Accessibility
· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.FForm AccessibilityAction19 of 21 controls have issuesFIX
| Control | Type | Label | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| #site-search-3699114-term | text | Site search | for/id |
| #site-search-2841699-term | text | Site search | for/id |
| #email-3376713 | (Enter email address) | placeholder only | |
| #email-3613005 | (Enter email address) | placeholder only | |
| #email-3756384 | (Enter email address) | placeholder only | |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| input | submit | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| input | submit | (none) | none |
| #marketing-3376713 | checkbox | (none) | none |
| #g-recaptcha-response | textarea | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| #marketing-3613005 | checkbox | (none) | none |
| #g-recaptcha-response-1 | textarea | (none) | none |
| logout | submit | (none) | none |
| #marketing-3756384 | checkbox | (none) | none |
| #g-recaptcha-response-2 | textarea | (none) | none |
| #g-recaptcha-response-100000 | textarea | (none) | none |
Form controls need a <label>, aria-label, or aria-labelledby for screen readers.
<input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="submit" name="logout">; <input type="checkbox" name="marketing" id="marketing-3376713"> (+6 more)
Form controls without labels — assistive tech announces 'edit text' with no context; users can't complete forms.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2
Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.
<input type="email" name="email" id="email-3376713">; <input type="email" name="email" id="email-3613005">; <input type="email" name="email" id="email-3756384">
Placeholder-only labels disappear when the user starts typing — they must remember what the field was for.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Placeholders are NOT labels. They vanish on input, fail color contrast checks (most are gray), and don't satisfy WCAG SC 3.3.2. Always use a real <label> alongside (or aria-labelledby).
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2 / Nielsen Norman
DWeb ManifestActionNot foundFIX
No web manifest found.
DDark Mode SupportActionNo dark mode signalsFIX
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.
DPrint StylesheetActionNo print stylesFIX
BLandmark Structure8 landmarksREVIEW
Screen reader users cannot quickly navigate to the primary content. Wrap your main content in <main>.
Without a <main> landmark, screen-reader users can't skip past the navigation to the page content — every page starts with re-reading the menu.
Learn more ▾ ▴
The <main> element marks the page's primary content area. Assistive tech offers a 'jump to main' shortcut — but only if <main> exists. Without it, every page navigation forces re-reading the header. Wrap your primary content in a single <main>.
Source: WAI-ARIA / WCAG 2.4.1
CAlt Text QualityAction3 of 58 images have issuesREVIEW
| Issue | Count |
|---|---|
| missing | 3 image(s) |
| too long | 1 image(s) |
Images without alt text are invisible to screen readers.
Each image without alt text is a WCAG 1.1.1 failure — invisible to screen-reader users, lost from Google Image Search.
Learn more ▾ ▴
WCAG 2.1 Level A requires text alternatives for non-decorative images. Empty alt='' is fine for decorative; meaningful images need descriptive text. Common fixes: CMS audit + bulk add, build-time linter (alt-text-required ESLint rule), CI gate on Lighthouse a11y score.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.1.1 / WebAIM Million Report
CLink & Button QualityAction3 issue(s) across 605 links and 28 buttonsREVIEW
| Element | Text | Issue | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.olg.ca/en/lottery/play-lotto… | Play Now! $40M | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| /subscribe/epaper/ | Today's paper | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.thestar.com/news/world/iran/ | Iran War | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.thestar.com/interactives/can… | Election Forecast | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice… | Readers’ Choice Awards | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://obituaries.thestar.com/ | Obituaries | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://diversions.thestar.com/ | Fun & Games | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://diversions.thestar.com/comics.ht… | Comics | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.olg.ca/en/lottery/play-lotto… | Play Now! $40M | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| /site/about/ | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| /subscribe/epaper/ | Today’s Paper | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.thestar.com/news/world/iran/ | Iran War | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.thestar.com/interactives/can… | Election Forecast | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice… | Readers’ Choice Awards | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://obituaries.thestar.com/ | Obituaries | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://diversions.thestar.com/ | Fun & Games | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://diversions.thestar.com/comics.ht… | Comics | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| /opinion/ | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://www.tsoffers.ca/ | Subscribe to Home Delivery | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://toriservices.newscyclecloud.com/… | Manage Home Delivery Subscript… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://tsgroupoffers.ca/welcome | Corporate Group Subscriptions | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/Tors… | Join Our Team | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://torontostar.pressreader.com/ | Star ePaper Edition | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.thestaradvisers.com/Portal/d… | Star Advisers | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.classroomconnection.ca/ | Classroom Connection | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.newspapers.com/?iid=619 | Newspapers.com Archives | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://starstore.ca/ | Shop StarStore.ca | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.facebook.com/torontostar | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text | |
| https://twitter.com/torontostar | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text | |
| https://www.youtube.com/TorontoStar | YouTube | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.instagram.com/thetorontostar… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text | |
| <button> | (empty) | empty | Add button text or aria-label |
Links without text are announced as raw URLs by screen readers.
