Introduction: The Legal and Ethical Imperative
I once built a beautiful website that I was incredibly proud of. Then, a friend who uses a screen reader tried to use it. She couldn't navigate the menu. The images had no descriptions. I was mortified. Accessibility is not just a nice-to-have; in many countries, it's the law. In this guide, I'll show you how to make your site inclusive.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. This includes visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive disabilities.
The Core Principles: POUR
- Perceivable: Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive (e.g., alt text for images).
- Operable: Interface components must be operable (e.g., keyboard navigation).
- Understandable: Information and operation must be understandable.
- Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents (screen readers).
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Use Semantic HTML
Use `
2. Add Alt Text to Images
Every `` must have an `alt` attribute. If it's decorative, use `alt=""`.
3. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Use the Tab key to navigate. All interactive elements (links, buttons) must be focusable and have visible focus styles.
4. Check Color Contrast
Text and background must have sufficient contrast. Use a contrast checker to verify.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Using `` for buttons: Use `Back to Masterclasses