Accessibility is not just a feature - it's a fundamental human right.
With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in force, digital accessibility is now a legal and ethical expectation. If you develop or manage websites or apps, this article will help you align with WCAG 2.1 AA standards and ensure inclusive design for users with disabilities.
This guide covers:
Key WCAG criteria every developer should know
Tools like FastPass and NVDA
A practical accessibility testing checklist
40+ actionable best practices
Let’s explore how to design and build with accessibility in mind.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA mandates that digital products and services must be accessible across the EU, aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. It applies to:
Websites and apps
E-commerce platforms
Banking, transport, and ticketing systems
Communication services
The goal is simple: equal access for all, including those with visual, motor, cognitive, and auditory impairments.
Accessibility Testing Tools
FastPass (Accessibility Insights for Web)
FastPass is a browser extension by Microsoft that performs automated WCAG checks.
Steps to Use:
- Install Accessibility Insights for Web.
- Open your app and run FastPass from the extension.
- Fix reported Failures and Warnings using guidance provided.
Ideal for early-stage and pre-release accessibility scans.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
NVDA is a free screen reader for Windows that simulates how blind users experience your app.
Try This:
Download from nvaccess.org
Launch with Ctrl + Alt + N
Navigate using:
— Tab, Shift + Tab: move between elements
— Insert + F7: view headings and landmarks
- Listen for how labels, buttons, and alerts are announced
Summary: Key WCAG Guidelines to Verify
1.1.1 — Non-text Content: Provide text alternatives for images/icons.
1.3.1 — Info & Relationships: Use semantic HTML to convey structure.
1.3.3 — Sensory Characteristics: Don’t rely only on color, shape, or position.
1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum): Ensure 4.5:1 text-to-background contrast.
1.4.10 — Reflow: No horizontal scroll at 320px screen width.
1.4.12 — Text Spacing: Page remains usable with increased line/letter spacing.
2.1.1 — Keyboard: All features must work with just a keyboard.
2.4.1 — Bypass Blocks: Add “Skip to content” or similar mechanism.
2.4.3 — Focus Order: Focus moves in logical, predictable order.
2.4.4 — Link Purpose: Link text is meaningful in context.
2.4.5 — Label in Name: Visible label must be part of the accessible name.
2.4.7 — Focus Visible: Show focus with a clear visible indicator.
3.3.1 — Error Identification: Clearly explain input errors to users.
3.3.2 — Labels or Instructions: Provide helpful labels/instructions for inputs.
4.1.1 — Parsing: Use clean, valid HTML (no duplicate IDs, unclosed tags).
4.1.2 — Name, Role, Value: Components expose accessible name/role/state.
4.1.3 — Status Messages: Notify users via ARIA live regions for updates.
40+ Best Practices to Ensure Accessibility and Points to Remember
Semantic Structure & Content
Use alt attributes for images to describe their purpose.
Avoid using div or span when semantic elements like button or nav are appropriate.
Use headings (h1 — h6) in a logical, hierarchical order.
Use meaningful link text — avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “read more”.
Include lang attributes on the element.
Avoid using tables for layout purposes.
-
Group related form elements using
and .
Keyboard Accessibility
Ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be used with a keyboard.
Use a visible focus indicator to highlight the element currently in focus.
Ensure links and buttons are clearly distinguishable and usable with keyboard navigation.
Ensure pressing the Enter key on a button triggers the expected action.
Ensure keyboard users can escape or close dialogs with the Escape key.
Use aria-disabled=“true” (not just disabled) for elements that should appear inactive but visible.
Screen Reader Support
Regularly test with screen readers (NVDA) and other tools.
Screen readers should announce actions taken by users (e.g., clicks, form submissions).
Screen readers should read out error messages and alerts.
Ensure the screen reader reads out form field requirements and validations.
Make sure all form inputs have appropriate labels for screen readers.
Ensure focus is returned to the triggering element after closing modals.
Ensure dynamic content updates do not steal focus unexpectedly.
Ensure all tooltips, popovers, and custom widgets are accessible.
Forms & Validation
Use clear and predictable labels for forms, menus, and buttons.
Make sure all form inputs have appropriate labels for screen readers.
Screen readers should read out error messages and alerts.
Ensure the screen reader reads out form field requirements and validations.
-
Group related form elements using
and . Provide captions and transcripts for audio and video content.
ARIA & Live Regions
Implement ARIA roles, properties, and states where required without overusing them.
Use live regions (aria-live) to announce updates dynamically for assistive technologies.
Use role=“alert” sparingly and only for critical messages.
Use aria-disabled=“true” to disable elements while keeping them in focus order.
Visual Design & Contrast
Maintain sufficient color contrast between text and background.
Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning. Use text or icons for additional clarification.
Use accessible icons with clear alternative text for non-text content.
Add focus indicators for all interactive elements.
Ensure text spacing adheres to accessibility requirements.
Responsive Design & Zoom
Ensure the interface is usable on various screen sizes and orientations.
Do not introduce horizontal scrollbars.
Use em or rem units for scalable elements instead of fixed pixel sizes.
Make content resizable and ensure no content is lost when zoomed in on a page.
Navigation & Landmarks
Maintain a consistent structure and navigation across pages.
Provide skip links or landmark regions for quick navigation.
Media & Motion
Do not auto-play media without user interaction or a clear stop control.
Provide captions and transcripts for audio and video content.
General Accessibility Testing
Ensure compatibility with multiple browsers and devices.
Regularly test with screen readers (NVDA) and other tools.
Dev Checklist (Quick Reference)
Alt text on all images
Keyboard access to all features
Visible focus indicator
Logical tab order
Modals behave properly
Forms are labeled and errors announced
Contrast and spacing meet guidelines
App reflows at 320px width
NVDA test passes for labels, forms, dynamic content
If you found this useful:
Drop a comment
Share with your team
Thank you!
Top comments (0)