Techniques for WCAG 2.0

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# G131: Providing descriptive labels

## Applicability

All technologies.

This technique relates to:

- Success Criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels)
  - How to Meet 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels)
  - Understanding Success Criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels)
- Success Criterion 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions)
  - How to Meet 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions)
  - Understanding Success Criterion 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions)

## Description

The objective of this technique is to ensure that the label for any interactive component within Web content makes the component's purpose clear. Using the appropriate technology-specific techniques for technologies for associating labels with interactive controls allows assistive technology to recognize the label and present it to the user.

## Examples

### Example 1: Online maps with controls for zooming in and out

A Web application presents maps of a city. Users can “zoom in" to view part of the map in greater detail, and can “zoom out" to make the show a larger part of the city. The controls can be operated using either a mouse or a keyboard. The controls are labeled “Zoom in (Ctrl + Shift + L)" And “Zoom out (Ctrl + Shift + R)."

### Example 2: A form asking the name of the user

A form asks the name of the user. It consists of two input fields to ask for the first and last name. The first field is labeled "First name", the second is labeled "Last name".

### Example 3: A form with required fields

A purchasing form includes several fields that are required. In addition to identifying the field, the label for each required field includes the word “required" in parentheses.

## Resources

No resources available for this technique.

## Tests

### Procedure

For each interface component in the content:

1. Identify the purpose of the interface component.

2. Check that any required label is present.

3. Check that each label makes the component's purpose clear.

### Expected Results

- Checks #2 and #3 are true.

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