Building Accessible Web Applications

Accessibility (a11y) isn’t optional - it’s essential for creating inclusive web experiences. Here’s a practical guide to building accessible applications.

Semantic HTML

Use semantic HTML elements to provide meaning and structure:

<!-- Bad -->
<div onclick="handleClick()">Click me</div>

<!-- Good -->
<button onclick="handleClick()">Click me</button>

ARIA Labels and Roles

Use ARIA attributes when semantic HTML isn’t enough:

<button aria-label="Close navigation menu">
  <span aria-hidden="true">×</span>
</button>

Keyboard Navigation

Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible:

/* Focus styles */
button:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid blue;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

Color Contrast

Maintain sufficient color contrast ratios (WCAG AA requires 4.5:1 for text):

/* Good contrast */
.text-dark {
  color: #251893; /* Dark blue on light background */
}

/* Bad contrast */
.text-light {
  color: #cccccc; /* Too light, poor contrast */
}

Screen Reader Considerations

Test with screen readers and provide alternative text:

<img src="chart.png" alt="Sales increased 25% in Q1 2024" />

Skip Navigation Links

Help keyboard users skip repetitive content:

<a href="#main-content" class="sr-only focus:not-sr-only">
  Skip to main content
</a>

Conclusion

Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time checklist. Test with real users and assistive technologies to ensure your applications work for everyone.