Word Spacing Check

Description

The “Word Spacing Check” evaluates whether the used CSS styles or code do not prevent users from adjusting word spacing to improve text readability.

Example outcome

I observed that styles are not used to prevent increasing word spacing.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Enhanced spacing helps in distinguishing words. Inaccessible styles reduce legibility.
• Cognitive Disabilities/Dyslexia: Users may need to increase spacing to parse text more easily. Blocking this can reduce comprehension.
• Autism: Unchangeable dense text may overwhelm or distract users needing more visual spacing.
• Neurological Disorders: Custom spacing helps with sensory processing - if blocked, reading becomes difficult.

Fixes

To address inappropriate word spacing:

1. Locate the inappropriate style code.
2. Refactor it ensuring does not prevent the user from overriding word spacing.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.4.12
• ACT Rules: Important word spacing in style attributes is wide enough
• WebAIM: Typefaces and Fonts
• WebAIM: Accessible CSS