Web Accessibility for Developers: Guide, Resources, and Examples

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Web Accessibility for Developers: Guide, Resources & Examples

Posted December 23, 2024

AudioEye

Posted December 23, 2024

Open laptop screen with a stylized web browser with the text reading 'WCAG 2.1' across the top. The accessibility symbol is in the top left-hand corner of the page and a checklist is off to the side of the laptop.
Open laptop screen with a stylized web browser with the text reading 'WCAG 2.1' across the top. The accessibility symbol is in the top left-hand corner of the page and a checklist is off to the side of the laptop.

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Web accessibility is essential for creating inclusive digital experiences that work for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Below, we’ll explore your role as a developer in enhancing accessibility and the benefits that come with it.

The essence of web accessibility is this: creating a website that everyone, regardless of ability, can use. And that starts with development. Whether you’re looking to fulfill legal requirements around digital accessibility or want to make the internet more accessible (or both), both reasons have a positive outcome: a more equitable web.

As a developer, web accessibility isn’t just a box to check — it’s an opportunity to craft an experience welcoming to all users. The best time to introduce web accessibility is during the development process when your decisions shape the foundation of the user experience. But even if you’re working on an existing site, it’s never too late to increase accessibility and functionality. With the right tools, guidance, and mindset, you can transform your digital content to be more accessible and compliant.


Below, we’ll explore how developers can champion accessibility — from understanding the principles of inclusive design to implementing practical solutions in your development processes.

Why Should Developers Prioritize Web Accessibility?

Most industries are legally obligated to follow accessibility standards — but the truth is that every site, mobile or web application, and interface benefits from inclusive design. Prioritizing accessibility broadens your audience, ensuring that the more than 1.3 billion people worldwide with a disability can interact with your digital content, products, or services.

Beyond expanding your audience reach, the more accessible your website is, the better your overall website performance. Clear navigation, well-structured content, and optimized, accessible code — all key elements of digital accessibility — also enhance usability for all users and can help boost your SEO rankings. Keeping digital accessibility in mind from the start not only helps you create a more equitable digital experience but also future-proofs your web pages against legal risks and ensures compliance is easier to maintain as digital accessibility standards evolve.

Here’s the bottom line: Creating an accessible, compliant website or mobile app is a win-win. Your users win with a more user-friendly, inclusive experience while your business expands its audience reach, decreases legal risk, and positions itself as a forward-thinking, inclusive organization.

Understanding WCAG Guidelines and Legal Requirements

As mentioned above, digital accessibility is a legal requirement for businesses worldwide. There are numerous international accessibility laws that mandate organizations provide accessible digital content for individuals with disabilities. 

Most accessibility laws use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard for accessibility. More specifically, accessibility laws refer to WCAG 2.1 Level AA to measure compliance. The guidelines, created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), outline principles and technical criteria (also called success criteria) to ensure websites and mobile apps are usable by people with disabilities. The guidelines apply to a wide range of digital content, from websites and mobile apps to multimedia and online documents.


It’s important to note that WCAG guidelines aren’t legally binding themselves. Instead, they serve as the foundation for many accessibility laws worldwide. In the United States, for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act use WCAG as a benchmark for compliance. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) also use WCAG as standards for compliance.

Man in front of a stylized web browser touching a toolbar that contains various design icons and the accessibility symbol.

What is the Scope of Web Accessibility in Web and App Development?

With the legal requirements in mind, let’s dive into the scope of web accessibility.

Accessibility measures apply to all components of a digital product — from the underlying code to the visual and HTML elements. As a developer, you play a critical role in ensuring the digital content you create is accessible, compliant, and inclusive for everyone, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Remember: web accessibility is designed to remove accessibility problems and barriers, ensuring users can navigate, interact with, and understand your content, whether they’re using a mouse, a keyboard, a screen reader, or voice commands. Additionally, accessibility isn’t limited to the front-end user interface — it extends to the structure of your code, the responsiveness of your design, and even the way you handle multimedia content.

Below are just some of the WCAG guidelines your digital content must include to be considered accessible and compliant.

Keyboard-Only Navigation

Many users with disabilities don’t use a mouse to interact with online content. Instead, they rely solely on keyboard commands and shortcuts. To ensure keyboard users can easily navigate your site without a mouse, ensure all interactive elements (e.g., menus, forms, and buttons) can be accessed and activated using the Enter, Arrow, and Tab Key. Proper focus management is also critical in keyboard accessibility as it ensures users always know where they are on a page. The focus should also move logically through the content.

Easily Clickable Links and Buttons

Small or tightly packed links or buttons can be difficult for users with physical disabilities or those navigating via touch. To reduce errors, ensure buttons and links are designed and coded with a generous clickable area (WCAG recommends at least 44x44 pixels) and adequate spacing. Descriptive labels are also essential so users know exactly what happens when they click on a link.

