Skip to content
https://boston.com

Accessibility

· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.
SCORE
68
GRADE
D
FIX
4
REVIEW
4
PASS
5
INFO
0
Checks
13
5 PASS 4 REVIEW 4 FIX
D
Dark Mode Support
Action
No dark mode signals
FIX
No dark mode signals
Info::
No dark mode signals detected
Consider adding CSS with @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) and <meta name='color-scheme' content='light dark'>.
Info::
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles
External CSS files may contain prefers-color-scheme rules not visible to this scan.
Dark ModeNo Dark Mode Detected
color-scheme meta Not set ✗Dark theme-color Not set ✗CSS indicators Not detected ✗

Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.

D
Print Stylesheet
Action
No print styles
FIX
No print styles
Info::
No print-specific styles detected
When users print this page, they get the screen layout including navigation and non-essential elements. Add @media print rules to hide navigation and optimize layout for paper.
Print Stylesheet No Print Styles
Print stylesheet Not found ✗Inline @media print Not detected ✗
F
Navigation UX
Action
1 navigation pattern(s)
FIX
1 navigation pattern(s)
Info::
Skip navigation link detected
Info::
7 navigation landmark(s) detected
Info::
Hamburger menu detected (responsive design)
Breadcrumbs
Search
Skip Link Skip link detected
Labeled Navigation 7 <nav> element(s)
Back to Top
Hamburger Menu
Sticky Navigation Cannot reliably detect (CSS-based)
3 of 6 testable patterns navigation patterns detected. Strong navigation UX with multiple discovery paths.
C
404 Error Page
Action
HTTP 404, custom page
REVIEW
HTTP 404, custom page
Info::
Correct 404 status code returned
Got: HTTP 404
Info::
Custom styled 404 page
404 Page Quality ✓ Custom 404 Page
Status Code HTTP 404 ✓Page Title Page not found | Boston.com ✓Custom Styling ✓Navigation ✗Homepage Link ✗Search Form ✗
B
Favicon & Branding
7 icon(s) detected
REVIEW
7 icon(s) detected
Info::
favicon.ico present at site root
Info::
HTML icon links detected
Info::
Apple touch icon present
Info::
Multiple icon sizes detected
✓ favicon.ico Present
✓ PNG Icons Present
✓ Apple Touch Present
✗ SVG Favicon Missing
✓ Manifest Icons Present
✓ Multiple Sizes Present
C
Color Contrast (Screenshot)
Action
20 text elements analyzed, 1 fail WCAG AA
REVIEW

Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.

19 pass 1 fail WCAG AA 6 pass AA only
span Open
4.43:1
#000000
on
#737373
needs 4.5:1 (normal text)
16px · above the fold
Show all checked elements (20)
ElementRatioRequiredFGBGResult
h2 We Care About Your P…18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h2 About Your Privacy18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 Most Popular18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 Stay up to date with…18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 Download our app to …18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 We and our partners …18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 Manage Consent Prefe…18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
h3 Cookie List18.59:13.0:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
title Boston.com: Local br…4.76:14.5:1
#000000
#787878
Pass
a Skip to Main Content4.96:14.5:1
#000000
#7B7B7B
Pass
a Boston Globe5.24:14.5:1
#000000
#7F7F7F
Pass
a Boston.com5.24:14.5:1
#000000
#7F7F7F
Pass
a Boston Magazine5.03:14.5:1
#000000
#7C7C7C
Pass
a B-Side4.76:14.5:1
#000000
#787878
Pass
span Open4.43:14.5:1
#000000
#737373
Fail
span Close18.59:14.5:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
span Menu18.59:14.5:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
a Home18.59:14.5:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
a Newsletters18.59:14.5:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass
a News18.59:14.5:1
#000000
#F1F1F1
Pass

Methodology: The top 20 text elements by font size were checked. Background color was sampled from the desktop screenshot using a 5-point pattern. WCAG 2.1 AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

B
Lighthouse Accessibility Audits
Score 89/100 — 4 failing, 29 passed
REVIEW
89

Accessibility

These checks highlight opportunities to improve the accessibility of your web app. Automatic detection can only detect a subset of issues and does not guarantee the accessibility of your web app, so manual testing is also encouraged.

Names and labels

Link text (and alternate text for images, when used as links) that is discernible, unique, and focusable improves the navigation experience for screen reader users. Learn how to make links accessible.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
div.wp-block-column > article.js-article-card > figure.m-single-article__image > a div.wp-block-column > article.js-article-card > figure.m-single-article__image > a

These are opportunities to improve the semantics of the controls in your application. This may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.

