HomeCheckpoint 1.12 - Java
All logically associated GUI components are grouped and have been assigned a name
WCAG 1.0 Priority 2
WCAG Guideline 12. Provide context and orientation information.
A number of GUI components are utilized as a logical group of subcomponents, such as radio buttons and checkboxes. When these are specifically grouped and assigned a name they become more understandable to users of the application. These groups can also be semantically accessed by assistive technologies to provide better comprehension, accessibility and use.
Requirement
When GUI components have a logical association, group them and assign the grouping a name.
Recommendation
An example would be where search options are grouped into a panel with a name of "Search Options." This would help an assistive technology to read the name of the "Search Options" when one of the elements in the group is tabbed to.
To identify a logical group using Java Foundation Classes, add components to JPanels and set the AccessibleName on the JPanel. Another technique is to create a JPanel with a JFC TitledBorder. There is no reason to set the AccessibleName because the JFC will set the name to the title text.
Checking Tool
To test proper component grouping use a screen reader to ensure that the components have their group name spoken when they receive focus. Typically only the first element in a group will have its group name spoken with the component.
Information Source
The original source of this information is located on the W3C web site (www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10-TECHS/#tech-group-information)
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