Carolyn MacLeod explains how accessibility considerations in the HTML specification connect developers to ARIA rules and accessibility API mappings. Explore how HTML elements, roles, states, and properties are mapped to support accessible web development and assistive technology.
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HTML is the foundation of the web, and the way it is written can have a profound impact on digital accessibility.
From semantic structure and native elements to headings, links, forms, tables, and interactive content, these 24 Accessibility articles explore how thoughtful use of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) can create more accessible, usable, and robust experiences. Together, they provide practical insights into using semantic markup to support accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and people with disabilities, while demonstrating why accessible Hypertext Markup Language remains one of the most important building blocks of an inclusive web.
<select> Your Poison Part 2: Test All the Things
In “<select> Your Poison Part 2,” Sarah Higley tests native select, combobox, and multi-select patterns with people using assistive technologies. The study shows why native selects generally provide the best single-selection experience, while custom controls require careful design and real-user testing.
<select> Your Poison
Sarah Higley explores the challenges of building accessible custom select controls, comparing native <select> behavior across platforms with ARIA combobox and listbox patterns. The article examines semantics, keyboard interaction, multi-select, autocomplete, and the accessibility tradeoffs of custom UI.
Game Accessibility and the Web
Matthew Atkinson explores game accessibility and the web, examining barriers faced by disabled gamers and how screen readers, HTML, WebAssembly, and browser accessibility APIs can make game interfaces more accessible. The article presents a practical approach to bridging games and assistive technology.
POUR the Foundation First
Homer Gaines explains how the WCAG POUR principles, Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust, provide a foundation for digital accessibility. The article explores practical examples involving alternative text, keyboard access, clear forms, semantic HTML, and assistive technology compatibility.
The Intersection of Markup, Content and Context in Accessibility
David A. Kennedy explores how HTML markup, content, and context work together to create accessible web experiences. Learn why semantic HTML, meaningful labels, form structure, alternative text, and contextual controls matter for people using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
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8 Weird Tips Accessibility Specialists Don’t Want You to Know!
Erik Kroes exposes 8 misguided accessibility tips with humor, challenging common assumptions about WCAG, ARIA, automated testing, focus indicators, accessible alternatives, and inclusive design. Learn why meeting technical requirements is only part of creating truly accessible digital experiences.
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Taking Accessibility Beyond Compliance
Dennis Deacon explores why WCAG Level AA compliance should be a starting point, not the finish line. The article examines headings, link text, focus indicators, abbreviations, and other areas where going beyond minimum requirements can create more usable and accessible digital experiences.
Web Components and the Accessibility Object Model (AOM)
Léonie Watson explores the accessibility challenges of Web Components and how the Accessibility Object Model (AOM) could address them. Discover how AOM features such as default semantics, ARIA reflection, assistive technology events, and virtual accessibility nodes could make accessibility first-class.
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Tables and Beers
In the last article for the 2018 series, Steve Faulkner provides the results of one beer worth of screen reader testing of simple tables.
Benefits of a Single Text Field Versus Multiple Text Fields
In today’s article, Zoë Bijl explains how it’s easier for users to enter a phone number or a credit card number into a single field, but other scenarios may require properly labeled multiple fields.
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Accessibility and Inclusion with the World’s Most Popular Communication Tool: Email
In today’s article, Jason Rodriguez shares some best practices on creating more accessible and inclusive email campaigns, routinely ranked as one of the world’s most valuable marketing channels, yet very little work has been done to make it more accessible for under-represented groups.
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The “D” in the DOM
Anthony Jeffery explores how thinking of web pages as documents can improve accessibility. He explains how meaningful page titles and well-structured headings help screen reader users navigate content, while logical HTML provides a solid foundation for accessible web experiences.
The Trials and Tribulations of the Title Attribute
Scott O’Hara explores the accessibility challenges of HTML’s title attribute, including inconsistent browser and screen reader support. He explains common misuses and identifies situations where title can still provide accessibility value.
A Developer’s Guide to Better Accessibility
Melanie Sumner and Sean Massa explain how developers can build more accessible web applications through semantic HTML, appropriate ARIA, keyboard support, accessible names, automated testing, and screen reader testing, while integrating accessibility into their teams and development communities.
The Three Developers and the Insightful User Tester
Scott O’Hara uses a Three Little Pigs-inspired story to show how developers can create accessibility barriers through poor HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA choices. He highlights semantic HTML, keyboard access, accessibility testing, and learning from users with disabilities.