Why Accessibility Matters

Web accessibility ensures that websites work for everyone, including people with disabilities. Good accessibility is good HTML.

What is Web Accessibility?

Accessibility means:

• Usable by people with visual impairments
• Navigable by keyboard only
• Understandable by screen readers
• Works with various assistive technologies

Who Benefits?

People with disabilities:

• Visual impairments (blind, low vision, color blind)
• Hearing impairments
• Motor impairments
• Cognitive disabilities

Everyone else too:

• Users on mobile devices
• Slow internet connections
• Bright sunlight (contrast matters)
• Temporary injuries
• Aging population

The Curb Cut Effect

Just like curb cuts help wheelchair users AND parents with strollers AND delivery workers, accessible web features help everyone:

• Captions help in noisy environments
• Keyboard navigation helps power users
• Clear headings help everyone scan content
• High contrast helps in bright light

Core Accessibility Principles

WCAG Principles (POUR):

• Perceivable - Can users perceive the content?
• Operable - Can users operate the interface?
• Understandable - Is content understandable?
• Robust - Works with assistive technologies?

Common Accessibility Issues

vs

Testing Accessibility

Tools and techniques:

• Keyboard navigation (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys)
• Screen readers (VoiceOver, NVDA, JAWS)
• Browser dev tools (Accessibility panel)
• Automated tools (Lighthouse, axe)
• Manual testing

Exercise: Fix Accessibility Issues

Fix the accessibility problems in this code:

Accessibility isn't optional - it's essential for an inclusive web!