Consider these practical tips:
Opt for standard HTML5 elements whenever possible to maximize accessibility. Familiarize yourself with HTML5 semantics, particularly headings and navigation. Instead of resorting to custom classes and CSS display/visibility properties right away, utilize HTML attributes like hidden
and disabled
first to manage content and UI visibility and availability effectively.
While <div>
and <span>
elements can be used for layout and presentation purposes, ensure that the document structure remains well-defined. Let your markup convey the intended meaning clearly through semantic coding practices. Incorporating semantic markup and ARIA landmark roles can enhance accessibility, although most ARIA roles are implicitly defined in HTML.
It's important to note that while the "Outline algorithm" mentioned in the HTML5 spec lacks browser implementation, maintaining consistency and logical organization in heading levels is key. Whether you start each landmark with a new <h1>
or opt for a single <h1>
per page followed by <h2>
for distinct sections, ensure a coherent approach based on complexity and consistency.
Use ARIA attributes judiciously, only when HTML itself doesn't adequately express semantic information. For instance, applying aria-pressed
to a <button>
transforms it into a toggle button. Avoid redundant aria attributes like aria-disabled="true"
if an element already possesses a native HTML disabled
attribute.
Know that ARIA attributes can seamlessly integrate with CSS attribute selectors, facilitating synchronized styling based on attribute values.
Ensure operable and interactive elements are appropriately labeled using standard HTML mechanisms like <label>
when applicable. When visible labels aren't desired or lack clarity without visual cues, leverage aria-label
to provide offscreen labeling.
For more complex interactions, consider incorporating special keyboard handling via JavaScript.
Acknowledge articles addressing color contrast guidance for users with low vision or color blindness, ensuring clear keyboard focus indicators throughout. Remember to provide textual alternatives for all non-decorative images using the alt
attribute, even for decorative images with null values (alt=""
).
Adapt content for different screen sizes and orientations by employing responsive CSS features such as media queries, grid layouts, and flexbox. Refrain from visually reordering content in a way that conflicts with the underlying HTML sequence.
Take into account user preferences for text size adjustments using relative units like %
, em
, and rem
over fixed px
units, reserving the latter for specific design elements.
Ensure code validity by validating HTML code using a trusted validator tool. Utilizing resources like free dev tools such as axe-core can offer valuable feedback and guidance.
Utilize Stack Overflow for targeted questions, tapping into a wealth of existing knowledge on accessibility topics. Search for relevant solutions before posting!
By following these recommendations and maintaining a balanced design approach, achieving a high level of WCAG A/AA conformity should be feasible without excessive difficulty.
In conclusion: Transparency holds greater significance than strict adherence to guidelines. If you encounter WCAG violations beyond immediate correction, honesty and transparency regarding limitations can mitigate legal risks. Striving for perfect conformance, especially during initial accessibility implementations, is commendable yet challenging. Welcome to this enriching field, and best of luck!