Lists contain only <li> elements and script supporting elements (<script> and <template>)

Lists use correct markup so screen readers can announce them properly.

Impact

Screen readers have a specific way of announcing lists. Ensuring proper list structure aids screen reader output.

Screen readers announce structured content incorrectly.

Helps screen readers announce structured content (tables, lists) in a logical order that users can understand.

As a screen reader user, I want tables and lists to be properly structured so that I can understand the relationships between items.

Failing pattern:

<!-- Fail: non-li child inside ul -->
<ul>
  <div>Item one</div>
</ul>

Passing pattern:

<!-- Pass: only li children -->
<ul>
  <li>Item one</li>
  <li>Item two</li>
</ul>

ScanGov messaging when a site fails a standard:

Failed: Lists contain only <li> elements and script supporting elements (<script> and <template>)