Web Accessibility- best practices
Tags: webdev, www, html, javascript
Published: 2023-06-17 22:21:02

Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites and web applications that can be accessed and used by all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed. 
By adhering to web accessibility best practices, businesses can provide an inclusive online experience, reach a broader audience, and comply with legal requirements. 
This article is aimed at web developers. It will explore key web accessibility best practices to help you ensure that your website is accessible to everyone.
The following are the best practices to adhere to make your websites accessible:

Provide descriptive Alternative Text for Images:Including descriptive alternative text (alt text) for images is essential for web accessibility. Alt text conveys the meaning or information of images to individuals who cannot see them. Make sure to use concise and accurate descriptions that capture the purpose of the image. Avoid using generic phrases like "image" or "picture."  Use descriptive Alt text like the code example above to convey meaningful information.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/h3u42ko6nzwfbkfapumw.jpeg)



Use Descriptive Headings and Proper Markup:Structured and semantic HTML markup plays a crucial role in web accessibility. Use heading tags (h1, h2, h3, etc.) to create a logical hierarchy of content. This not only helps screen readers understand the structure of the page but also assists users in navigating through the content more efficiently. Avoid skipping heading levels or using headings purely for visual formatting purposes.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ptho0e6esb3gjtxij8bn.png)



Ensure Keyboard Accessibility: Keyboard accessibility is fundamental for users who cannot use a mouse or have motor disabilities. Ensure that all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed and operated using the keyboard alone. Focus indicators should be clearly visible, indicating the currently focused element, allowing users to navigate through the site easily.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yrvsgti44sevfc7sne1g.jpeg)



Design for Color Contrast: Proper color contrast is vital to ensure that text and other elements are readable for individuals with visual impairments. Use color combinations that provide sufficient contrast, such as dark text on a light background or vice versa. Avoid using color alone to convey important information or instructions; provide additional visual cues or text alternatives.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/stftvppa67716cjoldov.jpeg)



Provide Captions and Transcripts for Media Content: For multimedia content like videos and audio files, ensure that captions or transcripts are available. Captions provide a text-based representation of audio content, enabling individuals with hearing impairments to understand the information presented. Transcripts are particularly useful for podcasts and videos, allowing users to read the content instead of listening to it.

Implement Responsive Design: Responsive design ensures that websites adapt and function well on various devices and screen sizes. This is essential for users with different abilities who may rely on different devices or assistive technologies. Test your website across different devices, such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones, to ensure it remains accessible and usable.

Provide Clear and Consistent Navigation: Well-structured and intuitive navigation is crucial for web accessibility. Ensure that your website has a clear navigation menu that is consistent across all pages. Use descriptive link text that accurately represents the target page, avoiding ambiguous or generic phrases like "click here" or "read more." A well-designed navigation system helps all users, including those who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation.

Test with Assistive Technologies: To ensure true accessibility, test your website using assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard-only navigation. These tools simulate the experiences of users with disabilities and help identify any accessibility barriers. User testing involving individuals with disabilities can provide valuable feedback and insights into areas that may require improvement.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3ks6htqba1s1gf6evt2n.jpeg)