[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #63535: Add support for aria-label in the Link modal (Block Editor and Classic Editor)

[WordPress Trac]

#63535: Add support for aria-label in the Link modal (Block Editor and Classic
Editor)
---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------
 Reporter:  printsachen1                     |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement                      |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal                           |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  General                          |    Version:  6.8
 Severity:  normal                           |   Keywords:
  Focuses:  accessibility, coding-standards  |
---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------
 To improve accessibility and meet **WCAG 2.1 guidelines**
 https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Techniques/aria/ARIA8 , I propose extending
 the link options in both the Block Editor and the Classic Editor to allow
 users to add an aria-label attribute to links.

 **Use case:
 **
 Screen reader users often rely on contextual information to understand
 where a link will take them. In some cases, the visible link text is not
 descriptive enough, especially when the text is generic (e.g. “Read more”
 or “Click here”). Adding an aria-label allows content creators to provide
 more context without changing the visible content.

 **Proposed solution:
 **
 Add a new optional input field to the link modal for entering an aria-
 label value.

 If the field is filled out, the aria-label attribute should be added to
 the anchor (<a>) tag.

 Ensure proper sanitisation and output escaping for the attribute.

 References:

 WAI ARIA Technique: ARIA8: Using aria-label for link purpose

 Related accessibility best practices:
 https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/menus/structure/#describing-links

 Accessibility Impact:

 This enhancement will help WordPress meet modern accessibility standards
 (WCAG 2.1 / EN 301 549) and provide a better experience for users relying
 on assistive technologies.

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/63535>
WordPress Trac <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/>
WordPress publishing platform