WCAG 2.2 success criterion 3.2.2, On Input, is a Level A requirement: changing a setting does not unexpectedly change context.
Read the criterion in the W3C Recommendation, WCAG 2.2 (opens in a new tab).
How BearScan checks it
Changing a setting does not unexpectedly change context
Checked automatically: clicks through the page. Severity: medium. A select menu that navigates as soon as the value changes sends a keyboard user away while they are still arrowing through the options.
An approximation: Up to 12 selects, radio buttons, checkboxes and sliders outside sign-in and payment forms are changed in a browser that stops every navigation and write, and the page is watched for an attempt to load another page, open a window, submit a form, open a dialog or move focus. When one does, the text around the control is read by a decisions model (TypeSafe's Jev) for a warning beforehand: no warning, with 80% certainty, fails. Text fields are not changed, controls beyond the first 12 are not tried, and the value is set by script (the same change and input events a keyboard or pointer fires), so a handler that tests for a trusted event is not triggered.
How to fix it. Pair selects, radio groups and checkboxes with an explicit Go or Apply button, or warn the user before the control in text that changing it will take effect immediately.
All WCAG 2.2 criteria · Next: 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation
Questions
Is WCAG 3.2.2 required by the ADA?
The ADA doesn't name a technical standard for businesses, but the Justice Department's 2022 guidance points businesses to WCAG, and its 2024 rule for state and local governments adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which includes 3.2.2.
Can an automated tool check WCAG 3.2.2?
Mostly. BearScan checks it automatically (clicks through the page). A clean result still isn't proof every page passes, only the pages scanned.
How do I fix a WCAG 3.2.2 failure?
Pair selects, radio groups and checkboxes with an explicit Go or Apply button, or warn the user before the control in text that changing it will take effect immediately.