link-name

Ensures that every link has an accessible name.

Description

Link elements, such as <a> or those defined with role="link", should have an accessible name to ensure screen readers accurately convey their purpose and destination, enabling users to predict where the link will take them.

Why is it important?

Assistive technologies rely on the accessible name to label, announce, and interact with UI elements such as links. When these elements lack a valid accessible name, assistive technologies are unable to accurately parse and convey the content, leading to a loss of functionality for users.

Examples

• Success:

  • <a> has an accessible name using the aria-label attribute.

• Failure:

  • <a> has no accessible name to describe its unique purpose.

How to fix?

Use one of the following methods to provide an accessible name:

• aria-label attribute
• aria-labelledby attribute
• Link text availale to assistive technologies

Tags

cat.name-role-value, wcag2a, wcag412, wcag244, section508, section508.22.a, ACT

References

• WCAG 2.1 Technique G91
• WCAG 2.1 Technique H30
• Deque University: link-name
• Accessibility Insights: link-name
• Evinced Digital Accessibility Knowledge Base: link-name