Building Accessible Web Apps
Accessibility is not a feature you add later. It is a core part of what your product does. When you design for keyboard use, screen readers, and small screens, you create better experiences for everyone. Start with simple rules: use semantic HTML, provide clear labels, and test often.
Make keyboard navigation reliable. Ensure a logical focus order, keep focus visible, and add skip links for long pages. All controls should be reachable by Tab and activated by Enter or Space. Prefer native HTML elements, as they bring built-in accessibility.
Forms deserve special care. Every input needs a visible label that matches its control. Show helpful error messages and avoid signaling errors with color alone. When validating, announce changes to assistive tech with live regions or status roles.
Images and media matter too. Provide alt text that explains the image’s purpose. For decorative imagery, leave alt empty. If you show video, include captions and a transcript so users can follow along without sound.
Color alone should never convey meaning. Use text labels, icons, or patterns in addition to color. Check contrast against WCAG targets and test with a color checker to ensure readability in bright light or on small screens.
ARIA and semantics: lean on native HTML wherever possible. Use ARIA roles only when there is no suitable element, and keep attributes to a minimum. For dynamic content, aria-live can notify users about changes without breaking flow.
Testing helps turn theory into practice. Do keyboard-only navigation first, then a screen reader run with tools you trust. If possible, involve real users with disabilities to reveal gaps that automated tests miss. Small, repeated checks are better than big rewrites later.
A simple checklist can guide your team: use proper headings, add alt text to images, label every form field, and verify that interactive elements have visible focus. With these habits, accessible experiences become part of your product’s quality, not an afterthought.
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility improves usability for all users, not just people with disabilities.
- Rely on semantic HTML, visible focus, proper labels, and keyboard-friendly controls.
- Regular testing with keyboard users and screen readers helps catch issues early.