Accessibility is not just a feature—it's a fundamental aspect of good design and development. When we build components that work for everyone, we create better experiences for all users.
Why Accessibility Matters
Every user deserves equal access to information and functionality. Whether someone uses a screen reader, navigates with a keyboard, or has visual impairments, our interfaces should adapt to their needs.
Key Principles
Semantic HTML
Using the right HTML elements is the foundation of accessibility. A button should be a <button>, not a <div> with click handlers.
// Good <button onClick={handleClick}>Submit</button> // Bad <div onClick={handleClick}>Submit</div>
ARIA Attributes
When semantic HTML isn't enough, ARIA attributes help convey meaning to assistive technologies. But remember: the first rule of ARIA is to not use ARIA if you can use native HTML instead.
Keyboard Navigation
All interactive elements must be keyboard accessible. Users should be able to tab through your interface and activate elements with Enter or Space.
Testing Your Components
Regular testing with screen readers and keyboard-only navigation reveals issues that automated tools might miss. Make it part of your development workflow.
Conclusion
Building accessible components takes practice, but it becomes second nature over time. The investment pays dividends in user satisfaction and reach.