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RE: Labelling form elements for date

for

From: Tim Harshbarger
Date: Aug 11, 2002 1:14AM

Jed,

It is possible to associate a single label with all 3 pull-downs by giving
the 3 pull-downs the same exact ID.

If we are talking about screen reader access, another method is to label the
3 pull-downs with the TITLE attribute.

You could also associate 3 separate labels with the 3 different pull-downs,
but that doesn't sound like a solution you would be favouring.

There are a couple of disadvantages to using a single label for multiple
pull-downs. First, clicking on a label (depending on the browser) usually
causes the focus to be moved to the associated control. However, with 3
associated pull-downs, the focus will always move to the last control in the
tab order. The second problem has to do with screen readers that can handle
the LABEL tag. At best, you will end up with a screen reader reading the
same label for every single associated control. How do you know which
pull-down you are focused on?

The problem with using the TITLE attributes is that there is no visible
label associated with the controls unless your browser displays a tool tip
with the contents of the TITLE attribute in it whenever the mouse is over
the control. However, unlike the single LABEL solution, you can have 3
separate labels for the pull-downs without taking up any screen real estate.

Thanks,
Tim
Tim Harshbarger
Disability Support
State Farm Insurance Companies
Phone: (309) 766-0154
E-mail: <EMAIL REMOVED>