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Accessible pagination: Examples and Testing

Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated

What to build

Pagination needs understandable page links, a current-page indication and predictable behavior when results change. Use real destinations when pages have URLs and explain previous/next actions in the context of the results.

A practical example

A resource list has links for pages 1, 2 and 3, with page 2 marked current. Previous and Next use meaningful destinations and do not appear operable when no previous or next page exists.

How to check it

  1. Navigate the pagination by keyboard and read the name of each page action.
  2. Check the current-page state and the start/end boundaries.
  3. Move to a different results page and verify its URL, title, results count and focus behavior for the chosen navigation model.

What can be missed

Tiny unlabeled dots are difficult targets and poor page names. Client-side result changes should provide a concise update without unexpectedly returning focus to the document body.

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.

<nav aria-label="Resource pages">
  <a href="?page=1" aria-label="Page 1">1</a>
  <a href="?page=2" aria-label="Page 2" aria-current="page">2</a>
  <a href="?page=3" aria-label="Page 3">3</a>
</nav>

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.

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

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.