Web accessibility is about making digital content usable for everyone—including people with disabilities. This guide outlines practical dos and don’ts to help you build inclusive, user-friendly websites and applications.

🧭 Navigation & Keyboard Interaction

✅ Do:

Make all interactive elements keyboard accessible.
Show visible focus indicators.
Use skip links to jump to main content.
Maintain logical tab order.

❌ Don’t:

Trap focus in modals or overlays.
Remove focus outlines without alternatives.
Trigger actions on focus or hover alone.

🎨 Visual Design & Color Contrast

✅ Do:

Ensure text contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1.
Use more than color to convey meaning.
Support zooming up to 400%.

❌ Don’t:

Use color alone for status or errors.
Use low-contrast fonts or tiny text.
Break layouts with fixed heights.

🖼️ Images & Multimedia

✅ Do:

Write meaningful alt text for images.
Use alt="" for decorative images.
Provide captions and transcripts for media.

❌ Don’t:

Use images of text.
Autoplay media without controls.
Skip alt text—it’s essential.

🧾 Forms & Inputs

✅ Do:

Label every form field using <label>.
Use aria-describedby for hints and errors.
Group related fields with <fieldset> and <legend>.

❌ Don’t:

Use placeholders as labels.
Require mouse-only interactions.
Use vague error messages.

📱 Mobile & Touch Accessibility

✅ Do:

Ensure touch targets are at least 44x44px.
Support screen rotation and zoom.
Provide gesture alternatives.

❌ Don’t:

Lock screen orientation.
Place buttons too close together.
Rely on hover effects alone.

🧠 Cognitive & Situational Accessibility

✅ Do:

Use plain, simple language.
Break content into digestible chunks.
Keep navigation and layout consistent.

❌ Don’t:

Use jargon or complex phrasing.
Overwhelm users with too many options.
Hide key actions behind animations.

🧪 Testing & Validation

✅ Do:

Use tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse.
Test with screen readers and keyboard only.
Validate ARIA roles and heading structure.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about compassion. By following these dos and don’ts, you’re creating digital experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and empowering for all users.

Dos and Don’ts of Web Accessibility: A Practical Guide