Best practices

Users do not expect a page to refresh automatically, and doing so will move focus back to the top of the page. This may create a frustrating or confusing experience. Learn more about the refresh meta tag.

Why this matters

Informational: a Permissions-Policy directive showing feature -> allowed origins.

Source: MDN Permissions-Policy

Failing Elements
head > meta head > meta

Touch targets with sufficient size and spacing help users who may have difficulty targeting small controls to activate the targets. Learn more about touch targets.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
TOPIC: BOSTON MARATHON article.js-article-card > div.m-single-article__content > p.m-single-article__topic > a.a-link

These items highlight common accessibility best practices.

Visible text labels that do not match the accessible name can result in a confusing experience for screen reader users. Learn more about accessible names.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
Mike Vrabel issues new statement Dianna Russini photos div#most-popular-posts > div.m-numbered-post-list__posts > article#m-numbered-post-list-1 > a.m-numbered-post-list__link
Dr. Derrick Todd indicted on 81 new sexual assault charges div#most-popular-posts > div.m-numbered-post-list__posts > article#m-numbered-post-list-2 > a.m-numbered-post-list__link
Local obituary: Michael Flynn, 47, Norwood father of 3 and hockey coach div#most-popular-posts > div.m-numbered-post-list__posts > article#m-numbered-post-list-3 > a.m-numbered-post-list__link
What Boston meteorologists are saying about the 'rain and snow showers' in Wedn… div#most-popular-posts > div.m-numbered-post-list__posts > article#m-numbered-post-list-4 > a.m-numbered-post-list__link
2026 Boston Marathon: How celebrities, notable figures finished div#most-popular-posts > div.m-numbered-post-list__posts > article#m-numbered-post-list-5 > a.m-numbered-post-list__link
Privacy Notice div#onetrust-group-container > div#onetrust-policy > div#onetrust-policy-text > a.ot-cookie-policy-link
○Interactive controls are keyboard focusable
○Interactive elements indicate their purpose and state
○The page has a logical tab order
○Visual order on the page follows DOM order
○User focus is not accidentally trapped in a region
○The user's focus is directed to new content added to the page
○HTML5 landmark elements are used to improve navigation
○Offscreen content is hidden from assistive technology
○Custom controls have associated labels
○Custom controls have ARIA roles
●`[aria-*]` attributes match their roles
●`[aria-hidden="true"]` is not present on the document `<body>`
●`[role]`s have all required `[aria-*]` attributes
●`[role]` values are valid
●`[aria-*]` attributes have valid values
●`[aria-*]` attributes are valid and not misspelled
●Buttons have an accessible name
●Image elements have `[alt]` attributes
●Form elements have associated labels
●`[user-scalable="no"]` is not used in the `<meta name="viewport">` element and the `[maximum-scale]` attribute is not less than 5.
●ARIA attributes are used as specified for the element's role
●Elements with `role="dialog"` or `role="alertdialog"` have accessible names.
●`[aria-hidden="true"]` elements do not contain focusable descendents
●Elements use only permitted ARIA attributes
●Background and foreground colors have a sufficient contrast ratio
●Document has a `<title>` element
●`<frame>` or `<iframe>` elements have a title
●`<html>` element has a `[lang]` attribute
●`<html>` element has a valid value for its `[lang]` attribute
●Links are distinguishable without relying on color.
●Lists contain only `<li>` elements and script supporting elements (`<script>` and `<template>`).
●List items (`<li>`) are contained within `<ul>`, `<ol>` or `<menu>` parent elements
●No element has a `[tabindex]` value greater than 0
●Heading elements appear in a sequentially-descending order
●Skip links are focusable.
●Document has a main landmark.
●Deprecated ARIA roles were not used
●All heading elements contain content.
●Image elements do not have `[alt]` attributes that are redundant text.
○`[accesskey]` values are unique
○`button`, `link`, and `menuitem` elements have accessible names
○ARIA input fields have accessible names
○ARIA `meter` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `progressbar` elements have accessible names
○Elements with an ARIA `[role]` that require children to contain a specific `[role]` have all required children.
○`[role]`s are contained by their required parent element
○Elements with the `role=text` attribute do not have focusable descendents.
○ARIA toggle fields have accessible names
○ARIA `tooltip` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `treeitem` elements have accessible names
○The page contains a heading, skip link, or landmark region
○`<dl>`'s contain only properly-ordered `<dt>` and `<dd>` groups, `<script>`, `<template>` or `<div>` elements.
○Definition list items are wrapped in `<dl>` elements
○ARIA IDs are unique
○No form fields have multiple labels
○`<html>` element has an `[xml:lang]` attribute with the same base language as the `[lang]` attribute.
○Input buttons have discernible text.
○`<input type="image">` elements have `[alt]` text
○`<object>` elements have alternate text
○Select elements have associated label elements.
○Cells in a `<table>` element that use the `[headers]` attribute refer to table cells within the same table.
○`<th>` elements and elements with `[role="columnheader"/"rowheader"]` have data cells they describe.
○`[lang]` attributes have a valid value
○`<video>` elements contain a `<track>` element with `[kind="captions"]`
○Tables have different content in the summary attribute and `<caption>`.
○Uses ARIA roles only on compatible elements
○Identical links have the same purpose.
○Tables use `<caption>` instead of cells with the `[colspan]` attribute to indicate a caption.
○`<td>` elements in a large `<table>` have one or more table headers.
A
Landmark Structure
70 landmarks
PASS
70 landmarks
Info::
<main> landmark present
Info::
7 <nav> landmark(s) found
Warning::
2 of 7 <nav> elements are unlabeled
Multiple navigations need aria-label to distinguish them for screen readers.
Info::
Skip navigation link present
Page Structure — as a screen reader sees it
BANNER header NAV MAIN ASIDE CONTENTINFO footer

