Aria Toggle Field Name
Critical - WCAG Level A
The accessibility issue arises when ARIA toggle fields (like checkboxes or switches) do not have an accessible name. This can occur when the toggle field lacks a corresponding label or when the label is not properly associated with the toggle field using the appropriate HTML attributes. Without an accessible name, users relying on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, may not understand the purpose of the toggle field, which can lead to confusion and hinder usability.
For users with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or have low vision and rely on screen readers, an accessible name is crucial. Screen readers announce the accessible name of form controls to help users understand their function. If a toggle field lacks a name, users may not know what the toggle does, leading to a frustrating experience and potential errors in form submission.
How to fix it:
Use the
<label>element: Ensure that each toggle field has a corresponding<label>element that describes its function. Theforattribute of the label should match theidof the toggle field.Use
aria-labeloraria-labelledby: If a visible label is not appropriate, usearia-labelto provide an accessible name directly on the toggle field oraria-labelledbyto reference another element that serves as the label.Ensure proper roles: Make sure the toggle field has the correct ARIA role (e.g.,
role="checkbox"for checkboxes orrole="switch"for toggle switches).
Best practices:
Always provide a visible label when possible. It enhances usability for all users, not just those using assistive technologies.
Use descriptive text for labels that clearly convey the purpose of the toggle.
Test with screen readers to ensure that the toggle fields are announced correctly.
Common mistakes:
Using empty labels (e.g.,
<label></label>) or labels that do not convey meaningful information.Forgetting to associate the label with the toggle field using the
forandidattributes.Over-relying on ARIA attributes without providing visible labels when possible, as this can lead to a poor user experience for sighted users as well.