Checkpoint 3.11 - Core

Users rely on using the browser's Back button when they browse the web. By forcing them to open a new window, the Back button mechanism is broken.

While this could be very annoying for sighted users, for screen reader users such practice presents one of the most serious accessibility issues. Some screen readers will announce "New Browser Window" to the users but others might not. This will confuse and disorient users as the screen reader starts to read the content of the new page without a warning.

Regardless of whether or not users are warned of the new browser windows, they will need to read through their entire list of open windows in order to go back to the previous page.

In addition, breaking the Back button mechanism can be very confusing for users with learning difficulties and those with other cognitive disabilities.

Requirement

Ensure all links open in the current browser window.

Recommendation

The requirements of the web page or application may mean that the output of a user action needs to be presented in a window other than the current window. If this is the case, the user must be informed at the point where they perform the action that the results will be presented in a new window instance.

Checking Tool

• Internet Explorer - AIS Toolbar: Doc Info > List Links [New Window]
  The "Target" column of the Links List will display all links that have a target set as "blank" causing them to open in the new window.

Information Source

The original source of this information is located on the W3C web site  (http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10-TECHS/#gl-interim-accessibility)