HTML Accessibility Checklist: 10 Things You Can Do Right Now

TL;DR Improve website accessibility with these 10 simple steps: use semantic HTML elements, write descriptive alt text for images, use ARIA attributes, make links accessible, and more to ensure a positive experience for all users, including those with disabilities.

HTML Accessibility Checklist: 10 Things You Can Do Right Now

As a fullstack developer, you're likely no stranger to the importance of accessibility in web development. However, even with the best intentions, it's easy to overlook some crucial details that can make or break the user experience for individuals with disabilities. In this article, we'll dive into the fundamentals of HTML and provide a checklist of 10 things you can do right now to improve your website's accessibility.

1. Use semantic HTML elements

HTML5 introduced a range of semantic elements that help screen readers and other assistive technologies understand the structure of your web page. These elements include <header>, <nav>, <main>, <section>, <article>, <aside>, <footer>, and more. By using these elements, you can create a clear hierarchy of content on your page that's easy for users to navigate.

For example:

<header>
  <h1>Welcome to our website</h1>
  <nav>
    <!-- navigation links -->
  </nav>
</header>

<main>
  <!-- main content -->
</main>

<footer>
  <!-- footer content -->
</footer>

2. Write descriptive alt text for images

Alt text is essential for users who are blind or have low vision, as it allows them to understand the context and content of an image. When writing alt text, aim for a brief description that conveys the purpose and meaning of the image.

For example:

<img src="image.jpg" alt="A group of people smiling at a conference">

3. Use ARIA attributes

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes provide a way to add extra information about dynamic content, such as JavaScript-generated elements or interactive widgets. By using ARIA attributes like role, aria-label, and aria-describedby, you can help screen readers understand the behavior of these elements.

For example:

<button role="button" aria-label="Toggle navigation">
  <!-- toggle button content -->
</button>

4. Make links accessible

Links should have a clear and descriptive text label, rather than relying on generic text like "Click here". This helps users with screen readers understand where the link will take them.

For example:

<a href="https://www.example.com/about">About our company</a>

5. Use headings correctly

Headings help structure your content and provide a clear hierarchy of information on your page. Make sure to use heading elements (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) in the correct order, with the most important heading at the top.

For example:

<h1>Welcome to our website</h1>
<h2>About us</h2>
<p>We are a team of passionate developers...</p>

6. Provide closed captions for audio and video content

Closed captions help users who are deaf or hard of hearing understand the audio content on your page. Make sure to provide accurate and synchronized captions for any audio or video elements.

For example:

<video src="video.mp4" controls>
  <track src="captions.vtt" kind="captions">
</video>

7. Use a consistent navigation pattern

Consistency is key when it comes to accessibility. Make sure your website has a clear and consistent navigation pattern, with the same menu structure on every page.

For example:

<nav>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="#">Home</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">About</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">Contact</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

8. Use high contrast colors

High contrast colors help users with visual impairments read and understand the content on your page. Aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between background and foreground elements.

For example:

body {
  background-color: #fff;
  color: #333;
}

9. Provide alternative formats for multimedia content

Multimedia content, such as videos or audio files, can be challenging for users with disabilities to access. Make sure to provide alternative formats, such as transcripts or summaries, to help these users understand the content.

For example:

<audio src="audio.mp3">
  <track src="transcript.txt" kind="metadata">
</audio>

10. Test your website for accessibility

Finally, test your website for accessibility using tools like Lighthouse, WAVE, or A11y. These tools can help you identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations on how to make your website more accessible.

By following these 10 simple steps, you can significantly improve the accessibility of your website and ensure that all users have a positive experience. Remember, accessibility is an ongoing process, so be sure to regularly review and update your website to meet the evolving needs of your users.