input type=text inside label with text before and after control Screen reader compatibility

Expected Result: works in a screen reader

Actual Result: causes problems in 10 screen reader / browser combinations

Code used for this test:

		<label>Enter search text
		<input type='text'>
		blanks not allowed
		</label>
	

Reliability Trend

This graph shows reliability over time for this code in NVDA, JAWS and Voiceover. Other screen readers don't have enough historical data yet to plot trends.

Change History

Last updated: December 12, 2023

• NVDA with Chrome Stable - OK from NVDA 2018.4 to NVDA 2023.3
• NVDA with IE Stable - OK from NVDA 2012.3 to NVDA 2019.2
• NVDA with FF Stable - OK from NVDA 2012.1 to NVDA 2023.3
• JAWS with Chrome Better - caused problems in JAWS 2019.1912.1, but now OK in JAWS 2023.2311.34
• JAWS with IE Stable - OK from JAWS 13.0.852 to JAWS 2019.1912.1
• JAWS with FF Stable - OK from JAWS 13.0.852 to JAWS 2023.2311.34
• VoiceOver macOS Causes problems in VoiceOver macOS 13.6
• VoiceOver iOS Stable - OK from VoiceOver iOS 7.1 to VoiceOver iOS 16.6
• WindowEyes with IE Stable - OK from WindowEyes 8.4 to WindowEyes 9.2
• Dolphin with IE OK in Dolphin SR 15.05
• SaToGo with IE Causes problems in SaToGo 3.4.96.0

Test notes

All tests were carried out with screen reader factory settings. JAWS in particular has a wide variety of settings controlling exactly what gets spoken.

Screen readers allow users to interact in different modes, and can produce very different results in each mode. The modes used in these tests are:

• Reading Content read using the “read next” command in a screen reader
• Tabbing Content read using the “tab” key in a screen reader
• Heading Content read using the “next heading” key in a screen reader
• Touch Content read when touching an area of screen on a mobile device

In the “What the user hears” column:

• Commas represent short pauses in screen reader voicing
• Full Stops represent places where voicing stops, and the “read next” or “tab” or “next heading” command is pressed again
• Ellipsis … represent a long pause in voicing
• (Brackets) represent voicing that requires a keystroke to hear