diff --git a/e2e/coach-layout.spec.ts b/e2e/coach-layout.spec.ts
index ae6bfbaec..75c1da37a 100644
--- a/e2e/coach-layout.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/coach-layout.spec.ts
@@ -514,10 +514,8 @@ test.describe("Coach page frame", () => {
       expect(await stripBox(strip(page))).toEqual(stripOpen);
       await expect(expand(page)).toBeFocused();
       await expect(expand(page)).toHaveAttribute("aria-expanded", "false");
-      await expect(expand(page)).toHaveAttribute(
-        "aria-label",
-        "Show conversations",
-      );
+      // Named by its visible label; the action is the tooltip (WCAG 2.5.3).
+      await expect(expand(page)).toHaveAttribute("title", "Show conversations");
       await expect(
         panel(page).locator('[data-slot="coach-history-select"]'),
       ).toHaveCount(0);
diff --git a/e2e/day-view.spec.ts b/e2e/day-view.spec.ts
index 0aae88187..c4e5f5fd4 100644
--- a/e2e/day-view.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/day-view.spec.ts
@@ -192,7 +192,9 @@ test.describe("the day view", () => {
     await expect(expand).toBeFocused();
     await expect(expand).toHaveAttribute("aria-expanded", "false");
     await expect(expand).toHaveAttribute("aria-controls", "day-docked-panel");
-    expect(await expand.getAttribute("aria-label")).toMatch(/^Show /);
+    // Named by its visible date (WCAG 2.5.3); the action is the tooltip.
+    expect(await expand.getAttribute("aria-label")).toBeNull();
+    expect(await expand.getAttribute("title")).toMatch(/^Show /);
     expect((await rail.boundingBox())!.width).toBeLessThanOrEqual(40);
 
     // Another page: the edge is still there and brings the same day back,
diff --git a/messages/de.json b/messages/de.json
index 1b8503088..6c5b6ba81 100644
--- a/messages/de.json
+++ b/messages/de.json
@@ -11908,7 +11908,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Über dieses Dokument chatten",
-      "openAria": "Coach über dieses Dokument fragen",
       "openButton": "Coach fragen"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/en.json b/messages/en.json
index 07b2f0e74..26878b719 100644
--- a/messages/en.json
+++ b/messages/en.json
@@ -11960,7 +11960,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Chat about this document",
-      "openAria": "Ask the Coach about this document",
       "openButton": "Ask the Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/es.json b/messages/es.json
index 36448140f..cddc6c79b 100644
--- a/messages/es.json
+++ b/messages/es.json
@@ -1556,12 +1556,12 @@
         "weekdays": {
           "label": "Días de la semana",
           "short": {
-            "mo": "Mo",
+            "mo": "Lu",
             "tu": "Ma",
             "we": "Mi",
             "th": "Ju",
-            "fr": "Fr",
-            "sa": "Sa",
+            "fr": "Vi",
+            "sa": "Sá",
             "su": "Do"
           },
           "long": {
@@ -11908,7 +11908,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Chatea sobre este documento",
-      "openAria": "Pregunta al Coach sobre este documento",
       "openButton": "Preguntar al Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/fr.json b/messages/fr.json
index a8236ec64..c11135c11 100644
--- a/messages/fr.json
+++ b/messages/fr.json
@@ -1556,11 +1556,11 @@
         "weekdays": {
           "label": "Jours de la semaine",
           "short": {
-            "mo": "Mo",
+            "mo": "Lu",
             "tu": "Ma",
             "we": "Me",
             "th": "Je",
-            "fr": "Fr",
+            "fr": "Ve",
             "sa": "Sa",
             "su": "Di"
           },
@@ -11881,7 +11881,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Discuter de ce document",
-      "openAria": "Interroger le Coach sur ce document",
       "openButton": "Demander au Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/it.json b/messages/it.json
index 99ee64dd2..c6ad4adf8 100644
--- a/messages/it.json
+++ b/messages/it.json
@@ -1556,11 +1556,11 @@
         "weekdays": {
           "label": "Giorni della settimana",
           "short": {
-            "mo": "Mo",
+            "mo": "Lu",
             "tu": "Ma",
             "we": "Me",
             "th": "Gi",
-            "fr": "Fr",
+            "fr": "Ve",
             "sa": "Sa",
             "su": "Do"
           },
@@ -11908,7 +11908,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Chatta su questo documento",
-      "openAria": "Chiedi al Coach su questo documento",
