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Re: Is using aria-label to add alternative text - but no alt attribute still a WCAG fail?

for

From: Sailesh Panchang
Date: Aug 26, 2024 11:29AM

Every documented technique generally states the situations it is suited for.
So yes, one can assign a title attribute for every form control on the
website and it will not result in a WCAG failure technically.
But not using the label-for technique (H44) where a visible label is
present will disadvantage some users who may need a larger clickable region
in some situations. The aria-label or aria-labelledby will pass too but
again that is not the situations for which these techniques are designed
for.
So also with alt for an image. Unless there are special circumstances that
warrant the use of an aria-label for an HTML IMG element, the alt is the
way to go.
Where an element is exposed as an image with role attribute, one can use
the aria-label to assign it a name for instance.
The issue therefore is that accessibility consultants should point out
situations where a technique is used inappropriately and point to the
technique that makes most sense.
Using ARIA is often done in order to appear fashionable, impress a boss etc
or simply because the developer is uninformed without realizing the effect
on end users. It also makes dev work more taxing especially for
maintenance.
I have seen lots of situations where aria-label is used to name links using
redundant verbose text painful for SR users by overriding visible link
text that is perfectly apt. Or, aria label to expose both column header and
row header in a static data table in place of TH for row/column headers.
Thanks
Sailesh Panchang | +1 (571) 344-1765
Technical Solutions Architect

Email: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Deque Systems Inc | - Accessibility for Good | www.deque.com














On Sat, Aug 24, 2024 at 5:35 PM Kevin Prince < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
wrote:

> It's not a compliance failure if the information is provided in alternate
> means, and it is clear. So alt="" and an aria label would neet that.
> It's horrible though ????
>
> Kevin Prince
> Accessibility Consultant
> Access Advisors
>
> Phone: +64212220638
> Web: https://accessadvisors.nz/
>
>
> If you have any access needs why not join our research panel where you can
> be paid to help improve digital accessibility in New Zealand.
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>