Hello there, web developers! Are you looking to create an inclusive and accessible web application for your users? Well, you’ve come to the right place! 😃

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to make your front-end framework work for assistive technologies. We’ll cover everything from identifying the correct HTML elements to use to implementing ARIA attributes for better accessibility.

Let’s get started!

The Importance of Accessibility ♿️

Before diving into the specifics of incorporating assistive technologies, it’s crucial to understand why accessibility matters.

An accessible website ensures that people with disabilities can navigate and use your website or application just like people without disabilities. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also promotes an inclusive and welcoming experience for all users.

Additionally, designing for accessibility can result in a better overall user experience, as it encourages web designers to simplify and streamline the design to a more basic usability approach.

A cellphone held by a hand with a wristwatch.

Use Correct HTML Elements 🌐

When building a website or application, it’s essential to use the correct HTML elements that assistive technologies are programmed to recognize. This will help those users who rely on assistive technologies understand and navigate the structure of your website or application more efficiently.

For instance, using HTML semantic elements (such as <header> and <nav>) will help screen readers know what section of the website they are in and navigate to desired content easily.

Additionally, adding alternative text for images () you include should be descriptive and should explain the content or purpose of the image. This text serves as a substitute for images that cannot be seen or interpreted.

A computer screen displaying the HTML code structure of a webpage.

Implement ARIA Attributes ♿️

ARIA, or Accessible Rich Internet Applications, is a set of attributes that aid developers in making web applications more accessible.

ARIA attributes focus on making non-standard and interactive components (e.g., dropdowns and sliders) more accessible, improving the web user experience.

Accessible controls and input fields provide better visual cues on focus for keyboard accessibility. When using ARIA live regions, dynamic content can be relayed to assistive technology users via screen reader.

However, don’t forget to use the correct and relevant ARIA attributes that will bring value to assistive technologies and support the understanding and usability of the web interface.

A desktop PC screen displaying ARIA attributes on an input field.

Use Proper Color Contrast 🌈

Proper color contrast is an essential part of accessibility when it comes to text, icons, and images.

Contrast ratios should be above a minimum level of 4.5:1 for small text and 3:1 for larger text (up to 24px), with no color should be used as the only way to convey information. When only color is conveying a message, it can be challenging for users with color blindness.

You can ensure proper contrast ratios by using color contrast checking tools and designing with accessible color palettes that have enough contrast and color value between the foreground and background colors.

A laptop screen displaying two colors and their corresponding contrast ratio.

Test Your Website/Application ✅

Finally, testing your website or application for accessibility is crucial to ensuring that it is entirely usable for users with disabilities.

There are several testing tools that can support you in testing the various accessibility features on a web application such as Wave and Google Lighthouse.

However, automated tests can never replace human testing with positive use cases. Testing with assistive technologies, keyboard-only navigation, and different screen readers is a valuable way to ensure your site is accessible to a broad range of users.

A developer testing a website/application on a mobile device with assistive technology.

And that’s it! By implementing the tactics mentioned above, you can ensure that your front-end framework works for assistive technologies, creating an accessible website that is inclusive, functional, and a better overall user experience.

Thanks for reading, and happy developing! 🚀

A neon sign saying ACCESSIBILITY.