Comparsion of Link Context Techniques

Technique Preferred Accessible Name Accessible Description Group Label Comments
aria-describedy no - Yes -
  • Screen readers do not show link context information in list of links.
  • Accessible description is computed from visually displayed text content (i.e. higher chance of being accurate).
aria-labelledby Yes Yes - -
  • Screen readers show link context information in list of links.
  • IDREFs must be uniquely generated and the references accurately set and maintained.
  • Accessible name is computed from visually displayed text content (i.e. higher chance of being accurate).
aria-label Yes Yes - -
  • Screen readers show link context information in list of links.
  • Attribute value has some redundant content with the link text.
  • Accessible name is computed from text content that is hidden from most users (i.e. lower chance of being accurate).
off-screen text Yes Yes - -
  • Screen readers show link context information in list of links.
  • Extra element in the link with redundant text.
  • Accessible name is computed from text content that is hidden from most users (i.e. lower chance of being accurate).
group label no - - Yes
  • Some screen reader will read the group label, others do not.
  • Screen readers do not show link context information in list of links.
  • Extra element in the link with redundant text.
  • Accessible name for grouping element (e.g. ul) is computed text content that is visible (i.e. higher chance of being accurate).