Accessibility best practices help ensure that websites are usable by everyone.
Following these practices improves user experience, legal compliance, and professional quality.
Use Semantic HTML First
Always start with proper HTML elements.
Semantic structure reduces the need for extra accessibility fixes.
Always Provide Text Alternatives
- Use alt text for images
- Provide labels for form fields
- Add captions or transcripts for media
Support Keyboard Navigation
- Make all interactive elements focusable
- Keep visible focus styles
- Ensure logical tab order
Design with Color and Contrast in Mind
- Do not rely on color alone to convey information
- Ensure text has enough contrast
Use ARIA Carefully
- Use ARIA only when necessary
- Prefer native HTML whenever possible
- Keep ARIA roles and states accurate
Test with Real Users and Tools
Accessibility should be tested using:
- Keyboard navigation
- Screen readers
- Browser accessibility tools
Common Accessibility Mistakes
- Missing alt text
- Removing focus outlines
- Using divs instead of buttons
- Ignoring form labels
Accessibility in Real Projects
Accessibility is required in:
- Government websites
- Education platforms
- Corporate websites
- Public services
Why Accessibility Best Practices Matter for Jobs
Employers expect developers to build inclusive products.
Accessibility knowledge shows professionalism and social responsibility.
Practice Task
Audit a webpage and check:
- Are images using alt text?
- Are forms labeled correctly?
- Can the site be used with only a keyboard?
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, you learned how to build accessible, inclusive websites using semantic HTML, proper labels, keyboard support, and ARIA when needed.
What You Will Learn Next
In the next chapter, you will learn about HTML performance optimization and best practices.