When people think of web design, most picture colors, images, and layouts. But for many users — especially those with disabilities — how a site is coded matters just as much as how it looks. That’s where HTML accessibility comes in.

It all starts with writing clean, thoughtful HTML. Whether you’re building a new site or improving an existing one, the checklist below will help you make sure your website is both inclusive and high-performing.

Why Accessibility Should Be Built Into Your HTML

Accessibility isn’t just a bonus feature — it’s part of doing things right. Here’s why it matters:

  • More users can access your content, including those using screen readers, voice navigation, or keyboard-only input.
  • Search engines prefer well-structured HTML, so your SEO can improve naturally.
  • You protect yourself from legal issues related to digital accessibility regulations.
  • Above all, you create a better experience for real people.

The HTML Accessibility Checklist

This is a practical, developer-friendly list of the most important things to check while writing your HTML.

1. Use the Right HTML Elements for the Right Purpose

It’s tempting to use <div> and <span> for everything. But semantic HTML like <nav>, <main>, <section>, and <footer> helps assistive technologies understand your page layout.

Example:
Use <button> instead of making a clickable <div>.

htmlCopyEdit<button type="submit">Place Order</button>

It looks simple, but it works better across browsers, devices, and accessibility tools.

2. Add Alt Text to Every Image

If someone can’t see your image, what should they know about it? That’s where the alt attribute comes in.

  • If the image is purely decorative, leave it blank: alt=""
  • If the image conveys meaning, describe it accurately
htmlCopyEdit<img src="dosa-platter.jpg" alt="South Indian Dosa Platter with sambar and chutney">

This helps both screen reader users and search engines understand your visuals.

3. Label Your Form Fields Properly

Forms can be frustrating if you don’t know what a field is asking for. Placeholders disappear once typing begins, so visible labels are key.

htmlCopyEdit<label for="email">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email">

Also, use accessible error messages clearly associated with the relevant field.

4. Organize Content With Heading Tags in the Right Order

Screen readers use heading tags to navigate. Don’t skip heading levels or use CSS styling in place of proper tags.

Hierarchy:

  • <h1>: Page title (only once per page)
  • <h2>: Main sections
  • <h3>: Subsections under <h2>

Logical structure helps users and search engines scan your content efficiently.

5. Use Enough Color Contrast for Readability

Your text should be easy to read for everyone — including users with low vision or color blindness.

Minimum contrast requirements:

  • Body text: 4.5:1
  • Large or bold text: 3:1

You can use free online tools to test contrast ratios during design.

6. Support Keyboard Navigation

Some users rely solely on the keyboard. Your site must support navigation using the Tab, Enter, and Space keys.

Users should be able to:

  • Navigate menus and forms
  • See clear focus indicators
  • Trigger buttons and links

Unplug your mouse and try navigating your own site — it’s the best way to test this.

7. Use ARIA Attributes Sparingly (And Correctly)

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes can enhance accessibility, but they should only supplement native HTML.

Use ARIA to:

  • Label unlabeled buttons or icons
  • Indicate the expanded state of menus (aria-expanded="true")
  • Hide decorative content from screen readers (aria-hidden="true")

Avoid using ARIA roles where native HTML already covers the functionality.

8. Add “Skip to Main Content” Links

Long headers or navigation menus can be a pain for screen reader and keyboard users. A “Skip to content” link helps them jump directly to the main area.

htmlCopyEdit<a href="#main" class="skip-link">Skip to main content</a>

Ensure this link becomes visible when focused via the keyboard.

9. Give Media Files Alternatives

Not everyone can hear or see embedded media — and many choose not to. Always provide alternate formats.

Include:

  • Captions or subtitles for videos
  • Text transcripts for audio
  • Summaries for context

These not only help users with disabilities but also make your content more versatile and indexable.

10. Never Auto-Play Media Without User Control

Autoplaying audio or video can be annoying or even disorienting. If auto-play is required, always provide a pause or stop option.

Many modern browsers block autoplay by default — so plan your experience accordingly.

Wrapping Up: Make Accessibility Part of Your Workflow

Accessibility isn’t about extra effort — it’s about smarter development. Writing clean, structured HTML not only improves usability and SEO but also ensures your content reaches more people.

By following this HTML accessibility checklist, you’re not just building compliant websites — you’re building better websites. Sites that work for everyone, everywhere.