Question
I've always wondered this but never really known for sure. Let's say none of my CSS or javascript loads. Do the site still need to be usable? I know a lot of really big sites are useless without CSS and javascript so I'm betting the answer is no but don't know for sure.
Answer
Not necessarily, but there are a few things that you need to make sure of:
- The page should be using the proper semantic elements. This means things like header, nav, aside, etc.
- All headings and page content should flow in a logical order. H1 > H2> etc.
- Without styling, elements should still be in the order they are intended to be read or listened to.
Applicable Success Criteria
- 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks Level A
- 2.4.2 Page Titled Level A
- 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) Level A
- 2.4.6 Headings and Labels Level AA
- 2.4.10 Section Headings Level AAA
- 3.1.1 Language of Page Level A
- 3.1.2 Language of Parts Level AA
- 3.1.3 Unusual Words Level AAA
- 3.1.4 Abbreviations Level AAA
- 3.1.5 Reading Level Level AAA
- 3.1.6 Pronunciation Level AAA
- 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation Level AA
- 3.2.4 Consistent Identification Level AA
- 4.1.1 Parsing Level A
- 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value Level A
- Guideline 2.4 - Navigable
- Guideline 3.1 - Readable
- Guideline 3.2 - Predictable
- Guideline 4.1 - Compatible
- Principle 2 - Operable
- Principle 4 - Robust
- Principle 3 - Understandable