/site/about/; /opinion/
Links with no accessible text (empty <a></a>, image-only no alt, icon-only no aria-label) are unidentifiable to screen readers.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4
Add '(opens in new tab)' to link text or aria-label.
https://www.olg.ca/en/lottery/play-lotto-max-encore/about.html?utm_source=F26…; /subscribe/epaper/; https://www.thestar.com/news/world/iran/; https://www.thestar.com/interactives/canadian-federal-politics-election-forec…; https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice.ca/o/toronto/readers-choice-2025-nom…; https://obituaries.thestar.com/; https://diversions.thestar.com/; https://diversions.thestar.com/comics.html; https://www.olg.ca/en/lottery/play-lotto-max-encore/about.html?utm_source=F26…; /subscribe/epaper/ (+19 more)
Links with target="_blank" without rel="noopener" leak the originating page's window context — security and UX issue.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Without rel="noopener", the new tab can navigate the original tab via window.opener (tab-nabbing attack). Modern browsers default to noopener for target=_blank but only since recent versions. Always set rel="noopener noreferrer" explicitly.
Source: MDN target / OWASP
Icon-only buttons need an aria-label so screen readers can announce them.
button.toasterDismiss (#3632 on page)
Buttons with no accessible text (icon-only, no aria-label) can't be activated by voice control or understood by screen readers.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 4.1.2
C404 Error PageActionHTTP 404, custom pageREVIEW
BFavicon & Branding16 icon(s) detectedREVIEW
BColor Contrast (Screenshot)20 text elements analyzed, 0 fail WCAG AAREVIEW
Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.
Show all checked elements (20)
| Element | Ratio | Required | FG | BG | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| h1 Toronto Star News - … | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h2 If I Were Mayor | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h2 Best of the Star | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 New from The Star | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 Trending | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 News Tips | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 theStar.com | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 Toronto Star Newspap… | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 Advertising | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| h3 Initiatives | 4.58:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #767576 | Pass |
| title Breaking News - Head… | 5.24:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7F7F7F | Pass |
| a Skip to main content | 5.17:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7E7E7E | Pass |
| span Log In | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| span 9° | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| span Tuesday, April 21 | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| u Play Now! $40M | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| label Site search | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| span Search | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| a Newsletters | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | Pass |
| a Today's paper | 5.03:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #7C7C7C | 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.
BLighthouse Accessibility AuditsScore 88/100 — 4 failing, 27 passedREVIEW
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.
ARIA
Using ARIA attributes in roles where they are prohibited can mean that important information is not communicated to users of assistive technologies. Learn more about prohibited ARIA roles.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Clear Search div#site-search-form-3699114 > form#site-search-3699114 > div.user-controls-cancel-button > span#search-cancel-3699114 |
These are opportunities to improve the usage of ARIA in your application which may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.
Contrast
Low-contrast text is difficult or impossible for many users to read. Learn how to provide sufficient color contrast.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
REGISTER TO ATTEND div.promoInnerBox > div.promoText > div.promoLink > a |
terms of use div.promo-designer-wrapper > div.info-text-outer > p.info-text > a |
privacy policy div.promo-designer-wrapper > div.info-text-outer > p.info-text > a |
privacy policy div.promo-designer-wrapper > div.info-text-outer > p.info-text > a |
terms of service div.promo-designer-wrapper > div.info-text-outer > p.info-text > a |
These are opportunities to improve the legibility of your content.
Names and labels
Informative elements should aim for short, descriptive alternate text. Decorative elements can be ignored with an empty alt attribute. Learn more about the `alt` attribute.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
div.promoBox > div.promoInnerBox > div.promoImage > img div.promoBox > div.promoInnerBox > div.promoImage > img |
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.
