# Web Accessibility: A Complete Developer Guide Web accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with websites. It's not just good practice—it's often a legal requirement. ## Understanding WCAG The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are organized around four principles: 1. **Perceivable** - Information must be presentable 2. **Operable** - Interface must be navigable 3. **Understandable** - Content must be readable 4. **Robust** - Content must work with assistive tech ## Semantic HTML Use the right elements for the job: ```html

Click me

``` ## ARIA Attributes When HTML semantics aren't enough, use ARIA: ```html ``` ## Keyboard Navigation Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible: ```tsx function Modal({ isOpen, onClose, children }: ModalProps) { useEffect(() => { const handleEscape = (e: KeyboardEvent) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') onClose(); }; document.addEventListener('keydown', handleEscape); return () => document.removeEventListener('keydown', handleEscape); }, [onClose]); return isOpen ? : null; } ``` ## Color Contrast Ensure sufficient contrast ratios: - **Normal text**: 4.5:1 minimum - **Large text**: 3:1 minimum - **UI components**: 3:1 minimum ## Testing Use multiple testing methods: - Automated tools (axe, Lighthouse) - Screen reader testing - Keyboard-only navigation - User testing with people with disabilities ## Conclusion Accessibility benefits everyone. By building accessible websites, you create better experiences for all users while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.