Complete Guide to Digital Accessibility

Making the web inclusive for everyone

Accessibility ensures that digital content and applications can be used by people of all abilities. This comprehensive guide covers the essential principles, practical techniques, and actionable steps to create more inclusive digital experiences.

Accessibility Principles

Perceivable

Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive, regardless of their sensory abilities.

  • Provide text alternatives for images
  • Use sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
  • Ensure content works without color alone
  • Make text resizable up to 200%
  • Provide captions for videos

Operable

Interface components must be operable by all users, including those using assistive technologies.

  • Make all functionality keyboard accessible
  • Provide users enough time to read content
  • Avoid content that causes seizures
  • Help users navigate and find content
  • Make it easier to use inputs other than keyboard

Understandable

Information and UI operation must be understandable to all users.

  • Make text readable and understandable
  • Make content appear and operate predictably
  • Help users avoid and correct mistakes
  • Use clear and simple language
  • Provide consistent navigation

Robust

Content must be robust enough to work with various assistive technologies.

  • Use valid, semantic HTML
  • Ensure compatibility with screen readers
  • Test with assistive technologies
  • Use ARIA labels appropriately
  • Keep code standards-compliant

Accessibility Checklist

Visual Design

  • Color contrast meets WCAG AA standards (4.5:1)
  • Information isn't conveyed by color alone
  • Text can be resized to 200% without loss of functionality
  • Focus indicators are clearly visible
  • No flashing content that could cause seizures

Content Structure

  • Proper heading hierarchy (h1, h2, h3, etc.)
  • Meaningful page titles
  • Descriptive link text
  • Alt text for all informative images
  • Semantic HTML elements used correctly

Keyboard Navigation

  • All interactive elements are keyboard accessible
  • Logical tab order throughout the page
  • No keyboard traps
  • Skip links provided for main content
  • Escape key closes modals and dropdowns

Forms & Interactions

  • All form fields have associated labels
  • Error messages are clear and helpful
  • Required fields are clearly marked
  • Form validation doesn't rely on color alone
  • Users can review and correct information

Additional Resources

WCAG 2.1 Quick Reference Color Contrast Checker WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluator NVDA Screen Reader (Free) Screen Reader Testing Guide The A11Y Project