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.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
SALE
Only $1 div.user-promo-mobile > div.anonymous > div.user-promo-button > a |
Vinay Menon: Chill out, Toronto. Drake’s ice mountain and fireball are his vers… div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Gregor Chisholm: The Blue Jays aren’t missing Bo Bichette, and the brutal Mets … div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Lisi Tesher: My boyfriend is incarcerated. I’ve given so much to help him. But … div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Mike Wilner: Blue Jays vs. Angels: Struggling Hoffman finds groove in series-op… div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Gregor Chisholm: The Blue Jays aren’t missing Bo Bichette, and the brutal Mets … div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Vinay Menon: Chill out, Toronto. Drake’s ice mountain and fireball are his vers… div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
Lora Grady: How can I get the best interest rate on my car loan? div.card-body > div.card-headline > h3.tnt-headline > a.tnt-asset-link |
AHeading Hierarchy109 headings, 1 skip(s)PASS
- H4 The toronto EditionChange Location
- H4 The Star EditionChange Location
- H4 The Star EditionChange Location
- H1 Toronto Star News - Breaking News Stories
- H3 ‘It’s terrifying’: Fairview Mall security employee shot after confronting thief near jewelry store skipped
- H3 Drug dealer sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter for role in bystander’s killing outside Leslieville supervised-injection site
- H3 Doug Ford’s cabinet approved $28.9M jet
- H3 Carney reveals new members of revived Canada-U. S. trade advisory council
- H3 Former Conservative leader explains why he joined Mark Carney’s trade advisory council
- H3 A network of YouTube accounts is promoting U.S. annexation to Albertans, researchers say. It has 40M views
- H3 Shooting at Mexico pyramids that killed Canadian tourist was planned: officials
- H3 Drake’s ‘Iceman’ sculpture downtown sparks police response as fans hack off chunks, set fire to blocks
- H3 Vinay Menon: Chill out, Toronto. Drake’s ice mountain and fireball are his version of a love letter
- H3 Toronto has a new master plan to win over tourists — but there are a few things that need fixing first
- H3 What Doug Ford’s expansion plans may mean for the Toronto neighbourhood nearest to Billy Bishop airport
- H3 Anand: Global Affairs called in Israeli ambassador after Canadian killed in Lebanon
- H3 US puts negotiations with Iran on hold as ceasefire deadline nears
- H3 Kenneth Law’s websites allegedly sold poisons used in dozens of suicides. These families are furious he may not face a Canadian murder trial
- H3 Anthropic’s latest AI model sparking global fears of new era of cyber attacks
- H3 New from The Star
- H2 Opinion
- H3 Doug Ford makes many terrible decisions
- H3 High-speed train must stop in downtown Toronto and Montreal to compete with flying
- H3 Doug Ford can seem politically invincible. So did a former PC premier. Then he bought a jet
- H3 Toronto may finally drop this 24-year ban this week. Why we should relish the moment
- H3 Trending
- H3 A network of YouTube accounts is promoting U.S. annexation to Albertans, researchers say. It has 40M views
- H3 Mark Carney gets mixed reviews for response to ‘Donald Trump’s war on Canada’
- H3 Mark Carney to reboot Canada-U.S. trade advisory council
- H3 Drake freezes downtown Toronto as fiery album-release stunts spark City Council backlash
- H3 Gregor Chisholm: The Blue Jays aren’t missing Bo Bichette, and the brutal Mets might be getting buyer’s remorse
- H3 ‘It’s terrifying’: Fairview Mall security employee shot after confronting thief near jewelry store
- H2 GTA
- H3 Liberty Village, Parkdale hit by power outages impacting more than 1,800 Toronto Hydro customers
- H3 Scarborough fire at auto repair shop leaves firefighter injured
- H3 Multiple tow-truck fires overnight in Brampton probed as suspected arson: police
- H3 Baby dies in hospital after being found unresponsive in vehicle in Toronto neighbourhood
- H3 Toronto hospitals are scrapping in-person prenatal classes. New parents are upset at the loss of a rite of passage
- H3 This $17M customizable penthouse boasts a 6,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace overlooking the Rosedale Ravine
- H2 If I Were Mayor
- H3 Potholes and the Taylor Swift problem: Why Toronto needs your biggest ideas right now
- H3 As a young reporter, I saw the power of local politics. Now I have an idea to shape Toronto’s next election. Here’s where you come in
- H3 Just how hard is it to be mayor? Canadian politicians weigh in, as Star launches ‘If I Were Mayor’ series
- H4 More from The Star & Partners
- H2 Business
- H3 Sobeys expands deal with digital shelf labels firm JRTech Solutions
- H3 Oilsands have strong growth potential, but pipeline constraints loom: Enverus
- H3 S&P/TSX composite falls more than 300 points, U.S. stock markets also move lower
