Guideline 2.5. No SC yet, I recommend adding a SC that would say something like:
"Information that is required for the successful completion of the interaction is clearly identified." There is a thread on the list with other suggestions such as the 508.
n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.
Identifying required fields.
This technique applies to interactive environments where some specific information is required.
When this task is completed, the user will be able to easily identify what information they need to provide to successfully submit a page.
Place a text note in a prominent place, usually near the top of the document, that informs the user that some specific information is required. Also, inform the user how that required information is identified.
Example 1: an acceptable way to mark required fields
All required fields are marked with an "*" (asterisk)
Example 2: a good way to mark required fields
All required fields are marked with the word like this: (Required)
No resources.
Editors note about the asterisk (*):
I realize that screen readers that have
their punctuation turned off will not speak the asterisk (*). But I was told by
a blind user that
the phrase "All required fields are marked with an *" would remind Jaws users to
turn on punctuation because the silence at the end of the phrase would make it
obvious they had punctuation turned off. I was a concerned that the asterisk is
not being used according to spec when identifying necessary fields but several people suggested it is OK because it is a
well established convention on the web. They say that it would not be wise to disallow
it as a means to identify required information.