Fixing Broken ARIA References In VAMC System Banner

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into an accessibility issue found within the VAMC System Banner Alert with Situation Updates content type on the VA.gov CMS. Specifically, we're talking about broken ARIA references and how to fix them. This is super important because ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, especially those using screen readers. Let's get started!

The Defect: Broken aria-describedby Attributes

So, what's the problem? Within the edit screens of the VAMC System Banner Alert with Situation Updates content type, there are several aria-describedby attributes that don't link to any actual ID on the page. This was found both on the node edit screen and the add content screen. The two main areas affected are:

• Situation Updates: This refers to the block where you input updates on time-sensitive situations.
• Additional Information: This field is for any extra details related to the situation updates.

Why is this a big deal? Well, when an aria-describedby attribute points to a non-existent ID, screen readers can't properly convey the context or description of the element, leading to a frustrating and confusing experience for users. We want to make sure everyone can easily understand and use the system, right?

Issues and Recommendations: Let's Get Technical

Okay, let's break down the specific issues and how we can tackle them. We've identified two key areas with problems:

1. Situation Updates Block

In the 'Situation Updates' block, there's an aria-describedby="edit-field-situation-updates--description" on a wrapping div. The kicker? There's no corresponding id with that value anywhere on the page. To make matters more interesting, the table nested inside this div also has the same aria-describedby attribute. It's like a double whammy of broken references!

Here's the thing: the description is already nicely nested inside the table header and within the <h4> heading text. So, linking it again using aria-describedby is just overkill and, in this case, incorrect. Think of it like telling someone the same thing twice – it just adds unnecessary noise.

Recommendations:

• [ ] Remove the aria-describedby attribute on the wrapping <div>.
• [ ] Remove the aria-describedby attribute on the <table#field-situation-updates-values>.

By removing these redundant and broken references, we clean up the code and prevent screen readers from looking for non-existent descriptions. It's all about streamlining the experience.

2. Additional Information Field

Moving on to the 'Any information that is additional to any time-sensitive situation updates' field (located in the 'Situation information' section), we find a similar issue. There's an aria-describedby="edit-field-banner-alert-situationinfo-0--description" on a wrapping div that, you guessed it, doesn't match any id on the page. It's like the ARIA attribute is shouting into the void!

The good news is that the description text (div#edit-field-banner-alert-situationinfo-0-value--description) is already correctly linked to the text input using aria-describedby. So, we don't need to associate it with the wrapping div as well. It's like having too many cooks in the kitchen – sometimes, simplicity is key.

Recommendations:

• [ ] Remove the aria-describedby attribute on the wrapping <div>.

By removing this unnecessary ARIA attribute, we ensure a cleaner and more accurate representation of the element's context for screen readers.

AC / Expected Behavior: What Success Looks Like

So, how will we know if we've successfully fixed these issues? Here's what we're aiming for:

• [ ] The 'Situation Updates' field should no longer throw an error about the unlinked aria-describedby. This means we've successfully removed the broken reference.
• [ ] The 'Any information that is additional to any time-sensitive situation updates' field should also be free of errors related to unlinked aria-describedby. Victory!
• [ ] An Accessibility review should confirm that our changes have improved the accessibility of the content type. This is the ultimate stamp of approval.

In essence, we want to eliminate the errors and ensure that screen readers can accurately interpret the purpose and context of these fields. It's all about making the CMS as user-friendly as possible for everyone.

Screenshots: Visual Proof of the Problem

Let's take a look at some screenshots that highlight the issue. Visuals can often make things clearer, right?

Situation Updates Field Error

Here's a screenshot from the AMP plugin showing the error in the Situation Updates field. The aria-describedby attribute is trying to point to something with the ID edit-field-situation-updates--description, but that ID doesn't exist anywhere on the page. It's like searching for a ghost!

ARIA Attribute on the <div>

This screenshot shows where the attribute is located on the <div>. You can see the aria-describedby attribute in action, trying to do its job but ultimately failing because the referenced ID is missing.

These screenshots provide concrete evidence of the problem and help us understand exactly what needs to be fixed.

Accessibility Standard: WCAG 2.0 A Criterion 1.3.1

This issue falls under WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0 A, specifically Criterion 1.3.1. This criterion emphasizes the importance of providing information and relationships in a way that can be programmatically determined. In simpler terms, it means that assistive technologies, like screen readers, should be able to understand the structure and context of the content.

By fixing these broken ARIA references, we're directly addressing this WCAG guideline and making the CMS more compliant with accessibility standards. It's about building a web that's inclusive and usable for everyone.

Team: Who's on the Case?

So, who's responsible for tackling this challenge? Here's the team breakdown:

Please check the team(s) that will do this work.

• [ ] CMS Team
• [ ] Public Websites
• [x] Facilities
• [ ] User support
• [ ] Accelerated Publishing

In this case, the Facilities team is taking the lead on resolving these ARIA issues. They'll be working to implement the recommendations and ensure that the VAMC System Banner Alert with Situation Updates content type is more accessible.

Conclusion: Making the Web a Better Place

In conclusion, fixing broken ARIA references is a crucial step in making the VA.gov CMS more accessible and user-friendly. By removing these incorrect attributes, we ensure that screen readers can accurately convey information, leading to a better experience for all users.

We've identified the issues, outlined the recommendations, and highlighted the importance of WCAG compliance. With the Facilities team taking charge, we're confident that these problems will be resolved, making the web a slightly better place for everyone. Keep up the great work, guys! Let's continue to prioritize accessibility in all that we do. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating a truly inclusive digital environment.