6.2 Navigation is difficult because the document does not use in-built styles (M)

6.2.1 WCAG 1.3.1 (A), 4.1.1 (A) - Desktop

The Part A form uses text in different fonts and formats (such as capitalisation, indentation, and font sizes) to indicate headings and to separate different sections. These are presented visually, however, this information is not conveyed to screen reader users.

Sighted users can skim through a document and use headings (see Document does not make use of heading styles (L) ) and differently styled fonts to understand the layout of the content. Screen reader users are not provided with this experience when the built-in styles (such as Headings, Subtitle, Paragraphs, Emphasis) are not used. The document follows the ‘Normal’ style.

Additionally, the text on the first page is center-aligned. Center-aligned text is not as easy to read as left-aligned text: long blocks of centered text result in each new line beginning in a slightly different location. This can be particularly problematic for screen magnification users.

The text is also completely in bold, which makes the content more difficult to perceive, especially for those with cognitive impairments. Avoid putting whole sentences and paragraphs in bold text. Bold text can be less easy to read than regular text and its nature is not conveyed to screen reader users.

FIGURE 6.2: Headings and subheadings highlighted on Form

6.2.2 Recommendation

Make use of in-built Word styles: Select the text > Right click > Styles.

Additionally, styling the questions (such as ‘Is this an emergency recall?’) as subheadings would allow all users to navigate the document more easily using an index.

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