Multiple navigations need aria-label to distinguish them for screen readers.

Why this matters

Some <nav> elements lack aria-label — screen-reader users hear 'navigation' multiple times with no way to distinguish them.

Learn more ▾

When a page has multiple <nav> regions (primary, footer, breadcrumb), each needs aria-label or aria-labelledby. AT users navigate by landmark; identical 'navigation' announcements force them to enter each one to discover purpose.

Source: WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices

A+
Heading Hierarchy
140 headings
PASS
140 headings
Info::
Single H1 present
Warning::
1 empty heading(s)
Empty headings appear in the document outline but provide no information.
  • H1 Boston.com
  • H2 Former Brigham and Women’s doctor indicted on 81 new sexual assault charges
  • H2 With the Boston Marathon finish line in sight, they sacrificed personal goals to help a runner in need
  • H2 Mike Vrabel issues new statement on Dianna Russini photos, acknowledges ‘difficult conversations’
  • H2 Couple runs the Boston Marathon in wedding attire
  • H2 Local obituary: Michael Flynn, 47, Norwood father of 3 and hockey coach
  • H2 In Boston, Florence + The Machine traded arena spectacle for bare feet, huge vocals, and striking intimacy
  • H2 'Been waiting my whole life for this': Noah Kahan makes his NPR Tiny Desk debut
  • H3 What Boston meteorologists are saying about the 'rain and snow showers' in Wednesday's forecast
  • H3 POST decertifies former Brandeis officer accused of negligence in student’s 2023 death
  • H3 Epstein craved Harvard connections. Many there were eager to help.
  • H3 Here's the 'ascending prospect' the Patriots are projected to take in the NFL Draft
  • H3 Judge upholds former Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas’s firing
  • H3 Man killed, officer shot during traffic stop in N.H.
  • H3 Mass. teens rescued from near the top of Mount Washington
  • H3 A significant Green Line shutdown starts Wednesday
  • H3 Quincy resident plans to buy a house and car after $4M scratch ticket win
  • H3 Repeat winners Sharon Lokedi, John Korir proved Boston Marathon favorites in more ways than one
  • H3 Martin Richard’s brother finishes his 3rd Boston Marathon
  • H3 Beer, costumes, and the scream tunnel: The wildest moments from the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H3 Photos: The best costumes from the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 A 3-bedroom in Sherborn offers open space in MetroWest for $799,000
  • H2 The must-see moments of the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 How celebrities, notable figures finished at the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 Sponsored Content: What do you think of Game On! and Loretta's Last Call?
  • H2 26 photos that capture the tears and triumph of the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 The ‘Mother of the Boston Tea Party’ honored with new Medford statue
  • H3 Most Popular
  • H3 (empty)
  • H2 Homes for sale along the Boston Marathon route
  • H2 4 things to know about Jess McClain, the top US women's runner in the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 5 things to know about Zouhair Talbi, the top American men’s finisher at the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H2 This 2026 Boston Marathon finisher ran the whole race barefoot
  • H2 How do couples know when to break up or stay together?
  • H2 Boston, prepare to ugly cry today … 😭🏃
  • H3 Stay up to date with everything Boston
  • H3 News
  • H3 POST decertifies former Brandeis officer accused of negligence in student’s 2023 death
  • H4 Epstein craved Harvard connections. Many there were eager to help.
  • H4 Quincy resident plans to buy a house and car after $4M scratch ticket win
  • H4 A significant Green Line shutdown starts Wednesday
  • H3 Sports
  • H3 Here's the 'ascending prospect' the Patriots are projected to take in the NFL Draft
  • H4 Repeat winners Sharon Lokedi, John Korir proved Boston Marathon favorites in more ways than one
  • H4 Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte reportedly mentioned in trade talks this offseason
  • H4 Martin Richard’s brother finishes his 3rd Boston Marathon
  • H3 Patriots
  • H3 A.J. Brown reportedly 'likely to become a Patriot' in future trade
  • H4 McCourty twins give their take on what Patriots should target in NFL Draft
  • H4 Here’s who latest mock drafts project Patriots to select in 2026 NFL Draft
  • H4 NFL is not investigating Mike Vrabel for behavior regarding Dianna Russini
  • H3 Celtics
  • H3 Joel Embiid will miss Game 2 against Celtics
  • H4 Joe Mazzulla on being a finalist for NBA Coach of the Year: ‘I haven’t made one basket all year’
  • H4 Paul Pierce roasts 76ers, questions whether series is worth his time
  • H4 76ers coach calls out 'absolutely unacceptable' effort vs. Celtics
  • H3 Food
  • H3 A 50-year-old bar at Faneuil Hall has closed
  • H4 Yes, Chef: When this Bar Volpe chef isn’t running, she’s eating at these Boston spots
  • H4 A Boston chef and marathoner shares where to eat near the Boston Marathon route
  • H4 5 best new restaurant openings and dining updates in Boston (April 16, 2026)
