2.2.2: Pause, Stop, Hide

The WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion

Moving, blinking, scrolling

For any moving, blinking or scrolling information that:

• Starts automatically
• Lasts more than five seconds
• Is presented in parallel with other content

There is a mechanism for the user to pause, stop, or hide it unless the movement, blinking, or scrolling is part of an activity where it is essential.

Auto-updating

For any auto-updating information that:

• Starts automatically
• Is presented in parallel with other content

There is a mechanism for the user to pause, stop, or hide it or to control the frequency of the update unless the auto-updating is part of an activity where it is essential.

Who is affected?

Users of screen reader technology such as JAWS, NVDA, Windows Narrator, ORCA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack can be affected by auto-updating elements. A user could have the screen reader focus on a carousel or on real time information. The carousel then moves to a new set of information, or the real time event changes. A screen reader user might not be aware of this change and thus feels that the information they are now presented with is incorrect.

Low vision users or users with motor skill issues may also have trouble with these updating elements, as they may not have finished reading a particular portion of the website before it changes and then find it difficult to look for the controls that will navigate back.