Assistive technology
Test Visible Labels with Speech Input
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
Purpose and preparation
Check whether a person using speech input can activate controls by saying the labels they see. Record the speech product, language and browser. Include repeated buttons, icon controls and a dialog where labels change.
A practical example
A user says the visible words “Add to cart” and “Continue to delivery” instead of using a pointing device.
How to check it
- List the visible labels of the task's primary controls. Compare each with its accessible name, including any hidden text or ARIA naming.
- Use the speech tool to activate those controls by their visible names. Record ambiguous matches and controls that require a different spoken phrase.
- Repeat inside a dialog and after a state change. Confirm that visible names remain useful and that a numbering overlay is a fallback rather than the only practical path.
What can be missed
A descriptive hidden label can accidentally replace the visible words. More text is not automatically better if it makes speech commands unpredictable.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.