Timing Adjustable - Success Criterion 2.2.1 (Level A)

Question

If your site or application uses time limits, are users able to turn off or adjust the limits?

Why is this important?

Individuals with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities may require more time to perform functions that are time-dependent. In order to complete tasks, these users need options to disable or customize length of time, or request more time before a time limit occurs.

Exceptions are provided for cases where it is not possible to change the time limit (real-time events, e.g. auctions).

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a person who is blind using a screen reader,
I want to extend the time limitation on purchasing goods online
so that I can complete my transaction without being timed out and having to start over.

Example 2

As a person with a mobility impairment who is reliant on a switch device,
I want to be able to extend or remove time limits when filling out an online form
so that I can complete my form without being timed out and having to start over.

Example 3

As a person with a reading disability who needs more time to complete a quiz,
I want to be able to request a time extension from my instructor
so that I can complete my quiz without running out of time and receiving a low score.

What should you do?

Try not to include time limits whenever possible.
If your application includes components that are timed, provide options to turn off, adjust, or extend the time.
Ensure any user controls for adjusting time are keyboard accessible.

Exceptions:

The activity is a real-time event.
Extending the time would invalidate the purpose of the activity.
The time limit is already longer than 20 hours.

How do you do it?

Give the user an option to turn off the time before they begin the assignment.
Give the user an option to adjust the time limit before it begins.
Give the user the option to extend the period at least 20 seconds before it expires. This action must be simple and must be available to use at least 10 times.