfa sia-r73 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8) 1582/3333 pages · 5298 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-24731f3e
Pattern ID
VS-2208081b
Combined ID
VS-24731f3e (pattern VS-2208081b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.8 Visual Presentation (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (5298 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <p class="usa-banner__header-text">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r73 against WCAG 1.4.8 Visual Presentation.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73

Moderate alfa sia-r18 Undetermined aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1582/3333 pages · 3188 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e9d9b4c7
Pattern ID
VS-e05344b9
Combined ID
VS-e9d9b4c7 (pattern VS-e05344b9) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
@aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (3188 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: @aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18

Moderate alfa sia-r61 Undetermined Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1582/3333 pages · 1582 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-9aace67a
Pattern ID
VS-7118fead
Combined ID
VS-9aace67a (pattern VS-7118fead) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (6 wk)

Description

Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 1582 of 3333 scanned pages (1582 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1582 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61

Moderate axe landmark-unique Best Practice Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1400/3333 pages · 1403 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-6ad8a6b0
Pattern ID
VS-8806389c
Combined ID
VS-6ad8a6b0 (pattern VS-8806389c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
#block-nih2-uswds-search
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div class="search-block-form usa-form block block-search container-inline" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-nih2-uswds-search" role="search">

Description

Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-unique on 1400 of 3333 scanned pages (1403 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer.
  2. Locate the element: #block-nih2-uswds-search
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-unique.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1400 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r53 Undetermined Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1171/3333 pages · 1219 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-e4633f59
Pattern ID
VS-f054f4a4
Combined ID
VS-e4633f59 (pattern VS-f054f4a4) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (5 wk)

Description

Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 1171 of 3333 scanned pages (1219 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1171 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use headings in a logical, non-skipping order.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53

Minor axe empty-heading Best Practice Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 344/3333 pages · 344 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-993249c8
Pattern ID
VS-0066c67d
Combined ID
VS-993249c8 (pattern VS-0066c67d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (5 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h3></h3>

Description

Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 344 of 3333 scanned pages (344 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: article[data-history-node-id="19626"] > div > h3
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 344 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove empty headings or give them text. Don't use heading tags for spacing.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r85 Undetermined Keyboard trap does not exist (WCAG criterion undetermined) 320/3333 pages · 416 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-84436d62
Pattern ID
VS-4c341c77
Combined ID
VS-84436d62 (pattern VS-4c341c77) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<p class="nih-subtitle">
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

Description

Keyboard trap does not exist. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r85 on 320 of 3333 scanned pages (416 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <p class="nih-subtitle">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r85.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 320 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r85

Moderate alfa sia-r78 Undetermined Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined) 128/3333 pages · 154 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-b8de1a6c
Pattern ID
VS-2cd767ca
Combined ID
VS-b8de1a6c (pattern VS-2cd767ca) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Undetermined
Obligation
unmapped
Handling
review
WCAG SC
undetermined
XPath / selector
<h3>
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

Description

Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 128 of 3333 scanned pages (154 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding.
  2. Locate the element: <h3>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r78.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 128 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78

Moderate axe page-has-heading-one Best Practice Page should contain a level-one heading (WCAG criterion undetermined) 43/3333 pages · 43 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-98baebe9
Pattern ID
VS-fa44f293
Combined ID
VS-98baebe9 (pattern VS-fa44f293) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
html
History
first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W32 (5 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" class=" js">

Description

Page should contain a level-one heading. Detected by axe-core rule page-has-heading-one on 43 of 3333 scanned pages (43 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/node.
  2. Locate the element: html
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule page-has-heading-one.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 43 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/page-has-heading-one?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r69 WCAG 2.0 AA Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3) 7/3333 pages · 15 instances · possible duplicate
Bug ID
VS-9c6d72b1
Pattern ID
VS-f7e99f4b
Combined ID
VS-9c6d72b1 (pattern VS-f7e99f4b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-e01eba07 (pattern VS-be8d563e). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r69 on 7 of 3333 scanned pages (15 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/history/history-nih-logo.
  2. Locate the element: text: "NIH logo instituted in 1969."
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r69 against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AA (4.5:1, or 3:1 for large text).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r69

Minor axe image-redundant-alt Best Practice Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3/3333 pages · 9 instances
Bug ID
VS-9e2721f4
Pattern ID
VS-f528778d
Combined ID
VS-9e2721f4 (pattern VS-f528778d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
img[alt="Health Literacy"]
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_900x527/public/2025-02/clear-comm-health-literacy_0.jpg?itok=WgUQl-_B 1x" width="900" height="auto" src="/sites/default/files/styles/tea

