Assigning Labels to User Interface Elements

To assign labels to user interface elements:

1. Open the properties for the image or page control in PeopleSoft Application Designer.

2. On the Label tab, select the type of label, and enter or select the label text.

   Label types include a message from the Message Catalog, custom label text, or the RFT long or RFT short label if the image or control is associated with a record field. (Not all label types are available for all types of controls.) The Message Catalog is the preferred source of label text because it can be translated. The Message Catalog contains labels for the following types of page elements: folder tabs, scroll left and right buttons, hide and show grid tabs, prompt buttons, expand and collapse grid buttons, group boxes, and scroll areas.

   Follow these principles when choosing the type of label:

   • For buttons and links that perform a function, choose a label that describes the function (for example, Search or Save).

   • For data entry fields, choose a label that describes what to enter in the field.

   • If an image displays text, choose a label that is exactly the same as the text in the image.

   • If an image is not active but conveys information, choose a label that conveys the same information (for example, a description of the status).

   • If an image is redundant or conveys no information, leave the label blank.

Guidelines for Data Entry Field Labels

To ensure that screen readers read data entry field labels properly, use the following general guidelines when creating field labels:

• Avoid repeating group box labels in the field labels within the group box.

  When you include fields within a group box, screen readers read the group box label before each field label within the group box.

• Avoid adding additional text after the field that explains information about what the user should enter.

  Screen readers do not typically read this type of text with the field labels. Instead, a user must specifically command the screen reader to read the entire page or a particular area of the page. As an alternative to including additional text after the field, make the field label more descriptive.

• Do not use static text or a second independent field as the label for a data entry field.

  Doing so may cause confusion for people who are blind or visually impaired, because not all screen readers interpret these situations correctly. Always assign the label to the field in the properties for that field.

• Do not insert a text field above a column of entry fields to simulate a table and column heading.

  Instead, assign a unique label to each field or use a grid, if appropriate.

• Size edit boxes, long edit boxes, and drop-down list boxes so that the full contents are visible without horizontal scrolling.

• Place labels close to the corresponding fields.

  For edited boxes, long edited boxes, and drop-down list boxes, place labels to the left (or above) the field. For check boxes and radio buttons, place labels to the right.

  Note:

  Do not place entry fields between radio buttons. This placement may interfere with how screen readers read the radio buttons.

Guidelines for Group Boxes

If group boxes are used only for visual layout purposes, select the Suppress Accessible Label check box in Application Designer on the Group Box Properties – Label tab. This prevents screen readers from reading the label when the Accessibility Layout option is set to Screen Reader On.

Avoid nesting group-boxes unnecessarily as this can lead to confusion for screen reader users. It is recommended to use only one level deep for group boxes. For additional levels, use a header.