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Write clearly and simply (aim for lower secondary education level).
Why it matters: Complex text excludes users with reading disabilities or lower literacy.
When text requires reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level after removal of proper names and titles, supplemental content, or a version that does not require reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level, is available.
What This Means: This success criterion requires that text is written at a reading level no higher than lower secondary education (approximately 7th-9th grade), OR that a simplified version is provided that meets this requirement. The simplified version must contain the same essential information as the original.
Why It's Important: Complex text with advanced vocabulary and sentence structures can be difficult or impossible for users with reading disabilities, lower literacy levels, or cognitive disabilities to understand. By writing at an appropriate reading level or providing simplified versions, content becomes accessible to a wider audience.
Write using plain language principles: short sentences, common words, clear structure. Use reading level analysis tools to check complexity. If content must be complex, provide a clearly accessible simplified version. The simplified version should be easy to find and contain all essential information. Proper names, titles, and technical terms are exempt from reading level calculations.
This criterion ensures that users with cognitive disabilities can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that users with low literacy can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
Text uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
<p>The implementation of this methodology necessitates a comprehensive
understanding of the underlying theoretical framework.</p>Text uses simple words and short sentences that are easy to understand.
<p>To use this method, you need to understand the basic ideas behind it.</p>This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 3.1.5 Reading Level are met. Check off items as you complete them.
To meet this success criterion, ensure the following requirements are met:
While meeting the minimum requirements ensures compliance, consider these enhancements for a better user experience:
I need to dumb down my content to meet reading level requirements.
You can write clearly and simply without losing meaning. Use plain language, short sentences, and common words. Complex ideas can be explained simply.
If I provide a simplified version, the main content can be as complex as I want.
While simplified versions are acceptable, it's better to write clearly from the start. Simplified versions should be easily accessible and contain all essential information.
Complex text without simplified versions.
Either rewrite content at appropriate reading level, or provide a clearly accessible simplified version with the same essential information.
Simplified versions that are hard to find or incomplete.
Make simplified versions prominent and easy to access. Ensure they contain all essential information from the original.
Using unnecessarily complex vocabulary when simpler words would work.
Use plain language. Choose simple, common words over complex ones. Break long sentences into shorter ones.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 3.1.5. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 3.1.5 Reading Level correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
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3.1 Readable