Accessibility: How to make your site accessible to everyone?

The main design principle: The site should be not only beautiful, but also accessible. What does it mean? That any user, of almost any age, gender, and sometimes even origin, should be able to navigate your site. Creating an accessible website is an important step towards ensuring equal access to information and services for all users, including people with disabilities. In this article, we will look at the basic principles and practices that will help make your site accessible to everyone.

1. Use semantic markup
   Semantic HTML markup helps search engines and assistive technologies (such as on-screen readers) better understand the structure and content of your site. Use the correct tags for headings (h1, h2, etc.), lists (ul, ol), and other elements.
   
   

2. Add alternative text for images
   Alternative text (alt tags) allows you to describe images for users who can't see them. This text is important for on-screen readers and helps users understand the context of images on the page.
   
   

3. Provide keyboard navigation
   Many users with disabilities use the keyboard to navigate the site. Make sure that all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are accessible and controlled using the keyboard. Use the tabindex attribute to control the order in which elements are crawled.
   
   

4. Provide text alternatives for multimedia
   Video and audio should be accompanied by text alternatives, such as subtitles or transcriptions. This helps people with hearing or visual impairments to access information. It is also useful to use aria attributes to improve interaction with multimedia content.
   
   

5. Optimize the contrast and readability of your text
   High contrast between text and background improves readability for visually impaired users. Make sure that the color palette of your site meets the requirements of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Use a large font and clear sans-serif fonts for better readability.
   
   

6. Use clear and simple forms
   The forms should be intuitive and easy to fill out. Be sure to include labels for each form field and provide clear instructions. Use validators and error messages that clearly explain what needs to be fixed.
   
   

7. Make your site responsive
   Responsive design allows your site to display correctly on various devices and screens. This is important not only for user convenience, but also for accessibility. Make sure that the controls and content remain accessible when the browser window is resized.
   
   

8. Test your site's accessibility regularly
   Use accessibility testing tools such as WAVE, Lighthouse, and axe. These tools will help you identify problems and offer recommendations for fixing them. It is also useful to conduct custom testing with people with disabilities.