10 Web Accessibility Fundamentals You Should Know in 2024
Creating a website accessible to everyone is not just a good practice, it’s the right thing to do! As a web developer, you have the power to make the internet more inclusive for all users. Whether you’re a junior or senior dev, here are 10 tips to enhance web accessibility in your web development projects. So give it a try, and help us built a better world!
1 - Alt Text for Images
When adding some images to your website, make sure to always include descriptive alt texts. This will help users with visual impairments can understand the content of the image through screen readers.
2 - Semantic HTML
Add basic semantic HTML elements to start structuring properly your web pages. This will help screen readers interpret the content correctly and improves the overall navigation. You might want to bookmark those links for the future : ARIA patterns, WCAG 2.2, and APG.
3 - Keyboard Navigation
Try to test your website using only a keyboard (and good luck with that). Make sure that users can navigate through links, buttons, and form fields easily without relying on a mouse.
4 - Color Contrast
You, or the designer you are working with, need to maintain a sufficient color contrast between text and background to make content readable for users with low vision or color blindness. Aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Try this website to start with.
5 - Accessible Forms
Try to label form fields clearly and associate them with their corresponding input elements using <label> tags. This help users who rely on screen readers or have cognitive disabilities in understanding and completing forms accurately.
6 - Focus Styles
Make sure that interactive elements such as ‘links’ and ‘buttons’ have visible focus styles. This will help users who navigate using keyboards or assistive technologies to understand which element is currently active.
7 - Video Captions and Transcripts
Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content. This will help users who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who prefer reading or require translation. This requirement is usually a difficult one for teams.
8 - Responsive Design
Design and develop your website to be responsive and adaptable to various screen sizes and devices. This will create a consistent user experience for everyone, including those using mobile devices or screen magnifiers.
9 - Accessible Links
Use descriptive link texts that provide context about the “linked content”. Avoid using generic phrases or call to actions like “click here” or “read more,” as they may not convey sufficient information to all users.
10 - Assistive Technologies Testing
Regularly test your website with a variety of assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software. This will help identify accessibility barriers early in the development process.
By integrating these accessibility tips into your web development workflow, you’re not only meeting legal requirements, but also fostering a more inclusive online community. Remember, accessibility is not a feature — it’s a fundamental aspect of building a better web for all. So let’s continue to strive for a more inclusive digital future, one line of code at a time!