- H3 Can AI make a ‘human’ movie? A new Toronto festival aims to provoke debate about future of film
- H3 Some Canadian exporters could get refunds after ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs struck down
- H3 Apple’s new CEO John Ternus steps into the spotlight after flying under the radar for years
- H2 Canada
- H3 CPAC cancels two news programs, citing ‘accelerating revenue decline’
- H3 Man charged in Vancouver online child-luring case involving images for money
- H3 Truck blaze along in B.C.‘s Coquihalla Highway sets off wildfire, closes route
- H3 Winnipeg council to vote on removing member accused of sex crime from duties
- H3 B.C. guide gets $30,000 penalty for leading client on hunt outside licence area
- H3 Slain Mountie’s family decries ‘systemic failure’ after suspect ruled unfit for trial
- H2 Politics
- H3 High-speed rail pitch draws high levels of support and opposition: poll
- H3 Former Tory leader to Poilievre: forget floor-crossings, focus on policy
- H3 ‘More bluster’: Poilievre, LeBlanc dismiss Lutnick’s comments on trade strategy
- H3 Doug Ford’s cabinet approved $28.9M jet
- H3 Former Conservative leader explains why he joined Mark Carney’s trade advisory council
- H3 Anand: Global Affairs called in Israeli ambassador after Canadian killed in Lebanon
- H2 Best of the Star
- H3 Prince Edward County has become a glamorous destination. If you live there, it might be a different story
- H3 Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short and more on how a house on Avenue Road spawned a generation of comedy greats
- H3 How Toronto’s condo crash derailed the 75-tower plan for Scarborough’s Golden Mile
- H2 World
- H3 2 US officials killed in Mexico crash after anti-drug operation worked for CIA, AP sources say
- H3 Dr. Oz announces a 50-state audit of Medicaid program oversight
- H3 US puts negotiations with Iran on hold as ceasefire deadline nears
- H3 Warsh says he got no pressure from Trump to cut rates even as president publicly pushes for them
- H3 Stocks and oil prices waver on uncertainty about U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks
- H3 The Latest: US-Iran talks are in doubt as ceasefire nears an end
- H2 Life
- H3 Lisi Tesher: My boyfriend is incarcerated. I’ve given so much to help him. But have I lost myself? Ask Lisi
- H3 Inside the Queen’s final crisis: Why Elizabeth II chose motherly love over royal pragmatism for Andrew
- H3 Horoscope for Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
- H2 Sports
- H3 Green sticks with process as Senators search for response down 2-0 to Hurricanes
- H3 Flyers winger Porter Martone stands out as youth is served early in the NHL playoffs
- H3 Eagles, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Jets and Dolphins could be among the active teams in the first round
- H3 Mike Wilner: Blue Jays vs. Angels: Struggling Hoffman finds groove in series-opening Toronto win
- H3 Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram gets job done for Oilers in first career playoff win
- H3 Gregor Chisholm: The Blue Jays aren’t missing Bo Bichette, and the brutal Mets might be getting buyer’s remorse
- H2 Entertainment
- H3 Vinay Menon: Chill out, Toronto. Drake’s ice mountain and fireball are his version of a love letter
- H3 Can AI make a ‘human’ movie? A new Toronto festival aims to provoke debate about future of film
- H3 Inside the downtown ice-melting vigil for Drake’s ‘Iceman’ album reveal — no blowtorches allowed
- H2 Beauty and Fashion
- H3 Grown women are finally being celebrated in fashion, as stylish grandmothers land campaigns and catwalks
- H3 Slingbacks are spring’s biggest shoe trend. They’re also a pain to walk in — here are hacks worth trying
- H3 A chunk of my eyebrow hair fell out due to alopecia. Here’s how I filled in the gaps
- H2 Real Estate
- H3 This $10.7-million Lytton Park home is rife with detail, marble and heated floors
- H3 Commercial real estate market at turning point as vacancies drop: report
- H3 How Toronto’s condo crash derailed the 75-tower plan for Scarborough’s Golden Mile
- H2 Autos
- H3 Lora Grady: How can I get the best interest rate on my car loan?
- H3 Welcome back, Cherokee! This Jeep sports a hybrid engine and plenty more
- H3 What’s the most powerful Porsche ever made like to drive?
- H3 News Tips
- H3 theStar.com
- H3 Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd.
- H3 Advertising
- H3 Initiatives
- H4 Browser Compatibility
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline. Screen readers may interpret missing levels as structural errors.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline — screen-reader users lose track of section nesting.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Screen reader users navigate by jumping between headings (H1 → H2 → H3). Skipping (H1 → H3) breaks the sense of hierarchy. Use sequential levels even if you don't like the default styling — restyle with CSS instead. WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) treats this as an A failure.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.1 / W3C WAI