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WCAG 2.4.10: Section headings (Level AAA)

Ever faced a giant block of text with no clear breaks? A wall of text can be overwhelming for anyone, but for users with disabilities, it’s especially challenging to find specific information.

Section Headings breaks up that wall, ensuring every section has a clear, descriptive heading so users can navigate and understand the content without getting lost in the text.

Who this impacts

  • Screen reader users: Section headings help users who rely on screen readers to scan and jump to the sections they need quickly.
  • People with cognitive disabilities: Clear, descriptive headings break up information into manageable chunks, making content easier to process and understand.
  • Everyone: Headings improve readability and make content easier to follow, benefiting all users by enhancing structure and flow.

How to meet Section Headings

  1. Use descriptive section headings: Break up content with meaningful, descriptive headings that make it easy for users to understand each section at a glance.
  2. Follow a logical heading structure: Use proper HTML heading levels (e.g., <h1>, <h2>, <h3>) to create a clear hierarchy, helping users understand the structure of the content.
  3. Review for consistency: Check that all headings are clear, relevant, and logically placed to help users navigate the page efficiently.

Practical example

An example of the heading structure used for an article.
H1 How to Write Well
H2 Cut Out Useless Words
H3 Recognize Redundant Phrases
P look for phrases like “in order to,” which can usually be shortened to “to.”
H3 Eliminate Overused Fillers
P Words like “very, “really,” or “just” often weaken your writing.  Try removing them.
H2 Identify Unnecessary Words

Top tips

  • Keep headings concise and relevant: Use clear and direct language to describe each section without overwhelming users.
  • Follow a logical structure: Use proper heading levels to maintain a clear and consistent flow throughout the content.
  • Make headings visually distinct: Style headings so they stand out for visual users.
  • Test with assistive technologies: Use screen readers to verify that headings are helpful  

Further reading

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