Voice Control Capabilities

For users who rely on voice recognition software (like Dragon Naturally Speaking or built-in voiceover tools like Siri or Google Assistant), user interfaces should be designed with clear, actionable commands. For example, buttons and links should have concise, descriptive names to ensure voice commands can easily identify and activate them.

Captions and Subtitle for Media

Video content should always include accurate captions for both spoken dialogue and relevant sounds like music or sound effects. Not only do captions benefit individuals with hearing impairments such as deafness or hard of hearing, but also those with situational disabilities, such as viewing videos in a noisy environment.

Audio Descriptions for Visual Information

For users with visual impairments, audio descriptions provide essential information and context for content like images, graphs, charts, or scenes in a video. These descriptions, commonly known as alternative text, should convey key information so users can fully understand the content.

Semantic HTML

Using proper HTML tags — such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> — helps structure your content logically. This is especially beneficial for assistive technology, like screen readers, as they rely on these tags to give users an accurate understanding of the page layout and content hierarchy. These tags can also help increase your SEO rankings and overall usability.

UI Component Accessibility

When developing interactive components, like sliders, dropdown menus, and modal tags, you must ensure they’re operable with both a keyboard and assistive technologies. For example, ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and attributes can provide much-needed content for users, such as labeling form fields or indicating the state of the toggle switch. Be sure these components provide clear feedback, such as visual or auditory cues, when interacted with.

Open laptop with four different profiles; various web icons surround the laptop and hand holding a raised gavel is in the background.

Which Disabilities Require Accessibility Measures? 

The accessibility measures mentioned above benefit users with various disabilities, ensuring they can interact effectively with content. Below are a few examples.

Visual Disabilities

Visual disabilities, including blindness, low vision, and color blindness, may rely on screen readers (such as JAWS or NVDA) to interact with the digital world. Ensuring your content is optimized for assistive technologies helps improve their overall experience. Additional accessibility measures for those with visual impairments include providing sufficient color contrast, including descriptive alt text for images, and using colorblind-friendly color palettes. 

Auditory Disabilities

People who are deaf or hard of hearing need captions or transcripts to interact with audio and video content. Accessibility features like real-time captions for live events or visual indicators for alerts also help ensure those with auditory disabilities or impairments don’t miss critical information.

Motor Disabilities

Motor disabilities include individuals whose mobility or fine motor skills are impacted. This includes disabilities such as cerebral palsy, arthritis, or tremors, all of which make it difficult for users to use a mouse or touch gestures. Many individuals with motor disabilities rely on keyboard navigation, voice control, or alternative input devices to navigate online content. Including large clickable buttons and ensuring your content is optimized for keyboard users is critical for this group.

Cognitive and Learning Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism, can affect someone’s memory, focus, or understanding of complex information. Having an accessible design with clear, concise language, predictable navigation, and visual aids to break down information can make digital content more accessible for these individuals. Features like adjustable text size and simplified layouts can also be beneficial.

What is a Web Developer’s Role in Enabling Accessibility?

As a developer, you’re at the forefront of creating a more accessible web. Your decisions directly shape how inclusive a site or app will be, from the code you write to the tools and processes you use. 

Here’s a deeper look into how you, as a developer, contribute to accessibility.

Removing Barriers to Consuming and Interacting with Content

One of your primary responsibilities as a developer is to ensure all users can interact with digital content. This starts by using semantic HTML, which means coding with the proper tags to give your content good structure and meaning. 

For example, using <header> for headings and <buttons> for clickable actions helps screen readers and other assistive technologies understand and convey the page’s layout to users with disabilities. 

You should also integrate accessibility APIs, which bridge the gap between a website or mobile app and assistive technologies. These APIs communicate important information, such as element roles and states, ensuring users can navigate and interact effectively with the site.

Complying with Legislative and Legal Guidelines

Developers are crucial in ensuring digital properties comply with accessibility laws like the ADA, EAA, AODA, and others. This means aligning with standards like WCAG to decrease your legal risks while creating a more inclusive experience. You must also stay informed about the latest accessibility regulations and guidelines, which often evolve over time. Keeping WCAG standards in mind from the start turns compliance from an afterthought into a natural part of your development process, saving you a significant amount of time.

Deploying Accessible Design Principles

As a developer, you must work closely with designers to implement inclusive design principles. This includes ensuring proper color contrast for text, designing interfaces that can be used with a keyboard or voice commands, and creating layouts that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and assistive technologies. Don’t forget interactive elements like forms and menus — these also must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Overseeing Usability Testing

Accessibility isn’t just theoretical — it must be tested with real users. Developers are responsible for conducting usability testing to ensure that the site or app works for people with disabilities. This includes testing with assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software. Consider collaborating with testers who have disabilities to get more in-depth insights into how accessible your content is and where you can make improvements.