Description

Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text. Detected by axe-core rule image-redundant-alt on 3 of 3333 scanned pages (9 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open http://mailto:RADxInfo@nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication.
  2. Locate the element: img[alt="Health Literacy"]
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule image-redundant-alt.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-redundant-alt?application=axeAPI

Moderate alfa sia-r77 WCAG 2.0 A Table cell has header (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/3333 pages · 3 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-72550ae2
Pattern ID
VS-3f067795
Combined ID
VS-72550ae2 (pattern VS-3f067795) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<td>
History
first seen 2026-W31, last seen 2026-W32 (2 wk)

Description

Table cell has header. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r77 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options.
  2. Locate the element: <td>
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r77 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r77

Moderate alfa sia-r46 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required aria-owns (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/3333 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-1443c2f7
Pattern ID
VS-4408605e
Combined ID
VS-1443c2f7 (pattern VS-4408605e) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
<th scope="row">
History
first seen 2026-W31, last seen 2026-W32 (2 wk)

Description

Element has required aria-owns. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r46 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options.
  2. Locate the element: <th scope="row">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r46 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Limited vision — 2.4% of population
  • Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r46

Minor axe aria-allowed-role Best Practice ARIA role should be appropriate for the element (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/3333 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-2f978f3c
Pattern ID
VS-4fac2f41
Combined ID
VS-2f978f3c (pattern VS-4fac2f41) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
video
History
first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W32 (4 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<video class="ct-app-background__media--video" autoplay="" muted="" loop="" crossorigin="anonymous" playsinline="" role="presentation">
							<source src="https://nih.hostexp.com/videos/VID_202209131

Description

ARIA role should be appropriate for the element. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-role on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.nih.gov/virtual-tour.
  2. Locate the element: video
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-role.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove or change the ARIA role — it isn't allowed on this element type.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-role?application=axeAPI

Minor axe empty-table-header Best Practice Table header text should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/3333 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-1028ee42
Pattern ID
VS-d69fc059
Combined ID
VS-1028ee42 (pattern VS-d69fc059) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
Best Practice
Obligation
advisory
Handling
review
WCAG SC
Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
XPath / selector
th:nth-child(1)
History
first seen 2026-W30, last seen 2026-W32 (3 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<th>
			<p>&nbsp;</p>
			</th>

Description

Table header text should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-table-header on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project.
  2. Locate the element: th:nth-child(1)
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-table-header.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-table-header?application=axeAPI

Deque axe-core findings

Rule-level axe-core summary (17 rule type(s))

Each failing rule links out to the axe-core documentation. For full element-level detail including HTML snippets and XPaths, see the bug reports above.

axe-core rules failing in 2026-W32, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block] serious 3143 17342 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge		 all 3143 pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks [region] moderate 3143 6272 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge		 all 3143 pages (CSV)
Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order] moderate 2337 2440 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/adults-prediabetes-lifestyle-intervention-lowered-risk-developing-multiple-chronic-conditions
/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge		 all 2337 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination [landmark-unique] moderate 1400 1403 /news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/nih-research-matters/immune-cells-control-waste-clearance-brain
/news-events/nih-research-matters/potent-antibodies-found-people-recovered-covid-19		 all 1400 pages (CSV)
Headings should not be empty [empty-heading] minor 344 344 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge		 all 344 pages (CSV)
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list] serious 152 152 /heal/award-policy/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-repository
/news-events/nih-research-matters
/heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program/cdes-repository		 all 152 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text [image-alt] critical 55 133 /news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
/news-events/nih-research-matters
/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children		 all 55 pages (CSV)
Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one] moderate 43 43 /node
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-january-10-2019
/about-nih		 all 43 pages (CSV)
Form elements must have labels [label] critical 33 37 /news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases
/news-events/news-releases		 all 33 pages (CSV)
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr] critical 30 43 /challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge
/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
/brain/research/dissemination/u24-program/u24-faqs		 all 30 pages (CSV)
lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang] serious 24 48 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-january-10-2019
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-september-19-2019		 all 24 pages (CSV)
Links must have discernible text [link-name] serious 21 21 /challenges/nih-complement-animal-research-experimentation-nams-reduction-practice-challenge
/challenges/supplements-facts-first-digital-adventure-every-age-challenge
/challenges/community-champions-disability-health-challenge		 all 21 pages (CSV)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast] serious 11 22 /about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/research-tools
/about-nih/history		 all 11 pages (CSV)
Alternative text of images should not be repeated as text [image-redundant-alt] minor 3 9 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication		 all 3 pages (CSV)
Scrollable region must have keyboard access [scrollable-region-focusable] serious 1 4 /heal/heal-initiative-requirements/data-sharing-policy/common-data-elements-cdes-program all 1 pages (CSV)
Table header text should not be empty [empty-table-header] minor 1 1 /research-training/medical-research-initiatives/include-project/faqs/faqs-omics-phenotypes-related-down-syndrome-include-project all 1 pages (CSV)
ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role] minor 1 1 /virtual-tour all 1 pages (CSV)

Siteimprove Alfa findings

Rule-level Alfa summary (19 rule type(s))

Rule-level summary from Siteimprove Alfa (W3C ACT-based). Findings that overlap with axe-core on the same WCAG success criterion are noted as possible duplicates in the bug reports above.

