Web Accessibility: A Complete Development Guide

Accessibility isn't optional—it's essential. Building accessible websites ensures everyone can use your application.

Understanding Accessibility

Web accessibility means making websites usable by people with disabilities.

Types of Disabilities:

• Visual: Blindness, low vision, color blindness
• Hearing: Deafness or hard of hearing
• Motor: Limited fine motor control
• Cognitive: Learning disabilities, attention disorders

WCAG Guidelines

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines provide standards for accessibility.

Principles (POUR):

• Perceivable: Information must be presentable
• Operable: Interface components must be usable
• Understandable: Information must be clear
• Robust: Content must work with assistive technologies

Implementation Practices

Practical steps to improve accessibility.

Semantic HTML:

• Use proper heading hierarchy (h1-h6)
• Use semantic elements (nav, main, article)
• Provide alt text for images
• Use form labels properly

Keyboard Navigation:

• Ensure all functionality is keyboard accessible
• Visible focus indicators
• Logical tab order
• Skip links for navigation

ARIA Attributes:

• Use ARIA labels and descriptions
• Proper roles and states
• Live regions for dynamic content
• Landmark roles for page structure

Testing Accessibility

Regular testing ensures your site remains accessible.

Tools:

• Screen Readers: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
• Automated Tools: axe, WAVE, Lighthouse
• Keyboard Testing: Navigate without mouse
• Color Contrast: Check color combinations

Conclusion

Accessibility benefits everyone and is often required by law. Start with semantic HTML and progressively enhance with ARIA and testing.