How do we achieve accessibility? Follow these simple guidelines.
Create web sites that
- Use web standards
- Use semantic HTML: POSH
- Integrate accessibility from the start of a project
- Are POUR
What is POSH?
- Plain old semantic HTML
- The Hypertext Markup Language is meant to format text into semantic elements. Most HTML tags are self-describing, that is, the tag itself describes the semantic meaning of the text it is meant to format.
- Make sure the HTML elements that content is placed in are really describing the content. Use heading tags (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) for headings. Use list tags for lists. Use table elements properly.
- There are only a couple of exceptions to the semantic nature of HTML: the generic container elements <div> and <span> do not have semantic underpinnings.
What is POUR (or the WCAG 2.0 guidelines)
Perceivable
- Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, Braille, speech, symbols, or simpler language.
- Provide alternatives for time-based media
- Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example, simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
- Make it easier for users to see and hear content, including separating foreground and background.
Operable
- Make all functionality available from a keyboard.
- Provide users enough time to read and use content.
- Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
- Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are.
Understandable
- Make text content readable and understandable
- Make web pages appear and operate in predictable ways
- Help users avoid and correct mistakes
Robust
- Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.