Dashboard
Back to all articles
EngineeringJanuary 20, 20267 min read

Web Accessibility Is Not Optional — It's Essential

1 in 4 adults has a disability. Making your website accessible isn't just ethical — it's smart business. Here's how to get started.

Kiran Adhikari

Kiran Adhikari

QA Engineer

Web Accessibility Is Not Optional — It's Essential

The Case for Accessibility

Web accessibility (a11y) ensures that people with disabilities can use your website. It's about removing barriers and creating inclusive digital experiences.

Why It Matters

  • 1.3 billion people worldwide have a significant disability
  • Over $13 trillion in annual disposable income
  • Accessible sites rank better in search engines
  • Legal requirements are increasing globally (ADA, EAA, WCAG)

    • The WCAG Framework

    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are organized around four principles:

    Perceivable: Can users perceive all content? (alt text, captions, color contrast)

    Operable: Can users navigate and interact? (keyboard navigation, focus management)

    Understandable: Can users understand the content and interface? (clear language, predictable navigation)

    Robust: Does it work with assistive technology? (semantic HTML, ARIA labels)

    Quick Wins to Start Today

  • Add alt text to all images: Descriptive, concise, and meaningful
  • Ensure color contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text
  • Use semantic HTML: h1-h6, nav, main, article, button — they matter
  • Support keyboard navigation: Every interactive element must be keyboard accessible
  • Add focus indicators: Users need to see where they are on the page
  • Test with a screen reader: Experience your site the way many users do

    • Tools We Recommend

  • axe DevTools: Automated accessibility testing
  • WAVE: Visual feedback about accessibility issues
  • Lighthouse: Built-in Chrome accessibility audit
  • Screen readers: NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac), TalkBack (Android)

    • Make the Commitment

    Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. Start where you are, make progress every sprint, and embed it into your development culture.

    AccessibilityA11yWCAGInclusive Design
    Kiran Adhikari

    Kiran Adhikari

    QA Engineer at Appkeed

    Passionate about building great products and sharing knowledge with the community.

    Keep Reading

    Related articles

    React Server Components: A Practical Guide for 2026Engineering
    9 min read

    React Server Components: A Practical Guide for 2026

    Siya Maharjan

    Siya Maharjan