Missing Main Heading Check

Description

The “Missing Main Heading Check” evaluates whether the page contains a single, meaningful main <h1> heading.

Example outcome

I didn't find on this page a main <H1> heading.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Screen readers often announce the <h1> first. If it’s missing, the user may be disoriented about the page’s purpose.
• Motor Impairments: Users navigating by heading level will lack a top-level landmark to begin with, making navigation more cumbersome.
• Cognitive Disabilities: The absence of a clear main heading can make it hard to quickly understand the topic or structure of the page.
• Neurodivergent Disorders: Structured entry points help maintain focus and reduce frustration, especially for users with ADHD or autism.

Fixes

To address missing a main heading:

1. Identify a meaningful page title.
2. Add a single <h1> heading with that title.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.3.1
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 2.4.10
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique G141: Organizing a page using headings
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists