List Accessibility

This help article outlines why accessible lists are important, how content creators and developers can create accessible lists, and where list accessibility might be relevant.

Why are Accessible Lists Important?

When generated accessibly, lists can clearly and efficiently convey information. Lists with manually typed out numbers or dashes may pose significant barriers for users who rely on assistive technologies, like screen readers. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the accessibility of lists goes beyond visual presentation. By properly structuring lists, we can promote digital inclusivity for all users.

How Do I Use Lists Accessibly?

When authoring digital resources, lists can provide a structured order and connection to content. When creating digitally accessible lists it is important to:

• Utilize built-in structuring and formatting tools

  • Manually adding numbers or symbols before list items will not create a programmatic list in most programs. 

• Include a brief description or heading before to introduce the list.

  • This will help all users by providing context that can easily be referenced when interacting with a list.

• Use nested lists for hierarchical content

  • If a list contains sub-items, use nested lists to reflect the hierarchy. This will make content easier to understand and navigate.

• Use clear and concise list item descriptions  to improve readability and comprehension

• Keep list length manageable

  • Long lists can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, particularly for users with cognitive impairments. Break lengthy lists into smaller, manageable sections, or consider using other content organization techniques, such as tables or headings.

Where Accessible Lists may be most relevant?

HTML Content

• For faculty and staff: Content and Media at pdx.edu

Non-HTML Content

Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Validating PDF Accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Repairing Inaccessible PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Pro

Foxit PhantomPDF

• Validating PDF Accessibility in Foxit PhantomPDF

• Repairing Inaccessible PDFs in Foxit PhantomPDF

Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Support for creating bulleted or numbered lists

Google Workspace

• Accessibility for Google Workspace

• Google Support for creating lists

University Policy Connection

Making lists accessible is a critical step in complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 per Portland State University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Please reference the following World Wide Web Consortium help article for more information:

• Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships