Techniques for WCAG 2.0

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# F4: Failure of Success Criterion 2.2.2 due to using text-decoration:blink without a mechanism to stop it in less than five seconds

## Applicability

Cascading Style Sheets.

This failure relates to:

- Success Criterion 2.2.2 (Pause, Stop, Hide)
  - How to Meet 2.2.2 (Pause, Stop, Hide)
  - Understanding Success Criterion 2.2.2 (Pause, Stop, Hide)

## User Agent and Assistive Technology Support Notes

The `blink` value of the `text-decoration` property is not supported by Internet Explorer. It is supported in Netscape/Mozilla family browsers. Not tested in others (e.g., Safari, Opera).

## Description

CSS defines the `blink` value for the `text-decoration` property. When used, it causes any text in elements with this property to blink at a predetermined rate. This cannot be interrupted by the user, nor can it be disabled as a user agent preference. The blinking continues as long as the page is displayed. Therefore, content that uses `text-decoration:blink` fails the Success Criterion because blinking can continue for more than three seconds.

## Examples

### Failure Example 1

A product list page uses the `text-decoration:blink` style on an element to draw attention to sale prices. This fails the Success Criterion because users cannot control the blink.

Example Code:

    <p>My Great Product <span style="text-decoration:blink">Sale! $44,995!</span></p>

## Resources

Resources are for information purposes only, no endorsement implied.

- CSS 2 text-decoration property

## Related Techniques

- SCR22: Using scripts to control blinking and stop it in five seconds or less

## Tests

### Procedure

1. Examine inline styles, internal stylesheets, and external stylesheets for the `text-decoration` property with a value of "blink".

2. If the property is used, determine if the ID, class, or element identified by selectors on which this property is defined are used in the document.

### Expected Results

- If step #1 and step #2 are true, the content fails the success criterion.

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