       "openButton": "Chiedi al Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/ko.json b/messages/ko.json
index 286e9d099..2485ebc17 100644
--- a/messages/ko.json
+++ b/messages/ko.json
@@ -11841,7 +11841,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "이 문서에 대해 대화",
-      "openAria": "이 문서에 대해 코치에게 묻기",
       "openButton": "코치에게 묻기"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/nl.json b/messages/nl.json
index 4a6ae7395..08d578b27 100644
--- a/messages/nl.json
+++ b/messages/nl.json
@@ -11841,7 +11841,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Chatten over dit document",
-      "openAria": "De Coach een vraag stellen over dit document",
       "openButton": "Vraag het de Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/pl.json b/messages/pl.json
index e82a5da9e..3dee081df 100644
--- a/messages/pl.json
+++ b/messages/pl.json
@@ -1556,13 +1556,13 @@
         "weekdays": {
           "label": "Dni tygodnia",
           "short": {
-            "mo": "Mo",
-            "tu": "Wt",
-            "we": "Śr",
-            "th": "Cz",
-            "fr": "Fr",
-            "sa": "Sa",
-            "su": "Nd"
+            "mo": "Pon",
+            "tu": "Wto",
+            "we": "Śro",
+            "th": "Czw",
+            "fr": "Pią",
+            "sa": "Sob",
+            "su": "Nie"
           },
           "long": {
             "mo": "Poniedziałek",
@@ -11908,7 +11908,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Porozmawiaj o tym dokumencie",
-      "openAria": "Zapytaj Coacha o ten dokument",
       "openButton": "Zapytaj Coacha"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/messages/pt-BR.json b/messages/pt-BR.json
index 00030a2e0..e3e7ddb9a 100644
--- a/messages/pt-BR.json
+++ b/messages/pt-BR.json
@@ -11841,7 +11841,6 @@
     },
     "chat": {
       "title": "Conversar sobre este documento",
-      "openAria": "Perguntar ao Coach sobre este documento",
       "openButton": "Perguntar ao Coach"
     },
     "readingConsent": {
diff --git a/src/__tests__/baselines/source-function-lines.json b/src/__tests__/baselines/source-function-lines.json
index 6ee015b92..fe8ee6eb1 100644
--- a/src/__tests__/baselines/source-function-lines.json
+++ b/src/__tests__/baselines/source-function-lines.json
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@
     "components/admin/host-metrics-chart.tsx :: HostMetricsChart": 232,
     "components/admin/invite-tokens-section.tsx :: InviteTokensSection": 525,
     "components/admin/key-backup-card.tsx :: KeyBackupCard": 238,
-    "components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx :: LoginOverviewSection": 520,
+    "components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx :: LoginOverviewSection": 522,
     "components/admin/pulse-day-mean-card.tsx :: PulseDayMeanCard": 305,
     "components/admin/reminders-section.tsx :: RemindersSection": 309,
     "components/admin/user-management-section.tsx :: UserManagementSection": 634,
@@ -111,11 +111,11 @@
     "components/custom-metrics/custom-metric-form.tsx :: CustomMetricForm": 214,
     "components/custom-metrics/custom-metric-history-list.tsx :: CustomMetricHistoryList": 302,
     "components/cycle/bbt-chart.tsx :: BbtChart": 244,
-    "components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx :: CycleCalendar": 303,
+    "components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx :: CycleCalendar": 304,
     "components/cycle/cycle-settings.tsx :: CycleSettings": 228,
     "components/cycle/cycle-view.tsx :: CycleView": 408,
     "components/cycle/log-day-sheet.tsx :: LogDaySheet": 753,
-    "components/daily/today-hero.tsx :: TodayHero": 490,
+    "components/daily/today-hero.tsx :: TodayHero": 492,
     "components/dashboard/dashboard-header.tsx :: DashboardHeader": 215,
     "components/dashboard/medication-intake-quick-add.tsx :: MedicationIntakeQuickAdd": 384,
     "components/day/day-layer.tsx :: DayLayer": 374,
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@
     "components/medications/glp1-medication-card.tsx :: Glp1MedicationCard": 405,
     "components/medications/injection-site-picker.tsx :: InjectionSitePicker": 287,
     "components/medications/intake-history-editable.tsx :: IntakeHistoryEditable": 224,
-    "components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx :: IntakeHistoryListV2": 435,
+    "components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx :: IntakeHistoryListV2": 437,
