Forms

Making forms accessible is pretty easy with the right techniques. A few of these are outlined below.

Techniques for Accessible Forms

Let's look at just a few of the techniques to make forms accessible.

Labels

When properly coded, labels can provide both visual and programatic cues about what should be entered in a form field. Screen readers will read the label when the user enters the form. They provide the following benefits:

• Screen readers will iread the label when they enter the field.
• Mouse users can click on the labeland activate the control, providing a larger clickable area.
  • Checkboxes and radio buttons will be activated.
  • The cursor will be placed in the field for text fields.

Buttons

Many sites will use objects styled to look like buttons to interact with the form. These require scripting to "listen" for clicks and keyboard interaction, whereas using a simple button doesn't require that scripting and will accomplish the same thing.

Sometimes, the scripting will only look for click actions and disregard keyboards. In a case like that, it makes the form inaccessible to screen reader and keyboard-only users.

Other Techniques

While they won't be covered here, other techniques for form accessibility include the following:

• Error Handling: Forms should provide clear instructions on how to fix problems with data that's entered.
• Indicating Required Fields: Indications should be provided showing that a form field is required.
• Complex Forms: When forms are long and complicated, best practice is to break them into smaller "chunks."
• And more...

Sample Accessible Form

Here's a sample feedback form using some of the techniques outlined above.

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