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Chapter 4: Develop with Accessibility in Mind

Introduction​

Development plays a pivotal role in web accessibility. The decisions we make as developers can impact the accessibility of our websites. In this chapter, we'll delve into key development principles for accessibility, including semantic HTML, accessible forms, navigational menus, keyboard navigation, and ARIA roles and properties.

Semantic HTML​

Semantic HTML refers to the use of HTML markup to reinforce the semantics or meaning of the content. Here are some benefits:

  • Assistive technologies: Screen readers and other assistive technologies rely on semantic markup to provide a meaningful interpretation of the web content.
  • SEO: Search engines also favor semantic markup as it makes the content more understandable.
  • Maintainability: Semantic markup is easier to read and understand, which makes the code easier to maintain.

Use HTML elements for their intended purpose. For example, use <button> for a button, not a <div>.

Accessible Forms​

Forms are a common element on the web, and it's crucial to make them accessible. Here are some tips:

  • Labels: Always provide labels for your form controls. Labels are crucial for screen reader users to understand what information should be entered in the form control.
  • Error Messages: When form validation fails, ensure that the error messages are descriptive and accessible.
  • Keyboard Accessible: Make sure that your forms can be navigated using the keyboard.

Accessible Navigation Menus​

Navigation menus are a key part of web navigation. Here are some tips for making them accessible:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all menu items can be accessed using the keyboard.
  • Clear Indication: Highlight the current active link in the menu to provide a clear indication to the user.
  • Dropdown Menus: If you have dropdown menus, ensure they can be accessed by both mouse and keyboard users.

Keyboard Navigation​

Keyboard navigation is essential for users who can't use a mouse. Here's how to ensure your site is keyboard-friendly:

  • Tab Order: The tab order should be logical and intuitive. Usually, this means following the visual flow of the page.
  • Skip Links: Provide a 'skip to main content' link at the top of the page to allow users to skip repetitive content.
  • Focus Indication: Ensure that the keyboard focus is clearly visible.

ARIA Roles and Properties​

ARIA roles and properties can enhance the accessibility of complex web components. Here are some guidelines:

  • Use sparingly: Only use ARIA when there's no suitable HTML element or attribute. Unnecessary use of ARIA can create more problems than it solves.
  • Understand ARIA: Before using ARIA, make sure you understand what it does. Incorrect use of ARIA can confuse screen reader users.

Conclusion​

Developing with accessibility in mind is crucial to creating inclusive web experiences. By applying the principles discussed in this chapter, you can ensure that your websites are accessible to all users. In the next chapter, we'll discuss how to test the accessibility of your websites.