Page structure

Accessible term and value lists: Examples and Testing

Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated September 11, 2026

What to build

A description list expresses associations between terms and their descriptions or values. Use it for glossary entries, metadata and compact fact lists when a table or ordinary paragraph would imply a different structure.

A practical example

An audit record lists Scope, Browser and Test date. A description list keeps each term with its value even when the layout changes from two columns to a vertical mobile presentation.

How to check it

Inspect the term/description relationships in the markup.
Read the sequence without visual columns and verify each value stays associated with its term.
Test long values, empty values and narrow layouts without truncating essential information.

What can be missed

A two-column appearance alone does not establish a relationship. Avoid using a description list merely to achieve a visual layout for unrelated content.

Markup and state contract

This concise markup illustrates names, relationships or state. Custom controls also need the keyboard interaction and state updates described in the checks and primary source; this snippet is not a complete component.

<dl>
  <dt>Scope</dt><dd>Public checkout flow</dd>
  <dt>Test date</dt><dd>September 11, 2026</dd>
  <dt>Environment</dt><dd>Browser and assistive technology versions recorded separately</dd>
</dl>

Record your test

Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.

Page and state testedBrowser, assistive technology and date

Check 1: Inspect the term/description relationships in the markup.
Check 2: Read the sequence without visual columns and verify each value stays associated with its term.
Check 3: Test long values, empty values and narrow layouts without truncating essential information.

Evidence, exceptions and follow-up

These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.

Primary sources and scope

Primary implementation guidance

This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.