Timed Responses

Section 508 requires that users be given control over time sensitive content changes. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that users are not prevented from accessing content due to time limits. 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.

The standard simply states that you must provide users with an alert if they are approaching the end of a time-limited task, and that you must give them the opportunity to request and be granted additional time. It does not specify how much time is appropriate for a session or whether there is any limit on the number of times a user can request additional time.

This standard helps users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, as it generally takes longer to listen to Web content, navigate a page, and interact with form controls when using a screen reader. It also benefits the elderly, people with motor disabilities, and people with learning or cognitive disabilities who may need extra time to navigate, read and process information.

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)]

EXAMPLE:

Many sites have user log-in sessions that automatically log a user out after a period of inactivity, for purposes of security. There are several ways to handle this security need in an accessible way:

• Program an alert message that informs users that their session will time out soon and give them the option of asking for more time.
  
  
• Establish a sufficient, standard timeout period. Tell users how long it will be, and let them know what action they need to take to avoid being automatically logged out.