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Re: "<label>" for search field

for

From: Rakesh.Paladugula@cognizant.com
Date: May 18, 2010 4:24AM

Hi Mike,

Title attribute is read when navigating through arrow keys in Microsoft explorer but its not similar when we go through the webpage in firefox. I have noticed JAWS 11 not reading title in firefox when I tried to navigate the page using firefox with arrow keys. When I use tab key JAWS is reading title in both the browsers.

When we speak about WCAG 2.0 guidelines, According to guideline 2.4.6 Headings and labels describe topic or purpose and a level AA priority. Labels are given where ever user interaction is required. In this scenario search text box is a user interacting element.

According to guideline 3.3.2, labels or instructions are provided when user input is required which is a level A priority. Usually using "title" we wont give instructions so labels are mandetary.

Even if we evaluate the page in automated testing tools such as web AIM's Wave tool, we encounter an accessibility error if we don't provide label for form elements.

I have provided the info basing on JAWS 11, internet explorer 6 and firefox 3.5. Feel free to write back for any further clarification.

Thanks & regards

Rakesh Paladugula

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Mob: 9030497136