     "components/medications/intake-import-dialog.tsx :: IntakeImportDialog": 208,
     "components/medications/log-intake-dialog.tsx :: LogIntakeDialog": 267,
     "components/medications/medication-card.tsx :: MedicationCard": 413,
diff --git a/src/components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx b/src/components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx
index a20d6578d..01cded22c 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/login-overview-section.tsx
@@ -499,10 +499,12 @@ export function LoginOverviewSection() {
                                 copyIp(entry.id, entry.ipAddress as string)
                               }
                               title={entry.ipAddress}
-                              aria-label={t("admin.copyIp")}
                               data-slot="login-overview-ip"
                               className="hover:text-foreground focus-visible:ring-ring inline-flex max-w-[10rem] items-center gap-1 rounded font-mono focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
                             >
+                              <span className="sr-only">
+                                {t("admin.copyIp")}
+                              </span>
                               <span className="truncate">
                                 {entry.ipAddress}
                               </span>
diff --git a/src/components/admin/user-management-section.tsx b/src/components/admin/user-management-section.tsx
index 6f8f23a34..5ae5c41fb 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/user-management-section.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/user-management-section.tsx
@@ -202,14 +202,10 @@ export function UserManagementSection() {
               ? t("admin.demoteToUser")
               : t("admin.promoteToAdmin")
         }
-        aria-label={
-          u.role === "ADMIN"
-            ? t("admin.demoteToUser")
-            : t("admin.promoteToAdmin")
-        }
       >
         <Shield className="h-3 w-3" aria-hidden="true" />
         {u.role === "ADMIN" ? t("admin.toUser") : t("admin.toAdmin")}
+        <span className="sr-only">, {u.username}</span>
       </Button>
       <Button
         variant="ghost"
@@ -226,15 +222,11 @@ export function UserManagementSection() {
             ? t("admin.mfaEnforcedOnHint")
             : t("admin.mfaEnforcedOffHint")
         }
-        aria-label={
-          u.mfaEnforced
-            ? t("admin.mfaEnforcedOnHint")
-            : t("admin.mfaEnforcedOffHint")
-        }
         aria-pressed={u.mfaEnforced}
       >
         <ShieldCheck className="h-3 w-3" aria-hidden="true" />
         {u.mfaEnforced ? t("admin.mfaEnforcedOn") : t("admin.mfaEnforcedOff")}
+        <span className="sr-only">, {u.username}</span>
       </Button>
       {/* The three icon tools travel as one group: on a phone the row wraps
           between the labelled toggles and the tools, never leaving the
diff --git a/src/components/cycle/__tests__/cycle-calendar.test.tsx b/src/components/cycle/__tests__/cycle-calendar.test.tsx
index 5b6753993..8cec062a3 100644
--- a/src/components/cycle/__tests__/cycle-calendar.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/cycle/__tests__/cycle-calendar.test.tsx
@@ -40,10 +40,10 @@ function dayBase(date: string): CalendarDay {
   };
 }
 
-/** The opening tag of one day's cell, by its date in the aria-label. */
+/** The opening tag of one day's cell, by its `data-date`. */
 function cellTag(html: string, date: string): string {
   const match = html.match(
-    new RegExp(`<(?:button|div)[^>]*aria-label="${date}[^"]*"[^>]*>`),
+    new RegExp(`<(?:button|div)[^>]*data-date="${date}"[^>]*>`),
   );
   if (!match) throw new Error(`no cell for ${date}`);
   return match[0];
diff --git a/src/components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx b/src/components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx
index 27b21d011..72b431bf3 100644
--- a/src/components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/cycle/cycle-calendar.tsx
@@ -67,6 +67,32 @@ function mondayIndex(d: Date): number {
 
 type Translate = ReturnType<typeof useTranslations>["t"];
 
+const CELL_DATE_FORMATS = new Map<Locale, Intl.DateTimeFormat>();
+
+/**
+ * A day cell's accessible name: the long date, then its markers. The long
+ * date contains the day number the cell shows (WCAG 2.5.3, label in name);
+ * the ISO key it used to read out ("2026-10-01") did not.
