Web Accessibility: Developing for Everyone

For a long time I built applications thinking only about the ideal user: someone with a large screen, mouse, perfect vision, and no disabilities. But reality is much more diverse. Millions of people use screen readers, navigate only with the keyboard, or have visual difficulties. Ignoring them is not only unfair, it also means losing opportunities and often breaking the law.

Today, web accessibility (a11y) is a fundamental part of my work as a frontend developer. It’s not an extra, it’s a requirement.

Why accessibility matters

An accessible application is one that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities. This includes people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities, but also benefits users with slow connections, old devices, or simply browsing in difficult situations (like in sunlight, where the screen is hard to see).

Additionally, an accessible web improves SEO, as search engines value semantic HTML and alternative texts. It also complies with important legal regulations like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

My accessibility practices

• Semantic HTML: Use correct tags (<button>, <nav>, <header>) instead of <div> for everything.
• ARIA attributes: Add roles, labels, and descriptions when necessary to improve navigation with screen readers.
• Color contrast: Ensure text is readable for people with low vision.
• Keyboard navigation: All functionalities must be accessible with tab and enter, without depending on the mouse.
• Alternative texts: Always add alt to images.

How I implement it

I use tools like axe DevTools, Lighthouse, and WAVE to detect accessibility issues. I also test my application by navigating only with the keyboard and with screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver.

Accessibility is not just a technical issue, it’s ethical and professional. I’m proud to know that my applications are usable by everyone.