Here are some tips for creating accessible form elements and handling validation errors:
1. Use Semantic HTML
• Labels: Ensure each field has a clear and descriptive label. Always use <label> or aria-labelledby / aria-describedby elements for form controls. Ensure each label is clearly associated with its corresponding input field using the for attribute.
• Fieldsets and Legends: Use <fieldset> and <legend> elements to group related form controls, providing context and improving navigation for screen readers.
2. Provide Clear Instructions
• Placeholder Text: Give users clear instructions on what is expected in each form field. Use placeholder text to give examples of expected input, but don’t rely on it as the sole means of instruction since it disappears once the user starts typing.
• Help Text: Include additional help text or tooltips to guide users on how to fill out the form correctly. Especially for the disabled or read-only elements and their activation conditions.
3. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
• Tab Order: Ensure a logical tab order for navigating through form fields using the tabindex attribute if necessary.
• Focus States: Provide clear focus states for form elements to indicate which field is currently active and that focus returns to the appropriate field when an error occurs.
4. Use Accessible Validation
• Real-Time Validation: Provide real-time validation feedback as users fill out the form, but ensure it is non-intrusive and does not disrupt the user’s flow.
• Error Messages: Display error messages next to the relevant input field. Use clear, concise language to explain the error and how to correct it.
5. Provide Visual and Auditory Feedback
• Error Indicators: Use visual indicators like color changes, icons, or borders to highlight errors and link error messages to the respective fields with aria-describedby to help users identify where the problem lies. Ensure these indicators are also perceivable by screen readers.
• ARIA Live Regions: Use ARIA live regions aria-live="assertive" or role="alert" to announce error messages and status updates to screen readers in real-time.
6. Grab the Focus for Screen Readers
• Move Focus to the Error Field: When a form is submitted with errors, programmatically shift the focus to the first error field. This ensures screen reader users are immediately aware of what went wrong.
• Focus Management in Modals: If a form is in a modal or popup, ensure that focus is trapped within the modal until it’s closed, helping screen readers navigate effectively.
7. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast
• Contrast Ratios: Ensure that text and background colors meet the minimum contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) to be readable by users with visual impairments.
8. Use Descriptive Button Text
• Submit Buttons: Use descriptive text for submit buttons (e.g., “Submit Inquiry” instead of just “Submit”) to provide context about the action being taken.
9. Provide Clear Success Messages
• Confirmation: After form submission, provide a clear success message indicating that the form was submitted successfully and what the next steps are.
10. Maintain Consistency
• Uniform Design: Keep form design consistent across your website or application to provide a predictable and user-friendly experience.
11. Test with Assistive Technologies
• Screen Readers: Test your forms with screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack to ensure they are accessible.
• Keyboard Navigation: Test form navigation using only the keyboard to ensure all elements are accessible without a mouse.
