Redirects and Page Refreshes

When a page or content within a page suddenly changes or refreshes, some people viewing that page may become disoriented or confused, especially if that person is using an assistive technology device. Do not automatically change or refresh the browser window without first alerting the user that the change will occur so that he or she has the ability to disable or postpone the change.

Section 508 requires that users be given control over time sensitive content changes. This checkpoint refers to the use of elements that require some kind of response or user activity within a specified period of time. Examples might include forms, log-in user sessions, redirects, and page refresh.

REQUIRED:

When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required. [Section 508, Part 1194.22, Paragraph (p)]

When electronic forms are designed to be completed online, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. [Section 508, Part 1194.22, Paragraph (n)]

Until user agents provide the ability to stop the refresh, do not create periodically auto-refreshing pages. [W3C WCAG 1.0, Checkpoint 7.4, Priority 2]

Until user agents provide the ability to stop auto-redirect, do not use markup to redirect pages automatically. Instead, configure the server to perform redirects. [W3C WCAG 1.0, Checkpoint 7.5, Priority 2]

EXAMPLE:

Redirects should be managed by the server, not by using the <META> element and the REFRESH attribute. If you need to redirect users, this should be done automatically using HTTP status code 301. Otherwise, create a static page at the old location that informs people about the location of the new page, allowing them to get there by clicking on a link. Do not automatically redirect the user to the new page.

Always include all form controls when creating drop down, "quick jump" menus. There should always be a "Go" or "Search" button by the list menu. This ensures that the list can be accessed using a keyboard, that the list items themselves are scrollable using the arrow keys, and that the selection can be made by activating the "Go" button using the tab key.

If the content on your page changes regularly, instead of automatically having the page refresh itself, make it an option and provide explanatory text so users will know that if they don't choose auto-refresh, they should periodically refresh the page themselves to get the latest content.