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Re: Label vs ALT tag on form elements

for

From: Moore, Michael
Date: Mar 21, 2007 12:20PM

Perhaps its time for a little comparison and some results of testing.

First the 508 requirement

§ 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications...
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

Nothing specific there about the method of accomplishing that goal.

Results of our tests with two assistive technologies.

JAWS 6.1+ label element and title attribute both work with default reader settings, alt on anything but image attribute fails. If title and label are both present JAWS will favor the label.

ZoomText 9.0: Label element fails with ZoomText's reader. Title attribute provides most reliable rendering of the purpose of the input.

Our recommendation: Use both title and label whenever possible to achieve the most robust coverage.

Mike Moore
Accessibility Specialist
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
(512) 424-4159