Building Truly Accessible Web Applications

Accessibility isn't a checkbox to tick or an afterthought to consider once your application is built. It's a fundamental aspect of good design and development that benefits everyone who interacts with your product.

Understanding True Accessibility

When I started building web applications professionally, I thought accessibility meant adding alt text to images and ensuring good colour contrast. Whilst these are important, true accessibility goes much deeper than compliance with WCAG guidelines—it's about creating inclusive experiences that empower all users to achieve their goals.

Over the years, I've learned that accessible design often leads to better design for everyone. The techniques that help screen reader users navigate your application also improve the experience for users with slow internet connections, mobile users, and even power users who prefer keyboard navigation.

The Four Pillars of Web Accessibility

1. Perceivable

Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive. This goes beyond just visual design:

• Text alternatives: Every non-text element should have a meaningful text alternative
• Captions and transcripts: For audio and video content
• Colour and contrast: Information shouldn't rely solely on colour
• Responsive text: Content should be readable when text size is increased

2. Operable

Interface components and navigation must be operable by all users:

• Keyboard navigation: All functionality should be available via keyboard
• No seizure triggers: Avoid content that flashes more than three times per second
• Time limits: Give users control over time-sensitive interactions
• Navigation aids: Help users find content and determine their location

3. Understandable

Information and operation of the interface must be understandable:

• Readable text: Use clear, simple language when possible
• Predictable functionality: Interface components should behave consistently
• Input assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes
• Clear instructions: Provide context and guidance where needed

4. Robust

Content must be robust enough to work with various user agents and assistive technologies:

• Valid markup: Use semantic HTML correctly
• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies
• Progressive enhancement: Build a solid foundation that works without JavaScript

Practical Implementation Strategies

Start with Semantic HTML

The foundation of accessible web applications is semantic HTML. Use the right elements for the right purpose:

<!-- Good: Semantic HTML -->
<button onClick={handleSubmit}>Submit Form</button>
<nav aria-label="Main navigation">
  <ul>
    <li><a href="/about">About</a></li>
    <li><a href="/services">Services</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

<!-- Avoid: Non-semantic markup -->
<div onClick={handleSubmit}>Submit Form</div>

ARIA When Semantic HTML Isn't Enough

Use ARIA attributes to provide additional context when semantic HTML alone isn't sufficient:

<div 
  role="button"
  aria-expanded={isOpen}
  aria-controls="dropdown-menu"
  onClick={toggleDropdown}
>
  Menu
</div>
<ul id="dropdown-menu" aria-hidden={!isOpen}>
  {/* menu items */}
</ul>

Focus Management

Proper focus management is crucial for keyboard users and screen reader users:

// Focus management in React
const Modal = ({ isOpen, onClose }) => {
  const modalRef = useRef();
  
  useEffect(() => {
    if (isOpen && modalRef.current) {
      modalRef.current.focus();
    }
  }, [isOpen]);
  
  return (
    <div 
      ref={modalRef}
      role="dialog"
      aria-modal="true"
      tabIndex={-1}
    >
      {/* modal content */}
    </div>
  );
};

Testing Your Accessibility Implementation

Building accessible applications requires consistent testing throughout the development process. Here's my recommended testing strategy:

Automated Testing

• axe-core: Integrate automated accessibility testing into your CI/CD pipeline
• Lighthouse: Regular accessibility audits during development
• ESLint plugins: Catch accessibility issues at the code level

Manual Testing

• Keyboard navigation: Navigate your entire application using only the keyboard
• Screen reader testing: Test with NVDA (Windows), JAWS (Windows), or VoiceOver (macOS)
• Zoom testing: Ensure functionality at 200% and 400% zoom levels
• Colour blindness simulation: Test your colour choices with various vision simulations

User Testing

The most valuable feedback comes from real users with disabilities. Consider:

• Recruiting users with various disabilities for testing sessions
• Partnering with accessibility organisations
• Creating feedback channels specifically for accessibility issues

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-reliance on ARIA

ARIA is powerful, but semantic HTML should always be your first choice. The first rule of ARIA is: "If you can use a native HTML element or attribute with the semantics and behaviour you require already built in, instead of re-purposing an element and adding an ARIA role, state or property to make it accessible, then do so."

Inconsistent Focus Management

Poor focus management creates a frustrating experience for keyboard users. Ensure:

• Focus moves logically through the page
• Focus is visible and clearly indicated
• Focus doesn't get trapped or lost
• Skip links allow users to bypass repeated content

Accessibility as an Afterthought

Retrofitting accessibility is always more expensive and less effective than building it in from the start. Include accessibility considerations in:

• Initial design decisions
• Component development
• Testing procedures
• Content creation processes

Moving Forward

Building accessible web applications isn't just about compliance—it's about creating inclusive digital experiences that work for everyone. Start small, test continuously, and remember that accessibility is a journey, not a destination.

Every improvement you make benefits all your users, not just those with disabilities. Better semantics improve SEO, keyboard navigation speeds up power users, and clear visual hierarchy helps everyone understand your content more quickly.

The web is for everyone. Let's build it that way.