DO NOT USE - USE checkpoint 4.1.2.a: Form field is not labeled

Rule

Labels MUST be programmatically associated with their corresponding elements.

Background

People who are blind cannot use the visual presentation of a form to determine the label for a form element. In order for screen reader users to be certain of a form field's label, every form input and control needs a label, also known as an "accessible name." When form elements have a programmatically determinable accessible name, a screen reader user can put focus on a form element and the screen reader will automatically read the label and element type together. In addition, some coding methods will create a larger clickable area for the form element which benefits people with motor disabilities.

How to Fix

Fix this issue by using ONE of the following techniques:

1. Explicit label: Under most circumstances, the best technique is to use the <label> element with the for attribute. The value of the for attribute is the id attribute value of the <input> element.

<label for="fname">First Name:</label> <input type="text" name="fn" id="fname">

2. Use an aria-label attribute or title attribute on the <input> to provide a label when there is no visible label.

<input type="text" aria-label="search"> <input type="submit" value="Search">

3. Use an aria-labelledby attribute on the <input> to reference a visible label. The value of the aria-labelledby attribute is the id attribute value of the visible text label.

<span id="nickname">Nickname:</span> <input type="text" aria-labelledby="nickname">

4. Implicit label (explicit label method is strongly preferred): Wrap the form element within the <label> element.

<label>First Name: <input type="text" name="fn"></label>