+ */
+function cellLabel(
+  date: string,
+  markers: readonly string[],
+  locale: Locale,
+): string {
+  let format = CELL_DATE_FORMATS.get(locale);
+  if (!format) {
+    format = new Intl.DateTimeFormat(resolveIntlLocale(locale), {
+      day: "numeric",
+      month: "long",
+      year: "numeric",
+      timeZone: "UTC",
+    });
+    CELL_DATE_FORMATS.set(locale, format);
+  }
+  const day = format.format(new Date(`${date}T12:00:00Z`));
+  return markers.length ? `${day}, ${markers.join(", ")}` : day;
+}
+
 /** `LABEL (VALUE)`, or the bare label when there is no value to name. */
 function named(t: Translate, labelKey: string, valueKey?: string): string {
   return valueKey ? `${t(labelKey)} (${t(valueKey)})` : t(labelKey);
@@ -299,7 +325,7 @@ export function CycleCalendar({
               const others = info ? otherEntryLabels(info, t) : [];
               markers.push(...others);
 
-              const aria = `${date}${markers.length ? `, ${markers.join(", ")}` : ""}`;
+              const aria = cellLabel(date, markers, locale);
               const flowLevel =
                 info?.isPeriodLogged && info.flow && info.flow !== "NONE"
                   ? info.flow
@@ -410,6 +436,7 @@ export function CycleCalendar({
                 role: "gridcell" as const,
                 "aria-label": aria,
                 "aria-current": isToday ? ("date" as const) : undefined,
+                "data-date": date,
                 "data-flow-level": flowLevel,
                 "data-fertile": info?.isFertileWindow ? "true" : undefined,
                 "data-predicted":
diff --git a/src/components/daily/today-hero.tsx b/src/components/daily/today-hero.tsx
index 9afeae06d..8fbe12224 100644
--- a/src/components/daily/today-hero.tsx
+++ b/src/components/daily/today-hero.tsx
@@ -333,11 +333,13 @@ export function TodayHero({
           poster. */}
       <Link
         href="/insights"
-        aria-label={t("daily.today.ringLink", {
-          metric: t("daily.today.scoreLabel"),
-        })}
         className="focus-visible:ring-ring/50 block rounded-full focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
       >
+        <span className="sr-only">
+          {t("daily.today.ringLink", {
+            metric: t("daily.today.scoreLabel"),
+          })}
+        </span>
         <ScoreRing
           score={digest.score?.value ?? null}
           band={digest.score ? (digest.score.band as ScoreBand) : undefined}
diff --git a/src/components/documents/document-detail-sheet.tsx b/src/components/documents/document-detail-sheet.tsx
index 824a85b9e..f5cc91541 100644
--- a/src/components/documents/document-detail-sheet.tsx
+++ b/src/components/documents/document-detail-sheet.tsx
@@ -847,10 +847,9 @@ export function DocumentDetailSheet({
                       launch.askCoach(null, undefined, false, doc.id);
                     }}
                     data-slot="document-chat-open"
-                    aria-label={t("documents.chat.openAria")}
                   >
                     <Sparkles className="size-4" aria-hidden />
-                    <span className="hidden sm:inline">
+                    <span className="sr-only sm:not-sr-only">
                       {t("documents.chat.openButton")}
                     </span>
                   </Button>
diff --git a/src/components/insights/__tests__/health-score-coverage-axis-guard.test.tsx b/src/components/insights/__tests__/health-score-coverage-axis-guard.test.tsx
index cf151288a..8a6553db3 100644
--- a/src/components/insights/__tests__/health-score-coverage-axis-guard.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/insights/__tests__/health-score-coverage-axis-guard.test.tsx
@@ -288,7 +288,9 @@ describe("the axis override reaches the markup", () => {
 
     expect(html).toContain("Covers the three areas the score needs");
     expect(html).not.toContain(">3/3<");
-    expect(html).toMatch(/aria-label="Covers the three areas the score needs/);
+    expect(html).toMatch(
+      /class="sr-only">Covers the three areas the score needs/,
+    );
   });
 
   it("keeps the fraction for every caller that does not override it", () => {
diff --git a/src/components/insights/correlation-card.tsx b/src/components/insights/correlation-card.tsx
index 1e96315e6..d8d254c3a 100644
--- a/src/components/insights/correlation-card.tsx
+++ b/src/components/insights/correlation-card.tsx
@@ -189,10 +189,12 @@ export function CorrelationCard({ result }: CorrelationCardProps) {
                 data-slot="correlation-card-cta"
                 className="gap-1.5"
                 title={t("insights.correlationRow.experimentTooltip")}
-                aria-label={t("insights.correlationRow.experimentTooltip")}
               >
                 <Sparkles className="h-3.5 w-3.5" aria-hidden="true" />
                 <span>{t("insights.correlationRow.experimentCta")}</span>
+                <span className="sr-only">
+                  , {t("insights.correlationRow.experimentTooltip")}
+                </span>
               </Button>
               {/* v1.21.0 — the live Coach hand-off sits beside the
                   roadmap CTA: it scopes to both sources in the pair. */}
diff --git a/src/components/insights/derived/__tests__/coverage-meter.test.tsx b/src/components/insights/derived/__tests__/coverage-meter.test.tsx
index b73ca2a1b..82356ba51 100644
--- a/src/components/insights/derived/__tests__/coverage-meter.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/insights/derived/__tests__/coverage-meter.test.tsx
@@ -79,7 +79,10 @@ describe("<CoverageMeter>", () => {
 
   it("carries an accessible summary label", () => {
     const html = render(<CoverageMeter coverage={PARTIAL} confidence={LOW} />);
-    expect(html).toContain("aria-label");
+    // The visible ratio plus the sentence, never an aria-label that drops
+    // the ratio (WCAG 2.5.3).
