• Success Criterion 1.1.1
  • Conformance level A

QR Code With No Text Stating Where It Leads

1.1.1 — Non-text Content

Scenario

Setting

A nonprofit's donation form

What’s wrong

QR codes with no text alternative stating the destination URL/purpose.

Example 

<img src="donate-qr.png">

Why it matters

A blind supporter can't scan a QR code anyway, and with no text explaining it exists or where it leads, they miss the mobile donation option entirely.

How to test

Look for text near the QR code stating what URL/action it leads to: if scanning is the only way to know, and no text states the destination, it fails.

How to fix

State in the alt text where scanning the code leads and why. A QR code is just a pattern to assistive tech without that context.

<img src="donate-qr.png" alt="QR code linking to the mobile donation page at give.example.org/donate">

Outcome

A supporter hears exactly what the QR code does and taps the equivalent text link to donate from their phone instead.

Who is affected

Blind and low-vision users need the equivalent link stated as text, since they can't use the QR code visually.

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