  • H3 Love Letters
  • H3 Visiting Boston makes me want to move out
  • H4 Finishing college, never had a boyfriend
  • H4 Should I pursue this campus crush?
  • H4 Disappointed in my friend’s role in infidelity
  • H4 Why is everyone talking about polyamory?
  • H3 Real Estate
  • H3 Inside the burned Dorchester house that sold for $776k
  • H4 Condo fees are apt to go up, and experts say it’s about time
  • H4 After decades of legal battles, an $18m home rises on the disputed lot
  • H4 A peek inside the most wishlisted Airbnb in Massachusetts
  • H3 Download our app to stay connected
  • H3 Culture
  • H3 Review and setlist: Lewis Capaldi showcased resilience, humor, and vocal power in return to Boston
  • H4 Review and setlist: The Last Dinner Party sets Roadrunner on fire
  • H4 Life jacket worn by a passenger who survived the Titanic auctioned off for over $900,000
  • H4 5 must-watch movies & TV shows streaming right now
  • H3 Travel
  • H3 Here's what's happening in Lexington and Concord this weekend for Patriots Day
  • H4 JetBlue just expanded its transatlantic service with flights from Boston to Barcelona
  • H4 This New England boardwalk just ranked among the best in the nation
  • H4 Travelers can now take Uber and Lyft shuttles to Logan Airport
  • H3 Community
  • H3 Beer, costumes, and the scream tunnel: The wildest moments from the 2026 Boston Marathon
  • H4 How fast does Boston clean up after the Marathon?
  • H4 He's running Boston to help low-income children through Cradles to Crayons
  • H4 This Dedham resident is running Boston for suicide prevention
  • H3 Wickedpedia
  • H3 Where are the public restrooms in Boston?
  • H4 Where do the Swan Boats go in the winter?
  • H4 How tall are the Prudential Tower letters?
  • H4 Why is the Green Line so loud?
  • H3 Things to Do
  • H2 Here are events happening near you in April
  • H2 10 free things to do in Boston in April
  • H2 15 must-see concerts at Boston’s top venues for spring 2026
  • H2 25 great concerts coming to Eastern Mass. suburbs in spring 2026
  • H2 12 must-see concerts at Boston’s smaller venues for spring 2026
  • H2 Broadway In Boston returns for 2026-27 with major hits
  • H3 Neighborhoods
  • H3 What Boston meteorologists are saying about the 'rain and snow showers' in Wednesday's forecast
  • H4 Boston Marathon runners met with applause and cowbells at Back Bay restaurant
  • H4 After the Boston Marathon, the clam chowder ritual begins
  • H4 Nike removes ‘walkers tolerated’ ad from Newbury Street store after blowback
  • H3 Mike Vrabel speaks for first time since photos with Dianna Russini surfaced
  • H3 Suffolk grand jury indicts Derrick Todd on sexual assault charges
  • H3 2026 Boston Marathon: Runners take on Boston Double, marathon twice
  • H3 Vermont police videos suggest ICE escalated tense situation
  • H3 'Michael' is no more than recreation of milestones from singer's life
  • H3 Boston.com Newsletter Signup Boston.com Logo
  • H4 Enter your email address
  • H2 We Care About Your Privacy
  • H3 We and our partners process data to provide:
  • H2 About Your Privacy
  • H3 Manage Consent Preferences
  • H4 Strictly Necessary Cookies 834 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Ensure security, prevent and detect fraud, and fix errors 628 partners can use this special purpose
  • H5 Deliver and present advertising and content 621 partners can use this special purpose
  • H5 Match and combine data from other data sources 444 partners can use this feature
  • H4 Performance Cookies 710 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Actively scan device characteristics for identification 159 partners can use this special feature
  • H5 Link different devices 372 partners can use this feature
  • H5 Identify devices based on information transmitted automatically 578 partners can use this feature
  • H4 Functional Cookies 813 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Store and/or access information on a device 813 partners can use this purpose
  • H4 Targeting Cookies
  • H4 Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development 966 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Use limited data to select advertising 762 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Create profiles for personalised advertising 619 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Use profiles to select personalised advertising 621 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Create profiles to personalise content 263 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Use profiles to select personalised content 237 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Measure advertising performance 883 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Measure content performance 405 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources 560 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Develop and improve services 661 partners can use this purpose
  • H5 Use limited data to select content 178 partners can use this purpose
  • H4 Save and communicate privacy choices 478 partners can use this special purpose
  • H3 Cookie List

