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Pratusha Raya
Pratusha Raya

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Overview of Web Accessibility Guidelines: Tools, Techniques & Best Practices for EAA & WCAG Compliance

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:

  1. Install Accessibility Insights for Web.
  2. Open your app and run FastPass from the extension.
  3. 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

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