# Accessibility bug reports — nih.gov, week 2026-W34

18 issue type(s) from 3333 pages scanned. Generated 2026-08-21 by [vital-scans](https://github.com/mgifford/vital-core), following [accessibility bug-reporting best practices](https://mgifford.github.io/ACCESSIBILITY.md/examples/ACCESSIBILITY_BUG_REPORTING_BEST_PRACTICES.html).

> Automated checks find roughly a third of accessibility barriers. Fields marked "requires manual testing" cannot be observed by an automated scan and need a human with assistive technology.

---
## Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-59c967fa`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-9074b4dd`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances  
**XPath / selector:** `.thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .thumbnail-teaser__link > .thumbnail-teaser__img > .image-style-thumbnail-large[loading="lazy"][width="200"]`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.1.1 — Non-text Content (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `image-alt` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-alt?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Critical  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 1 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W34 (5 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2025-06/20250603-gene.jpeg?itok=mBby1OwQ" width="200" height="auto" class="image-style-thumbnail-large">
```

### Description
Images must have alternative text. Detected by axe-core rule image-alt on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances.
2. Locate the element: .thumbnail-teaser.thumbnail-teaser--1col:nth-child(2) > .thumbnail-teaser__link > .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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances

### 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.

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

---

## <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-8640531b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-a0bdbdf6`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81  
**XPath / selector:** `.usa-pagination__list`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `list` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/list?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W34 (6 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81

### 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

---

## Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-248fb26b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-3c632d31`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r64` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (6 weeks)

### Description
Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health.
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
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health

### 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

---

## Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-722e1db9`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8ade3360`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria  
**XPath / selector:** `li:nth-child(3) > a[data-extlink=""][target="_blank"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"]`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.1 — Use of Color (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `link-in-text-block` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 214 instances; 21 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (10 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/08/surviving-sepsis" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" title="(opens in a new window)">Surviving Sepsis</a>
```

### Description
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 21 of 3333 scanned pages (214 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria.
2. Locate the element: li:nth-child(3) > a[data-extlink=""][target="_blank"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"]
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
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-turning-discovery-into-health/our-biggest-health-challenges/cancer
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-eye-institute-nei
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-blood-pressure-before-pregnancy-may-increase-chance-pregnancy-loss
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/h7n9-influenza-vaccine-clinical-trials-begin
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-suggests-new-coronavirus-may-remain-surfaces-days
- https://nih.gov/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/blueprint-past-initiatives
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/aspirin-use-may-be-widespread-despite-new-guidelines

### 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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized

---

## Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color (WCAG 1.4.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-e55f416a`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-efd91fdd`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.1 — Use of Color (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r62` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r62))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 31 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r62 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (31 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6)

**Bug ID:** `VS-8611bf77`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-646b1e0b`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.6 — Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r66` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 532 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (532 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8)

**Bug ID:** `VS-54088bd0`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2208081b`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `<p class="usa-banner__header-text">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.8 — Visual Presentation (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r73` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 34 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (34 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5)

**Bug ID:** `VS-44464d79`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-cb53cc4d`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `<a class="usa-button" href="/web-modernization">`  
**WCAG SC:** 2.5.5 — Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r111` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 296 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (296 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-64a61e93`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f18df681`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria  
**XPath / selector:** `.usa-alert`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `region` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 42 instances; 21 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (10 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<div class="usa-alert">
```

### Description
All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 21 of 3333 scanned pages (42 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria.
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
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-turning-discovery-into-health/our-biggest-health-challenges/cancer
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-eye-institute-nei
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-blood-pressure-before-pregnancy-may-increase-chance-pregnancy-loss
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/h7n9-influenza-vaccine-clinical-trials-begin
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-suggests-new-coronavirus-may-remain-surfaces-days
- https://nih.gov/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/blueprint-past-initiatives
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/aspirin-use-may-be-widespread-despite-new-guidelines

### 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.

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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized

---

## Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-a10f98cf`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-d25f622d`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria  
**XPath / selector:** `.callout__text > h3`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `heading-order` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 17 instances; 17 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<h3>At a Glance</h3>
```

### Description
Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 17 of 3333 scanned pages (17 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria.
2. Locate the element: .callout__text > h3
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-turning-discovery-into-health/our-biggest-health-challenges/cancer
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-blood-pressure-before-pregnancy-may-increase-chance-pregnancy-loss
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/h7n9-influenza-vaccine-clinical-trials-begin
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-suggests-new-coronavirus-may-remain-surfaces-days
- https://nih.gov/nih-blueprint-neuroscience-research/blueprint-past-initiatives
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/aspirin-use-may-be-widespread-despite-new-guidelines

### 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.

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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized

---

## Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-8a40f5ee`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8806389c`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria  
**XPath / selector:** `#block-nih2-uswds-search`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `landmark-unique` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 10 instances; 10 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W34 (6 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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 10 of 3333 scanned pages (10 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria.
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
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/2025-nih-research-highlights-human-health-advances
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-suggests-new-coronavirus-may-remain-surfaces-days
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/aspirin-use-may-be-widespread-despite-new-guidelines

### 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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/method-identifies-disease-causing-bacteria
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized

---

## Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-9acfaaec`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-0066c67d`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac  
**XPath / selector:** `h3`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `empty-heading` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Minor  
**Frequency:** 4 instances; 4 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (7 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<h3 class="promo-block__heading"></h3>
```

### Description
Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 4 of 3333 scanned pages (4 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac.
2. Locate the element: h3
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-blood-pressure-before-pregnancy-may-increase-chance-pregnancy-loss
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/h7n9-influenza-vaccine-clinical-trials-begin
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health

### 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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/about-nih-almanac
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/elevated-blood-pressure-before-pregnancy-may-increase-chance-pregnancy-loss
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/h7n9-influenza-vaccine-clinical-trials-begin

---

## aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-f397d614`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-e05344b9`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `@aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r18` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 22 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (22 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-fd02ea27`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-7118fead`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r61` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 11 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (11 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-22297109`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-c18be945`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r57` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 44 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (8 weeks)

### Description
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (44 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters?page=81
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/executive-secretariat-execsec
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md

---

## Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-be0b9aa1`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f054f4a4`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r53` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 8 instances; 8 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W34 (7 weeks)

### Description
Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 8 of 3333 scanned pages (8 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks.
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
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/e-cigarettes-linked-blood-vessel-damage
- https://www.nih.gov/accessibility
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/device-improves-survival-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/biomarker-tracks-recovery-depression

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childhood-screen-detects-mental-health-risks
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vexas-syndrome-more-common-realized
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/voices-nih-community/i-hope-i-can-make-them-see-i-am-not-just-some-weirdo

---

## Keyboard trap does not exist (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-72b1754d`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-4c341c77`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md  
**XPath / selector:** `<p class="nih-subtitle">`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r85` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r85))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 2 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W34 (6 weeks)

### Description
Keyboard trap does not exist. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r85 on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md.
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
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health

### 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

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/ruth-kirschstein-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health

---

## Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-402902cf`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2cd767ca`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r78` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W34 (5 weeks)

### Description
Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health.
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
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/world-kidney-day-shine-spotlight-womens-health

### 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