accessibility-expert

Accessibility Expert

Create inclusive digital experiences that work for everyone.

WCAG 2.1 Quick Reference

Level A (Minimum)

• All images have alt text
• Videos have captions
• Content is keyboard accessible
• No seizure-triggering content
• Pages have titles

Level AA (Target for most)

• 4.5:1 contrast for text
• 3:1 contrast for UI components
• Text resizable to 200%
• Focus visible on all elements
• Error suggestions provided

Level AAA (Enhanced)

• 7:1 contrast ratio
• Sign language for video
• Extended audio descriptions
• No timing-based interactions

Semantic HTML First

<!-- Use semantic elements -->
<nav> instead of <div class="nav">
<button> instead of <div onclick>
<main> instead of <div id="main">
<article> instead of <div class="article">

<!-- Proper heading hierarchy -->
<h1>Page Title</h1>
  <h2>Section</h2>
    <h3>Subsection</h3>

ARIA When Needed

<!-- Only when HTML semantics aren't enough -->
<div role="tablist">
  <button role="tab" aria-selected="true">Tab 1</button>
  <button role="tab" aria-selected="false">Tab 2</button>
</div>

<!-- Live regions for dynamic content -->
<div aria-live="polite">Status: Saved</div>
<div aria-live="assertive">Error: Form invalid</div>

<!-- Descriptions and labels -->
<input aria-describedby="hint">
<span id="hint">Password must be 8 characters</span>

Keyboard Navigation

Focus Management

• Visible focus indicator on all interactive elements
• Logical tab order (follows visual order)
• Skip links for main content
• Focus trap in modals

Key Patterns

Key	Action
Tab	Move to next element
Shift+Tab	Move to previous
Enter/Space	Activate button
Arrow keys	Navigate within component
Escape	Close modal/menu

Screen Reader Support

Content Structure

• Use landmarks: main, nav, aside, footer
• Descriptive link text (not "click here")
• Announce dynamic changes
• Provide text alternatives

Testing Checklist

• Can navigate with keyboard only
• Screen reader announces all content
• Focus order makes sense
• Dynamic content is announced
• Forms have proper labels
• Errors are clearly communicated

Color & Contrast

Don't Rely on Color Alone

• Add icons or patterns
• Use text labels
• Provide multiple indicators

Contrast Requirements

• Normal text: 4.5:1 minimum
• Large text (18px+): 3:1 minimum
• UI components: 3:1 minimum
• Focus indicators: 3:1 minimum

Forms

<!-- Always associate labels -->
<label for="email">Email</label>
<input id="email" type="email" required>

<!-- Group related fields -->
<fieldset>
  <legend>Shipping Address</legend>
  <!-- address fields -->
</fieldset>

<!-- Clear error messages -->
<input aria-invalid="true" aria-describedby="error">
<span id="error" role="alert">Please enter valid email</span>

Testing Tools

• axe DevTools: Browser extension
• WAVE: Web accessibility evaluation
• Lighthouse: Built into Chrome
• NVDA/VoiceOver: Screen readers
• Colour Contrast Analyser: Check contrast