Input Buttons Must Have Discernible Text

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Quick Reference

Element Code: AC-020

Issue: Input buttons (submit, reset, button types) lack accessible text

Impact: Screen readers cannot announce the button purpose

Fix: Add value attribute or aria-label to input buttons

Detection: axe DevTools, WAVE, form accessibility audits

What Is This Issue?

Input elements with type="submit", type="reset", or type="button" need accessible text. Without a value attribute or aria-label, screen readers announce only "button" with no indication of what it does.

Why This Matters for Your Website

Buttons are primary interaction points. Unlabeled buttons prevent users from understanding and completing tasks.

How to Fix This Issue

  1. Add value attribute:
  2. Or use aria-label: For image inputs or special cases
  3. Consider button element: More flexible than input type="button"

Tools for Detection

  • axe DevTools: Identifies unlabeled input buttons

TL;DR (The Simple Version)

Your input buttons have no text. Add a value attribute like value="Submit" or value="Search" so users know what each button does.

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