At Google, accessibility isn't optional — it's a launch requirement. 15% of the global population has some form of disability.
The Four Principles (POUR)
- Perceivable: Users can perceive the content (alt text, captions, contrast)
- Operable: Users can interact (keyboard nav, no time limits)
- Understandable: Content is clear (labels, error messages, predictable)
- Robust: Works with assistive technologies (semantic HTML, ARIA)
Semantic HTML is 80% of the Battle
ARIA: Use Sparingly
The first rule of ARIA is: don't use ARIA if you can use native HTML. ARIA doesn't add behavior — only semantics.
Keyboard Navigation
Quick Wins Checklist
- All images have descriptive
alttext (oralt=""for decorative) - Color contrast ratio ≥ 4.5:1 for normal text, ≥ 3:1 for large text
- All interactive elements are keyboard accessible
- Form inputs have associated
<label>elements - Skip navigation link for keyboard users
- Focus styles are visible (never
outline: nonewithout replacement)