Level AAAUnderstandable
3.1.5

Reading Level

Where text is harder to read than lower-secondary level, provide a simpler version or supporting aids.

In plain English

Dense, advanced writing shuts out a lot of people: those with dyslexia or cognitive differences, non-native speakers, and honestly, most shoppers in a hurry. This AAA rule says where your text is harder than a lower-secondary reading level (roughly ages 11 to 14), provide a simpler route to the same information: a plain-language summary, easier wording, or supporting visuals.

For a store this is rarely a burden, since plain product and policy copy sells better anyway.

Who this is for

  • People with dyslexia and cognitive differences.
  • Non-native speakers, and honestly everyone skimming on a phone.

How to check and fix it yourself

Run key pages (returns, warranty, complex product descriptions) through a readability checker. Where the grade level is high, add a short plain-language summary up top or simplify the wording.

Long, dense return policy → add a 3-line plain-English summary at the top.  ✓
Complex spec block → a short "what this means for you" note.                ✓

Where we can help

We measure the reading level of your important pages and point out where a plain-English summary would help. Simpler copy lifts comprehension and conversion together, one of the clearest win-win fixes.

How to meet it

Techniques the W3C accepts as sufficient (summarized). Follow a link for the full method.

Frequently asked questions

What does reading level require?+

Success Criterion 3.1.5 (Level AAA) says when text requires reading ability more advanced than the lower-secondary education level (roughly ages 11 to 14), you should provide supplemental content: a simpler summary, a version in plainer language, or supporting visuals or audio.

Does this mean I have to dumb everything down?+

No. You keep your full content. The rule asks that where the writing is genuinely advanced, there's also a simpler path to the same information, a plain-language summary or explanatory visuals, so it's reachable by more people.

Why is this good for a store anyway?+

Clear, simple product and policy copy converts better and reduces support questions for everyone, not just people with reading difficulties. Meeting this rule usually improves your store's overall usability.

Reference

This is a plain-language explainer. The authoritative source is the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

WCAG 2.2 © W3C. Excerpts are paraphrased; see the linked documents for the normative text.

Not sure if your store passes 3.1.5?

A human auditor checks this and every other criterion against your live store, and documents the result.

Book an audit