Key accessibility tips: Use semantic HTML for clear structure; provide descriptive alt text for images; ensure keyboard navigation; apply ARIA roles only when needed; maintain strong color contrast; avoid relying solely on color cues; design responsively; label form inputs clearly; test with assistive tech and real users; follow WCAG guidelines consistently.
What Are the Best Practices for Writing Accessible and Inclusive Frontend Code?
AdminKey accessibility tips: Use semantic HTML for clear structure; provide descriptive alt text for images; ensure keyboard navigation; apply ARIA roles only when needed; maintain strong color contrast; avoid relying solely on color cues; design responsively; label form inputs clearly; test with assistive tech and real users; follow WCAG guidelines consistently.
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Use Semantic HTML Elements
Using semantic HTML elements like ``, ``, ``, ``, and `` provides meaningful structure to the page. Screen readers and assistive technologies rely on these elements to better interpret and navigate content, enhancing accessibility.
Provide Descriptive Alt Text for Images
Always include descriptive `alt` attributes for images. Alt text helps users who rely on screen readers understand the content or function of images. Avoid using vague descriptions like “image” or “picture”; instead, describe the purpose or content succinctly.
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Make sure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed and operated using the keyboard alone. This includes visible focus indicators and logical tab order to support users who cannot use a mouse.
Use ARIA Roles and Attributes Wisely
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles, states, and properties can enhance accessibility when native HTML is insufficient. Use ARIA only when necessary, and ensure proper roles are applied to custom components to make them recognizable to assistive technologies.
Maintain Sufficient Color Contrast
Text and important UI elements should have enough contrast with their background colors to be readable by users with visual impairments such as color blindness. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can help verify compliance with WCAG contrast guidelines.
Avoid Relying Solely on Color to Convey Information
Do not depend only on color cues to communicate meaning (e.g., red text for errors). Use additional visual indicators like icons, text labels, or patterns to ensure that users with color vision deficiencies can perceive the information.
Implement Responsive and Flexible Design
Design interfaces that work well across a range of devices and screen sizes. This benefits users who zoom in, use screen magnifiers, or have different device preferences, ensuring consistent accessibility.
Label Form Inputs Clearly and Properly
Each form input should have a clear, associated label using the `` element or ARIA labeling techniques. This helps users of assistive technologies understand what information is required in each field.
Test with Assistive Technologies and Real Users
Regularly test your frontend code with screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and other assistive tools. Additionally, gathering feedback from users with disabilities can uncover accessibility barriers that automated tests might miss.
Follow WCAG Guidelines and Updates
Adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for a comprehensive set of standards covering various aspects of accessibility. Staying updated on best practices ensures your code remains inclusive and compliant with legal and ethical standards.
What else to take into account
This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?