What is an accessible list?
A list is a collection of related items or ideas presented together, usually in a specific order (numbered) or as bullet points. Lists help organize information so it’s easier to read, scan, and understand. An accessible list uses proper formatting, such as built‑in list tools in a page or document editor, so assistive technologies like screen readers can identify it as a list, announce the number of items, and present the content clearly to all users.
How do I create an accessible list?
In most editors, including word processors, learning management systems, and web content editors, there are built‑in tools for creating bulleted or numbered lists. Instead of manually typing symbols (such as asterisks *, dashes -, or numbers followed by periods), use these tools to apply proper list formatting. This is important because assistive technologies, like screen readers, rely on the underlying structure of a list to recognize it as such. Properly formatted lists allow screen readers to announce that a list is starting, how many items it contains, and when it ends, giving users a clearer understanding of the content. This not only improves accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired but also enhances the reading experience for all users by keeping the information organized and easy to follow.
Best Practices for Accessible Lists
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Choose the right list type: Use an ordered list (1, 2, 3…) when sequence matters, and an unordered list (bullets) when it does not.
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Keep items consistent: Use parallel structure and punctuation so each list item is easy to scan and understand.
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Avoid unnecessary nesting: Only nest lists when there is a clear hierarchical relationship. Overly complex nesting can confuse users and screen readers.
