Essentials for Developers

1. Semantic Markup: Do all elements have the correct semantic markup?

Relevant Explanation:

• Use Semantic Elements for Regions and Content

Examples of relevant techniques:

• Use Heading Structure
• Create Main Landmark

2. Input Labels: Are there descriptive labels marking each input element, and labels for input groups?

Relevant Explanation:

• Provide Accessible Labels and Instructions

Examples of relevant techniques:

• Create Descriptive Input Labels
• Indicate Required Fields

3. Focus: Is there an indicator when interactive elements have keyboard focus, and does its order follow a logical sequence?

Relevant Explanation:

• Provide Logical and Visible Focus Indication

Examples of relevant techniques:

• Provide Focus Order for Interactive Elements
• Indicate Paragraph Link Focus
• Managing focus and inactive elements

4. Keyboard: Can all interactive elements be selected and activated using the keyboard?

Relevant Explanation:

• Support Keyboard Interaction

Examples of relevant techniques:

• Create Accessible Modal Dialogs
• Create Accessible Expandable Sections
• Create Custom Controls that are Keyboard Operable

5. Names: Do all interactive controls have an accessible descriptive name?

Relevant explanation:

• Custom Widgets and Controls

Example of relevant technique:

• Provide Accessible Names for Buttons

6. Roles: Do all custom controls and widgets have the correct role (e.g., link, button, tab panel)?

Relevant explanation:

• Provide Name Role and Value Information

Example of relevant technique:

• Autocomplete Input Controls

7. Dynamic Updates: Are all dynamic updates, including error messages, conveyed to assistive technology?

Relevant explanation:

• Provide Notification of Dynamic Changes to Content

Example of relevant technique:

• Form Feedback with Live Regions

8. Colors: Does the design provide sufficient color contrast?

Relevant explanation:

• Avoid Reliance on Color

Example of relevant technique:

• Indicate Required Fields without Reliance on Color
• Indicate Accessible Current Page without Reliance on Color

9. Layouts: Do page layouts adapt to different window widths and text sizes?

Relevant explanation:

• Support Flexibility and Adaptation

Example of relevant technique:

• Enable Text Resizing

10. Images: Do images and icons have the appropriate text alternative?

Relevant explanation:

• Provide Accessible Images

Examples of relevant techniques:

• Provide Icon Information to Users of Assistive Technology
• Provide Useful Alternative Text

Related: Tools and checklists

• Tools for evaluating accessibility of content and controls.
• Easy Checks—A First Review of Web Accessibility (WAI)—quick and easy ways to assess the accessibility of your web pages.