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Accessibility fundamentals for web developers

Your code is the foundation. Accessibility isn’t an add-on; it’s baked right in.

Web developers are at the forefront of creating accessible and functional websites. Their work ensures that the technical foundations of a website meet performance, usability, and accessibility standards.

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Use semantic HTML

Semantic tags convey structure and meaning, making navigation smoother for screen readers.

Implement ARIA roles and properties

When HTML alone doesn’t cut it, ARIA steps in to give added context.

Ensure keyboard accessibility

Every interactive element should be accessible via the keyboard. Think tab order, focus states, and more.

Provide skip links

They’re an anchor for screen reader users, letting them jump to main content easily.

Optimize page load times

Faster pages make for a better experience, especially for users on slower connections.

Test for accessibility in development

Automated testing can catch many issues early. Make it a regular habit.

Avoid reliance on JavaScript for essential features

Not everyone enables JavaScript, so make sure critical features are functional without it.

Validate code for standards compliance

Validation tools are your friend! They help catch errors that could impact accessibility.

Label form elements properly

Users need to know what each field requires. Labels should be intuitive.

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