• Success Criterion 3.3.8
  • Conformance level AA

Displayed Code Required to Be Retyped With Copying Disabled

3.3.8 — Accessible Authentication (Minimum)

Scenario

Setting

A public library's catalog search

What’s wrong

Requiring transcription of codes displayed in-page (type the characters you see) without copy support.

Example 

<div class="session-code" oncopy="return false" style="user-select: none;">K7 M2 Q9</div>
<label for="code-input">Type the code above to search the catalog</label>
<input id="code-input">

Why it matters

A library patron with a motor disability who relies on copy-paste for accuracy is forced to manually retype a code that's deliberately made uncopyable.

How to test

Check for a displayed code the user must retype (e.g., 'type the characters you see') with copy support disabled: if copying isn't possible, it fails.

How to fix

Allow the displayed code to be selected and copied, or better, remove the transcription step and use a single-click continue button instead.

<div class="session-code">K7 M2 Q9</div>
<label for="code-input">Type the code above to search the catalog</label>
<input id="code-input">

Outcome

The patron copies the code in one action and starts searching the catalog right away.

Who is affected

People with motor and cognitive disabilities who depend on copying displayed text rather than transcribing it character by character.

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