Accessibility From Day One

Accessibility isn't a checklist bolted on at the end - it's a byproduct of using HTML correctly. Learn why it matters, how ARIA and focus management fill the gaps semantic HTML leaves, and how to test with a real screen reader.

1. Why Accessibility Isn't Optional Screen reader users, keyboard-only users, and people with low vision are a normal part of your audience. The four WCAG pillars explain what accessible means, and semantic HTML already covers most of it.
2. ARIA, Focus Management, and Keyboard Navigation ARIA fills the gaps native HTML leaves, but bad ARIA is worse than none. Learn the first rule of ARIA, how tabindex works, why removing focus outlines without a replacement breaks keyboard navigation, and how to trap focus in a modal.
3. Testing with a Screen Reader and Automated Tools Turn on VoiceOver or NVDA and tab through a real page to hear what a screen reader user hears. Then add Lighthouse and axe - automated tools that catch about a third of issues, which is why manual testing still matters.