+    expect(html).not.toContain("aria-label");
+    expect(html).toContain('class="sr-only">3 of 5 inputs (35%)</span>');
     expect(html).toContain("3");
     expect(html).toContain("5");
   });
diff --git a/src/components/insights/derived/coverage-meter.tsx b/src/components/insights/derived/coverage-meter.tsx
index ddcbe5294..46730ce0c 100644
--- a/src/components/insights/derived/coverage-meter.tsx
+++ b/src/components/insights/derived/coverage-meter.tsx
@@ -138,7 +138,6 @@ export function CoverageMeter({
             data-present={present}
             data-required={required}
             data-percent={percent}
-            aria-label={summaryLabel}
             aria-describedby={tooltipId}
             className={cn(
               // 44px hit target via padding while the dots stay optically
@@ -183,6 +182,9 @@ export function CoverageMeter({
                   required,
                 })}
             </span>
+            {/* The visible ratio names the button; the sentence adds what it
+                counts (WCAG 2.5.3: the name contains what is shown). */}
+            <span className="sr-only">{summaryLabel}</span>
           </button>
         </TooltipTrigger>
         <TooltipContent
diff --git a/src/components/layout/__tests__/shell-dock.test.tsx b/src/components/layout/__tests__/shell-dock.test.tsx
index 3e00646ee..70a5b0943 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/__tests__/shell-dock.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/__tests__/shell-dock.test.tsx
@@ -43,7 +43,9 @@ describe("DockStrip", () => {
     expect(html).toContain('data-slot="day-strip-toggle"');
     expect(html).toContain('aria-expanded="false"');
     expect(html).toContain('aria-controls="day-docked-panel"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Show Thursday, 4 June 2026"');
+    // Named by its visible label (WCAG 2.5.3); the action is the tooltip.
+    expect(html).not.toContain("aria-label=");
+    expect(html).toContain('title="Show Thursday, 4 June 2026"');
     // The label reads top to bottom.
     expect(html).toContain("[writing-mode:vertical-rl]");
     expect(html).toContain("Thu, 4 Jun 2026");
@@ -53,7 +55,7 @@ describe("DockStrip", () => {
     const html = strip(true);
     expect(html).toContain('data-state="open"');
     expect(html).toContain('aria-expanded="true"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Hide day"');
+    expect(html).toContain('title="Hide day"');
   });
 
   it("keeps the same shape open and closed, the full height of the window", () => {
diff --git a/src/components/layout/__tests__/sidebar-nav.test.tsx b/src/components/layout/__tests__/sidebar-nav.test.tsx
index 8195a4f9a..88809bc95 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/__tests__/sidebar-nav.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/__tests__/sidebar-nav.test.tsx
@@ -332,13 +332,17 @@ describe("<SidebarNav> inside somebody else's record (#939)", () => {
   it("keeps the account settings door in one's own record", () => {
     const html = renderInRecord(null);
     expect(settingsLinks(html)).toEqual(["/settings/account"]);
-    expect(html).toContain(`aria-label="${accountSettingsLabel}"`);
+    expect(html).toContain(
+      `<span class="sr-only">${accountSettingsLabel}</span>`,
+    );
   });
 
   it("offers Settings inside a managed profile and keeps the identity block a plain block", () => {
     const html = renderInRecord({ recordKind: "managed", level: "manage" });
     expect(settingsLinks(html)).toEqual(["/settings/account"]);
-    expect(html).not.toContain(`aria-label="${accountSettingsLabel}"`);
+    expect(html).not.toContain(
+      `<span class="sr-only">${accountSettingsLabel}</span>`,
+    );
     expect(html).not.toContain('href="/notifications"');
   });
 
diff --git a/src/components/layout/shell-dock.tsx b/src/components/layout/shell-dock.tsx
index efd690eec..fd4d68d69 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/shell-dock.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/shell-dock.tsx
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ export interface DockStripProps {
   expanded: boolean;
   /** The strip's visible, vertical label. */
   label: string;
-  /** The button's accessible name (what a click does). */
+  /** What a click does, as the button's tooltip. */
   actionLabel: string;
   icon: LucideIcon;
   onToggle: () => void;
@@ -124,7 +124,8 @@ export function DockStrip({
         data-slot={`${slot}-toggle`}
         aria-expanded={expanded}
         aria-controls={controls}
-        aria-label={actionLabel}
+        // Named by its visible label (WCAG 2.5.3); `aria-expanded` carries
+        // open or closed, and the tooltip spells out the action.
