
Unclear Hyperlink Text
Requirements for 508 compliance
Use meaningful plain language for links and/or user controls. The name must describe the destination, function, and/or purpose of the user interface. Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.
Watch video (1:54 mins)
Do links have functional target-specific destinations?
To examine the functional target of links:
- First, run the checker:
- To look for the presence of more than just a URL on links, Run the accessibility checker: "Unclear HyperlinkText"
- Second, examine links individually:
- Go through the links to verify that unique, plain-language target-specific descriptions are given for each link.
Form fields:
To check if the document is a form / contains form elements:
- Examine the document for form fields, e.g.:
- Checkboxes
- Radio Buttons
- Combo boxes
- Fillable text fields
- Interactive elements
Note: Word is an inappropriate format for electronic forms. If found, the document needs to be in a different (accessible) format for reading.
Watch video (1:47 mins)
To provide a functional target-specific destination for links:
- Select the text that is (or is to be) the link.
- Open the context menu (right click)
- Select Hyperlink.
- The Insert Hyperlink dialog box appears
- In the Text to Display field, enter the functional, target specific destination in plain English.
Note: For documents that are also intended for printing, the link/URL can also be appended at the back of the plain English name.
Note: Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.
Form fields:
This requirement is not applicable, as Word is an inappropriate format for electronic forms.
Use programmatically discoverable headings to logically structure content.
Correct:
(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Incorrect:
(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Use meaningful plain language for links and/or user controls. The name must describe the destination, function, and/or purpose of the user interface. Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.
Users need to know the unique target or function of an interface. Sometimes the name or text of the link is sufficient and/or confusing. Users will need a unique name for links and/or user controls that repeat the same name but serve different purposes (i.e. when a link 'Here' appears multiple times give the link a unique description.)
Legal References
508 references:
1194.21(d); 1194.21(f); 1194.22(a); 1194.22(l); 1194.31(a); 1194.31(b); 1194.21(c).
WCAG references:
4.1.2; 1.3.2 ; 2.4.3.
All Microsoft Word Requirements