WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

RE: Field labels

for

From: Jon Gunderson
Date: Mar 10, 2004 7:52AM


I think it is also important to remember that not all accessibility considerations are centered on screen reader compatibility. People with low vision or people with learning disabilities also need proper labeling.

Jon



---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 08:24:24 -0600
>From: Tim Harshbarger < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
>Subject: RE: Field labels
>To: "' <EMAIL REMOVED> '" < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
>
>Allison and Julian,
>
>Another method for labeling fields is the title attribute.
>
><input type="text" name="address2" title="Address 2" />
>
>In this case, a non-visual browser, such as a screen reader, would provide
>the title attribute information. -- at least, that is my understanding.
>
>However, for grouping a number of logically related fields, I think Julian
>is right to suggest using the fieldset element.
>
>The question is would something along the lines of:
>
><fieldset>
> <legend>Expiration Date</legend>
> <input type="text" name="month" />
> /
> <input type="text" name="year" />
></fieldset>
>
>Provide enough information to the user to figure out what they need to
>enter.
>
>Perhaps, with the right visual cues, someone looking at the page may know
>what to enter.
>
>I am uncertain that an auditory rendering of the visual cues may assist
>someone using a screen reader though.
>
>In JAWS, it would be rendered like this -- "Expiration Date edit".
>
>In this case, I think it helps to have some kind of label to indicate that
>all you want is the month. Either that or I would suggest using a combobox
>with a list of the months. That may also clarify what information is being
>requested.
>
>Tim
>