Empty headings appear in the document outline but provide no information.

Why this matters

Empty <hN> tags break the document outline — screen-reader users navigating by heading hit dead silence.

Source: WCAG 2.4.6

A
Alt Text Quality
All 91 images OK
PASS
All 91 images OK
Info::
5 image(s) with alt text over 125 characters
Info::
60 decorative image(s) correctly marked
Info::
26 image(s) with good alt text
91 images 26 good alt text 60 decorative
IssueCount
too long5 image(s)
A+
Form Accessibility
All 24 controls labeled
PASS
All 24 controls labeled
Info::
24 control(s) properly labeled
24 controls
24 labeled
0 placeholder only
0 unlabeled
ControlTypeLabelMethod
#search-field-search-form-3textSearch for:for/id
#email-form-4emailEnter your email addressnone
#email-form-6emailEnter your email addressnone
#ot-group-id-C0002checkboxPerformance Cookiesfor/id
#ot-sub-group-id-ISF2V2_2checkboxActively scan device characteristics for identificationaria-label
#ot-group-id-C0003checkboxFunctional Cookiesfor/id
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_1checkboxStore and/or access information on a devicearia-label
#ot-group-id-C0004checkboxTargeting Cookiesfor/id
#ot-group-id-V2STACK42checkboxPersonalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services developmentfor/id
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_2checkboxUse limited data to select advertisingaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_3checkboxCreate profiles for personalised advertisingaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_4checkboxUse profiles to select personalised advertisingaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_5checkboxCreate profiles to personalise contentaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_6checkboxUse profiles to select personalised contentaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_7checkboxMeasure advertising performancearia-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_8checkboxMeasure content performancearia-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_9checkboxUnderstand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sourcesaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_10checkboxDevelop and improve servicesaria-label
#ot-sub-group-id-IAB2V2_11checkboxUse limited data to select contentaria-label
#vendor-search-handlertextCookie list searcharia-label
#chkbox-idcheckboxcheckbox labelfor/id
#select-all-hosts-groups-handlercheckboxcheckbox labelfor/id
#select-all-vendor-groups-handlercheckboxcheckbox labelfor/id
#select-all-vendor-leg-handlercheckboxcheckbox labelfor/id
A+
Web Manifest
PWA-ready
PASS
PWA-ready
Info::
Meets PWA install criteria
Info::
Name present: Boston.com
Info::
192x192 icon present
Info::
512x512 icon present
Info::
Display mode: standalone
PWA Install Criteria ✓ Installable
Name Boston.com ✓192×192 icon ✓512×512 icon ✓Start URL /?utm_source=app ✓Display Mode standalone ✓
Name Boston.com Display Mode standalone Theme Color #d23226 Background Color #232323 Icons 3 icon(s)
All checks on this page are automated. Results are estimates - run targeted manual reviews when the score affects a release decision.

Send Feedback