Level APerceivable1.3.1

WCAG 1.3.1: Info and Relationships

Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined.

ADA Relevance: Level A is the minimum baseline. Failing this criterion is a clear ADA violation and one of the easiest violations for plaintiff attorneys to identify.

Why Info and Relationships Matters

Screen readers rely on proper HTML structure to convey meaning. Visual formatting alone (bold, spacing, colors) doesn't translate to assistive technology.

How to Test for WCAG 1.3.1 Violations

Check that headings use proper heading tags (h1-h6), lists use list elements, tables have headers, and form fields have labels. Don't rely on visual styling alone to convey structure.

How to Fix WCAG 1.3.1 Violations

Use semantic HTML: headings (h1-h6) for section titles, <ul>/<ol> for lists, <table> with <th> for data tables, <label> for form fields, <nav> for navigation, <main> for main content.

Industries Most Affected by Info and Relationships Violations

These industries commonly fail WCAG 1.3.1 due to the nature of their website content and functionality:

Info and Relationships by Platform

Different platforms have different levels of built-in support for WCAG 1.3.1:

WCAG 1.3.1 FAQ

What does WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships require?

WCAG 1.3.1 requires that information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined. This is a Level A criterion under the Perceivable principle, meaning it is a minimum baseline requirement.

How do I test for WCAG 1.3.1 violations?

Check that headings use proper heading tags (h1-h6), lists use list elements, tables have headers, and form fields have labels. Don't rely on visual styling alone to convey structure.

Is WCAG 1.3.1 required for ADA compliance?

Yes. WCAG 1.3.1 is a Level A criterion, and courts consistently reference WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for ADA compliance. Failing to meet this criterion creates legal exposure for ADA lawsuits, which typically settle for $10,000 to $75,000+.

What happens if my website fails WCAG 1.3.1?

Failing WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships means screen readers rely on proper HTML structure to convey meaning. Visual formatting alone (bold, spacing, colors) doesn't translate to assistive technology. This violation is detectable by automated scanning tools that ADA plaintiff attorneys use to identify lawsuit targets. ADA CodeFix can scan your site for this specific violation and provide AI-generated code fixes.

Test Your Site for WCAG 1.3.1 Violations

ADA CodeFix automatically scans for Info and Relationships violations and provides AI-generated code fixes — not overlay widgets.

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