When it comes to accessibility, just do it and ask forgiveness later. No one will get mad that you made your site more accessible #refreshdc

tota11y bookmarklet helps identify issues and how to fix it. khan.github.io/tota11y/ #refreshdc

While developing, try tabbing through your site. Don’t leave accessibility until the end. Test as you go. #refreshdc

Accessibility is certainly achievable. Take it one step at a time. Small wins at up. #refreshdc

Avoid keyboard traps, manage focus when tabbing through your page. Modals are notoriously bad at this. #refreshdc

If the experience can’t be made accessible, create another route (complicated infographics can be expressed as tabular data) #refreshdc

Be sure to include descriptive alt text. If the image is just decorative, then set the alt text to nothing i.e. alt=”” #refreshdc

Know the difference between <button> and <a>. Links take you to another page, buttons alter something in page. #refreshdc

Use ARIA Landmarks in your markup so screen readers can jump to different sections paciellogroup.com/blog/2013/02/u… #refreshdc

HTML is accessible by design. Use proper elements to provide semantic meaning, use proper headings #refreshdc

Forms are a common pain point for accessibility issues #refreshdc

Check background color contrast, don’t indicate important information with color alone
#refreshdc

Keep people accountable
– Integrate accessibility in QA process
– Treat it as a feature
– Celebrate wins

#refreshdc

Vox Media’s accessibility guidelines accessibility.voxmedia.com/ #refreshdc

Can’t detect when a visitor is using a screen reader or navigating using a keyboard so just make your site the best t can be. #refreshdc

To spread accessibility guidelines, write them to be role specific (editor, producer, etc.) to make it easier to consume #refreshdc

Accessibility is better for business
– Device independence
– Usability
– SEO
– Design for older users
#refreshdc

How many are implementing accessibility practices at your companies? Lots of hands go up! #refreshdc

Alt text: My Spirited Media business card

Next time you see me ask me for one of these bad boys…