Infinite Scrolling Impacts Visually Impaired Users and Could Cause Lawsuits

PROVIDENCE, RI--(Marketwired - July 16, 2017) - Infinite scrolling, or perpetual scrolling, is a website design attribute that loads content as an endless single page. Infinite scrolling saves users from moving between multiple distinct pages (pagination), and it can be good for browsing when users are in the mindset to explore.

Navigation and search options become limited after users begin scrolling, especially when using assistive technology. That's because these navigational tools are usually kept "above the fold," or the portion of the page that's visible upon arrival. When content is continuously loaded, visually impaired users who rely on screen readers and keyboard commands have a difficult time navigating the screen and searching for specific content.

Infinite scrolling has become a common technique but its impacts on the visually impaired can be severe and break a key checkpoint in the WCAG 2.0 AA website accessibility guidelines. The intent behind Checkpoint 2.4.5 is to make it possible for users to locate content in a manner that best meets their needs.

These types of ADA violations are being addressed in the court of public opinion and in Federal Court, as Winn-Dixie can attest. They recently lost a Federal ADA lawsuit and learned that they in fact do have a legal obligation to make their website accessible.

For more information go to: http://www.boia.org/blog/the-impact-of-infinite-scrolling-on-website-accessibility

About the Bureau of Internet Accessibility:

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping eliminate the accessibility digital divide since 2001. The organization's reports, tools, and services have assisted businesses in improving, maintaining, and proving the accessibility of their websites. With services that include self-help tools, audits, training, remediation and implementation support, BoIA has the experience and expertise to ensure that accessibility efforts are worthwhile and successful. For more information, visit www.BoIA.org.