[DRAFT] Forms: concepts
Overview
To create an accessible form you will need to provide:
- Descriptive labels: So that the user is in no doubt about what input they should provide and whether or not the field is mandatory;
- Clear instructions: To ensure that the user is aware of indicators or formats they need to use to complete the form;
- Understandable structure: Especially where the form is presented to the user over several pages, or there are multiple form controls covered by one single question;
- Error prevention or help with error correction: To assure successful submission.
Who benefits
Forms can be complex and difficult to use. Accessible forms are easier to complete for everyone, including people with disabilities
- People using speech input assistive technology: Can move the cursor into the fields they need to complete using voice commands.
- People with shaky hands: Can use the label as a larger clickable area for selecting small controls such as radio buttons and checkboxes.
- People using screen readers: Will have labels properly identified (including required fields and format restrictions) if labels and in-line instructions are correctly positioned and coded.
- | Top of Page |
- Next page: Labels ]
Learn more
WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria:
- Info and Relationships SC 1.3.1: Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text. (Level A);
- Headings and Labels SC 2.4.6: Headings and labels describe topic or purpose. (Level AA) ;
- Labels or Instructions SC 3.3.2: Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input. (Level A);
- Name, Role, Value SC 4.1.2: For all user interface components (including but not limited to: form elements, links and components generated by scripts), the name and role can be programmatically determined; states, properties, and values that can be set by the user can be programmatically set; and notification of changes to these items is available to user agents, including assistive technologies. (Level A)
How people with disabilities use the web (Diversity in Web Use - Design solutions - navigating and finding content).