Conducting Accessibility Audits

Remember: Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done process. It’s an ongoing effort that requires regular audits of your digital content. Conducting an accessibility audit can help you identify and fix accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, keyboard navigation, or inaccessible interactive components. Tools like automated scanners and manual testing processes can help you find and fix these barriers, and regular audits help keep accessibility at the forefront of your mind.

Animated image of an open laptop with a stylized web browser. A woman holding a pencil and a man holding a pop-up box are both standing on the laptop screen.

Web Accessibility Resources for Developers and Website Owners

Digital accessibility is a continuous journey; having the right resources makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, there are dozens of tools available to help you strengthen your development skills and build more inclusive digital experiences.

Learning Resources

There are dozens of accessibility training courses available that can help you deepen your understanding of web accessibility, including:

  • AudioEyeQ: AudioEyeQ is a free, best-in-class accessibility learning platform to help you create more accessible, inclusive digital experiences. Our courses cover everything from the foundations of accessibility, which covers accessible design and policy, to strategic accessibility leadership, which delves deep into the laws and benefits of accessibility.
  • W3C’s Accessibility Resources for Developers: The W3C’s accessibility training is a go-to resource for an in-depth understanding of WCAG guidelines and how developers can use them effectively. It’s a great quick reference guide to help you implement accessibility features throughout the development process.
  • Section508.gov Guide to Accessible Web Design and Development: Section508.gov’s training includes a practical guide for building accessible websites and complying with Section 508 accessibility standards.

These resources, along with other top accessibility courses, provide in-depth knowledge and practical application, making them invaluable if you’re looking to improve your skills and understanding of digital accessibility.

Free Tools

If you’re just getting started with accessibility, free accessibility testing tools can make the process simple and easy while still improving your accessibility. Some of the most popular free testing tools include:

  • AudioEye’s Web Accessibility Checker: Our free Web Accessibility Checker quickly scans your digital content for 30 WCAG success criteria — more than any other tool on the market — and highlights any violations. These insights give you the knowledge needed to enhance your accessibility.
  • AudioEye Color Contrast Checker: Color contrast ratios have a huge impact on the readability of online content. WCAG guidelines recommend a minimum color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. AudioEye’s Color Contrast Checker can test your website’s color contrast and ensure it meets WCAG standards. Striking this balances makes it easier for individuals with visual impairments to read and understand online content.
  • WAVE Accessibility Tool: The WAVE Accessibility tool is a free, browser-based tool for Chrome, Firefox, and other web browsers that analyzes your digital content and visually presents accessibility issues. WAVE is an ideal tool if you’re just starting with web accessibility and gives you a clear starting point for improving accessibility.
  • axe DevTools (Free Version): axe DevTools is a browser extension that brings accessibility testing directly into your development workflows. The insights provided by DevTools give you a better understanding of where you need to improve accessibility.

Paid Tools and Platforms

While free tools provide a great starting point for digital accessibility, paid accessibility tools and platforms offer a more robust and scalable approach. Additionally, most accessibility software includes more advanced tools that enhance accessibility and compliance and improve the user experience. Some of the top paid platforms include:

  • AudioEye: AudioEye is a powerful accessibility platform that combines automation and human-assisted AI technology to find and fix digital accessibility issues. Our platform includes a three-pronged approach to accessibility, including AI-driven technology, audits with experts from the disability community, and testing throughout the development process. Plus, with our Developer Tools, you’ll get powerful, actionable insights and WCAG-aligned recommendations and integrations that streamline the development process. With AudioEye, accessibility improvements are implemented continuously and instantly, helping you maintain a compliant, accessible website.
  • Deque’s axe DevTools Pro: A more advanced version of the free axe tool mentioned above, axe DevTools Pro offers more in-depth accessibility testing and reporting capabilities. 
  • Siteimprove: Siteimprove is a platform designed to optimize accessibility, digital governance, digital experience analytics, and more. The platform ensures all users have an equal experience and that your business fully complies with local and federal regulations.
  • Level Access: Level Access is a unified software platform that combines robust software with expert support to achieve and maintain digital accessibility. The solution includes automated scans, manual testing, legal guidance, and accessibility training and guidance.

Develop a Web Accessibility Pathway with AudioEye

As a developer, you have the unique opportunity to build and deploy accessible digital experiences. By prioritizing accessibility in your development process, you ensure websites and mobile apps are usable by everyone, particularly individuals with disabilities. 

To meet accessibility standards and fulfill legal responsibilities, you must collaborate with designers and accessibility experts. That’s where AudioEye comes in. With our three-pronged approach to accessibility, the path to accessible, compliant online experiences is fast, easy, and cost-effective. From our free Website Accessibility Checker, which provides the perfect starting point for accessibility, to our Developer Tools that test your code and components for accessibility in pre-production environments, AudioEye simplifies the process of finding and fixing accessibility issues. 

Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or optimizing your existing site to meet accessibility requirements, AudioEye is your trusted partner in accessibility. 

Ready to get started? Check out AudioEye’s Developer Tools to learn more. 


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