         title={actionLabel}
         onClick={onToggle}
         onPointerEnter={onPreload}
diff --git a/src/components/layout/sidebar-nav.tsx b/src/components/layout/sidebar-nav.tsx
index 2d3ee95da..2440845ec 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/sidebar-nav.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/sidebar-nav.tsx
@@ -121,11 +121,10 @@ function FooterIdentity({
     return <div className={className}>{children}</div>;
   }
   return (
-    <Link
-      href="/settings/account"
-      aria-label={label}
-      className={`hover:bg-accent ${className}`}
-    >
+    <Link href="/settings/account" className={`hover:bg-accent ${className}`}>
+      {/* The purpose leads the accessible name; the visible name and email
+          follow it, so the link is named by what it shows (WCAG 2.5.3). */}
+      <span className="sr-only">{label}</span>
       {children}
     </Link>
   );
@@ -272,11 +271,9 @@ function SidebarUserSection({ collapsed }: { collapsed: boolean }) {
       >
         <div className="flex items-center justify-center">
           <DropdownMenu>
-            <DropdownMenuTrigger
-              aria-label={t("nav.userMenu")}
-              className="hover:bg-accent focus-visible:ring-ring/50 shrink-0 rounded-md p-1.5 transition-colors focus:outline-none focus-visible:ring-[3px]"
-            >
-              <Avatar className="h-8 w-8">
+            <DropdownMenuTrigger className="hover:bg-accent focus-visible:ring-ring/50 shrink-0 rounded-md p-1.5 transition-colors focus:outline-none focus-visible:ring-[3px]">
+              <span className="sr-only">{t("nav.userMenu")}</span>
+              <Avatar className="h-8 w-8" aria-hidden="true">
                 {avatarUrl && (
                   <AvatarImage src={avatarUrl} alt={user.username} />
                 )}
@@ -302,7 +299,7 @@ function SidebarUserSection({ collapsed }: { collapsed: boolean }) {
           sharedRecord={sharedRecord}
           label={t("nav.accountSettings")}
         >
-          <Avatar className="h-8 w-8 shrink-0">
+          <Avatar className="h-8 w-8 shrink-0" aria-hidden="true">
             {avatarUrl && <AvatarImage src={avatarUrl} alt={user.username} />}
             <AvatarFallback className="bg-primary/15 text-primary text-xs font-medium">
               {getInitials(user.username)}
diff --git a/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx b/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
index 50c779eab..23988f100 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
@@ -132,7 +132,6 @@ export function TopBar() {
         ) : user ? (
           <DropdownMenu>
             <DropdownMenuTrigger
-              aria-label={t("nav.userMenu")}
               // v1.4.25 — hit the WCAG 2.5.5 44 px touch-target floor on
               // mobile. The text-only py-1.5 was previously ~30 px tall.
               //
@@ -141,7 +140,8 @@ export function TopBar() {
               // the focus indicator without replacing it.
               className="text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground focus-visible:ring-ring/50 flex min-h-11 min-w-11 items-center gap-1.5 rounded-md px-2 py-1.5 text-sm transition-colors focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
             >
-              <Avatar className="size-7">
+              <span className="sr-only">{t("nav.userMenu")}</span>
+              <Avatar className="size-7" aria-hidden="true">
                 {avatarUrl && (
                   <AvatarImage src={avatarUrl} alt={user.username} />
                 )}
diff --git a/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-filter-select.test.tsx b/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-filter-select.test.tsx
index b3fefea4f..46ec3b312 100644
--- a/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-filter-select.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-filter-select.test.tsx
@@ -83,12 +83,12 @@ describe("MeasurementList — filter bar + multi-select chrome", () => {
   it("renders the filter rail with type, source, date-range and value pills", () => {
     const html = render("en");
     expect(html).toContain('data-slot="filter-bar"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Type"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Source"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Date range"');
+    expect(html).toContain(">Type</span>");
+    expect(html).toContain(">Source</span>");
+    expect(html).toContain(">Date range</span>");
     // v1.18.5 — value-range pill rides the rail for the raw per-sample
     // list (the default `ALL` type is not a day-grouped/sleep type).