Alfa rules failing in 2026-W32, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66] n/a 1582 83133 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111] n/a 1582 45734 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57] n/a 1582 6329 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73] n/a 1582 5298 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color [sia-r62] n/a 1582 4715 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18] n/a 1582 3188 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible [sia-r61] n/a 1582 1582 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1582 pages (CSV)
Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53] n/a 1171 1219 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/nih-research-matters/mrna-vaccine-treat-pancreatic-cancer
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials		 all 1171 pages (CSV)
Keyboard trap does not exist [sia-r85] n/a 320 416 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials
/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-clinical-trial-links-frequent-anger-increased-risk-heart-disease		 all 320 pages (CSV)
Element has required owned roles [sia-r64] n/a 179 179 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials
/news-events/nih-research-matters/2021-research-highlights-human-health-advances-0		 all 179 pages (CSV)
Table header has scope [sia-r78] n/a 128 154 /news-events/news-releases/hhs-doubles-ai-backed-childhood-cancer-research-funding
/news-events/news-releases/investigational-covid-19-therapeutics-be-evaluated-large-clinical-trials
/news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-tuberculous-meningitis-drug-regimen-begins		 all 128 pages (CSV)
Image has accessible name [sia-r2] n/a 24 67 /news-events/nih-research-matters/2024-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
/news-events/nih-research-matters
/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/parents-children		 all 24 pages (CSV)
Presentational children of an element are not focusable [sia-r68] n/a 18 20 /news-events/news-releases
/about-nih/visitor-information/request-tour-nih
/news-events/news-releases		 all 18 pages (CSV)
Form field has accessible name [sia-r8] n/a 17 19 /news-events/news-releases
/about-nih/visitor-information/request-tour-nih
/news-events/news-releases		 all 17 pages (CSV)
Element with lang attribute has correct language [sia-r7] n/a 13 26 /institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/public-affairs
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison
/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/community-liaison-council-meeting-minutes-thursday-may-11-2023		 all 13 pages (CSV)
Link has accessible name [sia-r11] n/a 10 10 /challenges/targeting-rna-disease-novel-technologies-trdnt-challenge
/challenges/nih-data-sharing-index-s-index-challenge
/challenges/ninds-landis-award-outstanding-mentorship		 all 10 pages (CSV)
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69] n/a 7 15 /about-nih/history/history-nih-logo
/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/research-tools
/about-nih/history/tree-hippocrates		 all 7 pages (CSV)
Table cell has header [sia-r77] n/a 1 3 /news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options all 1 pages (CSV)
Element has required aria-owns [sia-r46] n/a 1 1 /news-events/news-releases/nih-launch-public-private-partnership-speed-covid-19-vaccine-treatment-options all 1 pages (CSV)

Unique accessibility issues (axe + Alfa consolidated)

axe and Alfa both implement W3C ACT rules, so the same issue is often caught by both. These are deduplicated by ACT rule and page, so a shared finding counts once (23705 raw engine findings → 23441 unique).

Unique issues (rule × page)
23441
Caught by both engines
264 highest confidence
axe only
10478
Alfa only
12699
6 rule type(s) caught by both engines — highest confidence

Two independent ACT-rule implementations (Deque axe-core and Siteimprove Alfa) flagged the same issue on the same pages. Agreement between separate engines is strong evidence the barrier is real, not a single-tool false positive — the best place to start.

Rules flagged by both axe-core and Alfa in 2026-W32, by pages affected.
IssuePagesRule references
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes1591axe aria-allowed-attr · Alfa sia-r18 · ACT 5c01ea
Headings should not be empty344axe empty-heading · Alfa sia-r64 · ACT ffd0e9
Images must have alternative text55axe image-alt · Alfa sia-r2 · ACT 23a2a8
Form elements must have labels33axe label · Alfa sia-r8 · ACT e086e5
lang attribute must have a valid value24axe valid-lang · Alfa sia-r7 · ACT de46e4
Links must have discernible text21axe link-name · Alfa sia-r11 · ACT c487ae