diff --git a/core/includes/theme.inc b/core/includes/theme.inc
index 57b45d8..a7a3af4 100644
--- a/core/includes/theme.inc
+++ b/core/includes/theme.inc
@@ -2146,8 +2146,12 @@ function theme_item_list($variables) {
   }
 
   // Only output the list container and title, if there are any list items.
+  // $title is set, is not NULL and is not the empty string ''.
+  // Since $title is not throwing NULL and empty string,
+  // who's new and who's online blocks are not throwing empty headings
+  // hence passes the accessibility check.
   if ($output !== '') {
-    if (!empty($title)) {
+    if (isset($title) && $title !== '') {
       $title = '<h3>' . $title . '</h3>';
     }
     $output = '<div class="item-list">' . $title . $output . '</div>';