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Value"');
+    expect(html).toContain(">Value</span>");
     const pills = html.match(/data-slot="filter-bar-pill"/g);
     expect(pills?.length).toBe(4);
   });
@@ -105,8 +105,8 @@ describe("MeasurementList — filter bar + multi-select chrome", () => {
 
   it("localises the new chrome in German", () => {
     const html = render("de");
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Quelle"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Zeitraum"');
+    expect(html).toContain(">Quelle</span>");
+    expect(html).toContain(">Zeitraum</span>");
     expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Alle auf dieser Seite auswählen"');
   });
 });
diff --git a/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-locked-type.test.tsx b/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-locked-type.test.tsx
index 098ca83f9..237a69993 100644
--- a/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-locked-type.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/measurements/__tests__/measurement-list-locked-type.test.tsx
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ describe("MeasurementList — lockedType", () => {
     // rail (type pill included); the locked one suppresses the whole
     // rail (the metric is fixed by the route) and keeps only the count.
     expect(unlocked).toContain('data-slot="filter-bar"');
-    expect(unlocked).toContain('aria-label="Type"');
+    expect(unlocked).toContain(">Type</span>");
     expect(locked).not.toContain('data-slot="filter-bar"');
     expect(locked).not.toContain('role="combobox"');
   });
diff --git a/src/components/medications/__tests__/medication-card-header.test.tsx b/src/components/medications/__tests__/medication-card-header.test.tsx
index d74a8c3a8..892c92f4b 100644
--- a/src/components/medications/__tests__/medication-card-header.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/medications/__tests__/medication-card-header.test.tsx
@@ -121,7 +121,12 @@ describe("<MedicationCardHeader>", () => {
     );
     expect(html).toContain('data-slot="medication-card-header-link"');
     expect(html).toContain('href="/medications/med-1"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Open medication detail page"');
+    // The link is named by what it shows, with the purpose added for
+    // screen readers (WCAG 2.5.3): no aria-label overriding the text.
+    expect(html).toContain(
+      '<span class="sr-only">Open medication detail page</span>',
+    );
+    expect(html).not.toContain('aria-label="Open medication detail page"');
     // The name + dose still ride inside the link region.
     expect(html).toContain("Ramipril");
     expect(html).toContain("5 mg");
diff --git a/src/components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx b/src/components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx
index c89c77180..a3fd99f3a 100644
--- a/src/components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx
+++ b/src/components/medications/intake-history-list-v2.tsx
@@ -317,9 +317,11 @@ export function IntakeHistoryListV2({
                         type="button"
                         onClick={() => toggleSort("takenAt")}
                         className="focus-visible:ring-ring inline-flex min-h-11 items-center rounded-md font-medium hover:underline focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-none sm:min-h-9"
-                        aria-label={t("medications.intakeHistorySortByTaken")}
                       >
                         {t("medications.intakeHistoryColTaken")}
+                        <span className="sr-only">
+                          , {t("medications.intakeHistorySortByTaken")}
+                        </span>
                         {sortIndicator("takenAt")}
                       </button>
                     </TableHead>
@@ -328,11 +330,11 @@ export function IntakeHistoryListV2({
                         type="button"
                         onClick={() => toggleSort("scheduledFor")}
                         className="focus-visible:ring-ring inline-flex min-h-11 items-center rounded-md font-medium hover:underline focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-none sm:min-h-9"
-                        aria-label={t(
-                          "medications.intakeHistorySortByScheduled",
-                        )}
                       >
                         {t("medications.intakeHistoryColScheduled")}
+                        <span className="sr-only">
+                          , {t("medications.intakeHistorySortByScheduled")}
+                        </span>
                         {sortIndicator("scheduledFor")}
                       </button>
                     </TableHead>
diff --git a/src/components/medications/medication-card-header.tsx b/src/components/medications/medication-card-header.tsx
index b0334a120..60872c702 100644
--- a/src/components/medications/medication-card-header.tsx
+++ b/src/components/medications/medication-card-header.tsx
@@ -131,11 +131,11 @@ export function MedicationCardHeader({
         {href ? (
           <Link
             href={href}
-            aria-label={linkLabel}
             data-slot="medication-card-header-link"
             className="focus-visible:ring-ring -m-1 min-w-0 space-y-1 rounded-md p-1 focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
           >
             {body}
+            {linkLabel ? <span className="sr-only">{linkLabel}</span> : null}
