Web Accessibility

Explaining web accessibility, it's importance, and how to implement it

Sarah Olson 2026-2-26

Web accessibility is when a website implements a feature that makes it easier for people with disabilities to use their website. These features provide a way for people who wouldn't be able to access the website without outside assistance (ie, those who can't see, or can't move a mouse) to be able to use those websites on their own.

Ways to Make a Webpage Accessible

Using the proper HTML elements, so that the assistive tools can understand the page's structure (ie, nav for navgation, button for buttons)
Properly using the alt attribute in img elements so that the tools can read what the image is supposed to be
Making sure that all the interactive parts of the page can be accessed by the keyboard alone
Including ARIA attributes when necessary

ARIA Attributes

ARIA attributes are HTML attributes that enhance web accessibility for assistive technologies by defining roles, states, and properties.

Types of ARIA Attributes

aria-label: this provides a specific name when there is no visible text label

<button aria-label="toggle dark mode">
  ◐
</button>

aria-required: this indicates if form field is required

<label>Email:</label>
<input type="text" name="email" aria-required="true">

aria-hidden: this hides content from assistive technologies

<li><a href="/">
    <span aria-hidden="true">🏠︎</span>
    Home
</a></li>

aria-expanded: this indicates whether collapsible content is expanded or collapsed

<button class="menu-toggle" id="menu-toggle" aria-expanded="false">
    ☰
</button>

aria-labelledby: identifies the element(s) that labels the element it is applied to

<span id="productName">Laptop</span>
<span id="productPrice">$1000</span>

<button aria-labelledby="productName productPrice">
  Buy Now
</button>

Web Accessibility

Ways to Make a Webpage Accessible

ARIA Attributes

Types of ARIA Attributes

Sources