3.2.2 On Input

What this criterion requires

Changing a form control's value must not automatically cause a change of context, unless the user was told beforehand.

Who it helps

Screen reader users, who lose their place when pages change unexpectedly.

Example: fails vs passes

<select onchange="this.form.submit()">

<select id="country"> ... </select>
    <button type="submit">Update</button>

Changing a value must not change context. Keyboard users change select values with arrows - each press would submit.

How to meet and fix it

• Use an explicit submit button instead of submitting on select change
• If auto-behavior is necessary, announce it in advance next to the control

Common failures auditors find

• Country selects that submit and reload on change
• Radio buttons that navigate on selection

Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.

Last updated 12 August 2026. Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.