Web accessibility is crucial for ensuring that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can access and use the web. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Use Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML elements provide meaning to the content and help screen readers and other assistive technologies to navigate and interpret the web page.

  • Use <header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer>, <article>, and <section> to define the structure of your page.
  • Use <label> for form controls and <alt> text for images.

2. Ensure Keyboard Navigation

Make sure that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard only.

  • Use tabindex to manage the order of focusable elements.
  • Ensure that all form controls have associated <label> elements.

3. Provide Text Alternatives

Offer text alternatives for non-text content so that it can be read by screen readers and other assistive technologies.

  • Use <img alt="description"> for images.
  • Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content.

4. Use High Contrast Colors

Ensure that there is sufficient contrast between text and background colors for users with visual impairments.

  • Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test color contrast.
  • Avoid using color as the only means of conveying information.

5. Make Forms Accessible

Forms should be easy to navigate and understand for all users.

  • Use <fieldset> and <legend> to group related form elements.
  • Clearly label form controls and provide instructions where necessary.

6. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Landmarks

ARIA landmarks help to define the roles and states of web elements for assistive technologies.

  • Use role="button" for clickable elements that are not native buttons.
  • Use aria-expanded, aria-hidden, and aria-live to provide additional information about dynamic content.

7. Test for Accessibility

Regularly test your website for accessibility issues.

  • Use tools like axe, Lighthouse, and WAVE to identify and fix accessibility issues.
  • Consider manual testing with users who have disabilities.

Accessible Web Design

For more information on web accessibility, visit our Web Accessibility Guide.