Creating an accessible table of contents is essential for ensuring that all users, including those who depend on voice-based navigation, can move through the document with ease. A properly formatted table of contents enhances the experience for all users but also meets accessibility standards such as WCAG.

To ensure its accessibility, start by implementing meaningful HTML elements. The table of contents needs to be contained in a nav container, which informs assistive technologies that this section holds interactive navigation points. Inside the nav element, use an unordered list ul to arrange the anchors, as lists provide a logical structure that screen readers can present in a meaningful way. Each list element should have exactly one hyperlink directing to the appropriate heading.

The URL target of each link should reference an existing id on the target heading, ensuring that the user is smoothly navigated to the right section.

All section headings must be correctly arranged using heading levels h1 to h6. This order allows screen reader users to grasp the information hierarchy and find content faster. Avoid skipping heading levels, such as bypassing h2, as this confuses navigation.

The link text must be descriptive and concise. Never use non-descriptive terms like "click here" or "learn more", use clear labels such as "Introduction to Accessibility" or "Troubleshooting Common Issues". Screen readers will voice this label, so it should clearly describe the target section.

It is also necessary to include an aria-label or aria-labelledby attribute on the nav element if the context is not immediately clear. For example, when the page contains several menus, ketik labeling the table of contents as "Page table of contents" helps users identify it as the primary index.

Do not rely on JavaScript to build the table of contents unless absolutely necessary, as this risks breaking accessibility if not coded with accessibility in mind. If JavaScript is unavoidable, ensure the content is communicated via ARIA live regions or by setting focus correctly.

Testing with actual screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver is non-negotiable. Use only keyboard and screen reader controls to explore the TOC to confirm all links are properly voiced, that the hierarchy is understandable, and that navigation follows a natural sequence. Also, confirm full keyboard support, meaning users can tab through each link without getting stuck or skipping items. The focus states must be clearly visible, allowing users who use keyboard-only input to see where they are on the page.

Lastly, position the table of contents thoughtfully in the document. It ought to come right after the page intro, ideally near the beginning of the main content, so screen reader users can discover it without delay without having to listen to lengthy content sections first.

If a toggle button controls the TOC visibility, make sure the button is properly labeled with ARIA attributes, such as aria-expanded and aria-controls, to indicate its state and function.

By following these best practices, you build an index that’s both美观 and inclusive, enabling everyone to navigate the document effortlessly.