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Re: Forms, forms mode and static text interaction with Jaws.

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From: Tim Harshbarger
Date: Oct 8, 2012 7:50PM

This discussion seems to be focusing on how to ensure someone using a screen reader reads extraneous text that isn't part of a form field when the text is displayed as part of a form.

It occurs to me that there really isn't a way to ensure someone who can read the page will read that text either. You can do things to try to draw attention to the text, but you can't ensure the user reads it. The screen reader problem you are trying to solve may be a lot easier to solve if you make it parallel the visual issue--which really is "How do you increase the likelihood that the person will read the advertisement or extraneous text?"

I think someone mentioned using a complementary role to the text. A header may also be a way to draw attention to the text. It is a solution with its own drawbacks, but if your intention is to draw the user's focus to that text, you basically need to add something that is likely to catch the attention of someone using a screen reader. If you want to reduce confusion about whether or not the text relates to the form, you will probably need to add some things to ensure the user knows this is an advertisement.

But all the above are just thoughts off the top of my head and are totally unedited.

Thanks,
Tim