The following tests compare methods of including instructions within form fields. The challenge is to find a way that allows the instruction to be read in a screen reader's "forms mode", when only focusable elements can be read:
Test 6, wrapping instructions in links w/ tabindex=0, seems to be the best compromise -- it allows screen reader users to read the instruction while in forms mode and requires a minimal amount of valid (if semantically questionable) code. Its biggest drawback is that it add additional tab stops for keyboard users, blind or not. Until screen readers can eliminate forms mode, this is the solution we recommend.