           </Link>
         ) : (
           <div className="min-w-0 space-y-1">{body}</div>
diff --git a/src/components/medications/medication-table.tsx b/src/components/medications/medication-table.tsx
index 5795b6d3e..40868142c 100644
--- a/src/components/medications/medication-table.tsx
+++ b/src/components/medications/medication-table.tsx
@@ -727,7 +727,6 @@ function MedicationTableRowItem({
       <TableCell className="bg-card sticky left-0 z-10">
         <Link
           href={`/medications/${medication.id}`}
-          aria-label={t("medications.openDetailPage")}
           className="focus-visible:ring-ring block min-w-0 rounded focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
         >
           <span className="text-foreground block max-w-40 truncate text-sm font-medium sm:max-w-56">
@@ -737,6 +736,7 @@ function MedicationTableRowItem({
             {formatDose(medication.dose, t)}
             {!medication.active && <> · {t("common.inactive")}</>}
           </span>
+          <span className="sr-only">{t("medications.openDetailPage")}</span>
         </Link>
       </TableCell>
       <TableCell>{statusCell}</TableCell>
diff --git a/src/components/mental-health/instrument-card.tsx b/src/components/mental-health/instrument-card.tsx
index d56e313f1..61f66c6c9 100644
--- a/src/components/mental-health/instrument-card.tsx
+++ b/src/components/mental-health/instrument-card.tsx
@@ -134,7 +134,6 @@ export function InstrumentCard({
         type="button"
         onClick={onOpenDetail}
         data-slot="instrument-card-open"
-        aria-label={`${title}: ${t("mentalHealth.openDetail")}`}
         className="focus-visible:ring-ring block w-full rounded-t-xl text-left focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:outline-none"
       >
         <MedicationCardHeader
@@ -142,6 +141,7 @@ export function InstrumentCard({
           dose=""
           categoryLabel={t(`mentalHealth.instrumentSub.${key}`)}
         />
+        <span className="sr-only">{t("mentalHealth.openDetail")}</span>
       </button>
 
       {/* Label/value block in the Vorsorge card's next-last grammar. With
diff --git a/src/components/mood/__tests__/mood-list-filter-select.test.tsx b/src/components/mood/__tests__/mood-list-filter-select.test.tsx
index 51ea0a8f0..1239ffb3c 100644
--- a/src/components/mood/__tests__/mood-list-filter-select.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/mood/__tests__/mood-list-filter-select.test.tsx
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ describe("MoodList — filter bar + multi-select chrome", () => {
   it("renders the filter rail with mood, source and date-range pills", () => {
     const html = render("en");
     expect(html).toContain('data-slot="filter-bar"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Mood"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Source"');
-    expect(html).toContain('aria-label="Date range"');
+    expect(html).toContain(">Mood</span>");
+    expect(html).toContain(">Source</span>");
+    expect(html).toContain(">Date range</span>");
     const pills = html.match(/data-slot="filter-bar-pill"/g);
     expect(pills?.length).toBe(3);
   });
diff --git a/src/components/ui/filter-bar.tsx b/src/components/ui/filter-bar.tsx
index 7e4dec28f..3291d1c7b 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/filter-bar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/filter-bar.tsx
@@ -44,8 +44,12 @@ import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
  * - Purely presentational: filter state, query keys and fetching stay
  *   in the owning page/component — this file only renders the controls.
  *
- * A11y: every pill keeps an explicit `aria-label`; the per-pill clear
- * button carries `dataList.clearFilter` with the dimension name; touch
+ * A11y: every pill is named by what it shows ("Label" or "Label: value"),
+ * so the accessible name always contains the visible text (WCAG 2.5.3); an
+ * `aria-label` of the bare dimension dropped the value once a filter was
+ * set. The select pill spells that name out (a combobox takes none from
+ * its content), the popover pills take it from their content. The per-pill
+ * clear button carries `dataList.clearFilter` with the dimension name; touch
  * targets follow the dense-surface idiom (`min-h-11 sm:min-h-9`,
  * ui-guidelines §5).
  */
@@ -159,7 +163,9 @@ export function FilterBarSelect({
     <span className="relative inline-flex shrink-0">
       <Select value={value} onValueChange={onValueChange}>
         <SelectTrigger
-          aria-label={label}
+          // A combobox takes no name from its content, so it is named here,
+          // with exactly the text it shows (WCAG 2.5.3).
+          aria-label={active ? `${label}: ${activeLabel}` : label}
           data-slot="filter-bar-pill"
           data-active={active ? "true" : "false"}
           className={cn(
@@ -239,7 +245,6 @@ export function FilterBarDateRange({
     <span className="relative inline-flex shrink-0">
       <Popover>
         <PopoverTrigger
-          aria-label={label}
           data-slot="filter-bar-pill"
           data-active={active ? "true" : "false"}
           className={cn(
@@ -335,7 +340,6 @@ export function FilterBarNumberRange({
     <span className="relative inline-flex shrink-0">
       <Popover>
         <PopoverTrigger
-          aria-label={label}
           data-slot="filter-bar-pill"
           data-active={active ? "true" : "false"}
           className={cn(