Missing Label and Title Check

Description

The “Missing Label and Title Check” evaluates whether any form input elements are missing accessible labels.

Example outcome

I identified 1 form control without an associated <label> element and without the title attribute.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Screen readers cannot announce the purpose of the form control, making it unusable.
• Motor Impairments: People using voice input software (e.g., Dragon) may not be able to interact with the field without a name.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Unlabeled controls increase cognitive load and can make forms unusable.

Fixes

To address form control elements missing a <label> and a title:

1. Locate the form control element.
2. Add, if possible, a <label> element and properly associate it with the <input> element using the for attribute.
3. If you don’t want to have a visible label, use the title attribute in the <input> element, providing a meaningful title.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.1.1
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.3.1
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 3.3.2
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 4.1.2
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique H65: Using the title attribute to identify form controls when the label element cannot be used
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists
• WebAIM: Creating Accessible Forms