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Every website must be ADA-accessible.

A website that is not ADA accessible can face ADA web accessibility claims, as well as ADA web accessibility lawsuits.

Just as you might assume, one facet of ADA accessibility is the labels and names on your website’s code.

Clarifying the difference between a “label” and a “name” while speaking with a New York ADA lawyer will make it easier for you to protect yourself from ADA web accessibility claims/lawsuits.

What Is The Difference Between A “Label” And “Name?”

Every single interactive element on your website must have a “label” as well as a name.
A “label” is, within the context of web design and development, a piece of descriptive text that clarifies what users must do/input while interacting with a particular element.

Just as an example, if your users must enter a password in order to access your site, then you can develop a label that says “.”

If someone sees that label – or if their screen reader sees it – they should be able to understand that the element they are interacting with requires them to input their password.

Even though a label is relatively thorough, it is not enough.

All of the interactive elements must come with a label, as well as a name that further expands on the purpose of that interactive element.

A “name,” then, is a descriptive element that clarifies the purpose of an element in conjunction with its label.

How Can You Develop Accessible Labels?

The best way to develop accessible labels is to go over the interactive elements on your website.

If you have interactive elements that have no label or a label that just says “field” or “button,” then this is far from sufficient and, furthermore, often completely inaccessible to those who rely on certain assistive technologies.

To remedy this problem, you can make a label that further clarifies the element.

Just as an example, if you have a password field, you can create a label that says “.”

The same basic premise applies to a wide variety of different interactive elements, all of which must have accessible labels.

How Can You Develop Accessible Names?

The best way to develop accessible names is to create a clear, precise description of the interactive element you wish to name.

Just as an example, if you have a password field, the name can be “Enter Your Password.”

If a particular element has no name and, instead, has little more than a label that clarifies what the element is – “button,” for example – your users may not be able to understand the purpose of that element.

Outside of the above, it is best, when developing labels and names, to avoid terms such as “Click This Link” or “Type Here,” as these fail to describe what is most relevant.