Web Accessibility Essentials

Web accessibility is about making websites usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It's not just a legal requirement in many countries - it's a moral imperative and good business practice.

Why Accessibility Matters

Over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. When websites are not accessible, we exclude a significant portion of potential users. Accessible websites benefit everyone with better SEO and improved user experience.

Understanding WCAG Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide the international standard for web accessibility. The guidelines are organized around four principles known as POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

Semantic HTML: The Foundation

Semantic HTML is the cornerstone of web accessibility. Using the correct HTML elements for their intended purpose provides meaning and structure that assistive technologies can understand.

Keyboard Navigation

Many users navigate websites without a mouse, using only a keyboard or alternative input devices. Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible with visible focus indicators.

Color and Contrast

Sufficient color contrast is essential for users with low vision or color blindness. WCAG requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text at Level AA.

ARIA Attributes

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes enhance accessibility when HTML alone is not sufficient. ARIA provides roles, states, and properties for dynamic content.

Conclusion

Building accessible websites is a fundamental responsibility of web developers. By following WCAG guidelines and testing thoroughly, you create websites that work for everyone.