spec checked

WAI-ARIA APG: Providing Accessible Names and Descriptions

Documents accessible naming for focusable interactive elements, including icon button examples where the accessible name should describe the action rather than the icon shape.

Open source

Pattern Decisions This Source Supports

Pattern Supported decision Required contract Claim note
Icon-only ambiguous action Flag this anti-pattern when the icon meaning is not clear from the visible label, surrounding row, action group, and product convention. The visual control, accessible name, and action result use the same verb and object. WAI-ARIA APG documents accessible names for focusable interactive elements and action-based naming for icon buttons.
Text input Choose text input when the user enters a short freeform value such as a reference, title, identifier, one-line note, or organization name. Typing, deleting, selection, undo, and paste operate like a native single-line text field. WAI-ARIA APG names and descriptions guidance supports accessible naming and avoiding placeholder-only naming for inputs.
Textarea Choose textarea when the expected response is more than a short single-line answer. Typing, selection, line breaks, paste, undo, redo, and spellcheck follow native textarea behavior. WAI-ARIA APG names and descriptions guidance supports accessible labels and descriptions for textarea fields.

Evidence Role

This source is treated as spec evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.

Publisher: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. Last checked: .