For general ease of use it is important for the labels, like "Last Name," to be clearly and programmatically linked with the corresponding form element, in this case an text input field. When the labels are explicitly associated with the form elements through HTML markup, assistive technologies can present the Web author's intention to a person who is blind.

Some form controls, such as submit buttons, automatically have labels associated with them, but most do not (text fields, checkboxes and radio buttons, and menus). If a label is immediately to the left of a form control or immediately above the element, then assistive technology will usually be able to convey the intent as conveyed by proximity. HTML 4 provides specific markup, the LABEL element, to connect the form element and its label.