When composing a new StoryMap, a link which redirects the reader back to the top of the StoryMap page is automatically generated. The text used for this redirection link is automatically taken from the title of the StoryMap.
It has brought to our attention that this is not in keeping several sections of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. These being:
- WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
- WCAG 2.5.3 Label in Name
- WCAG 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
- WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
As a UK Local Government organisation the Accessibility Regulations 2018 requires us to ensure that our web browser-based digital content and platforms meet at least the AA standard of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
From a UX perspective this return to the top link is not visually obvious that this is a link as it quotes the name of the page the user is already on. It is not styled to look like a link (eg. underlined) or button, and is positioned in the page header.
Accessibility issues raised:
The accessible label for the link is 'Return to the top'. The visible label wording is not included in the accessible label wording. (WCAG 1.3.1 & 2.5.3).
The visible label for the link is the title of the StoryMap. This does not describe the purpose of the link. (WCAG 3.3.2).
This component functions as a button but is not presented as a button. It does not have an aria widget role that communicates this functionality. (WCAG 4.1.2).
Image of the return to the top link marked in red.
