Accessibility (a11y) is no longer optional. The European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable in 2025-2026, and US ADA lawsuits exceeded 4,000 in 2025. This guide covers the WCAG 2.2 essentials every developer must know.
♿ The Four POUR Principles
- Perceivable — text alternatives, captions, sufficient contrast
- Operable — keyboard accessible, no seizure triggers, enough time
- Understandable — readable text, predictable navigation, input help
- Robust — works with assistive technologies (screen readers)
✅ Top 10 Quick Wins
| # | Fix |
|---|---|
| 1 | Add alt text to every meaningful image |
| 2 | Use semantic HTML (<button>, not <div onClick>) |
| 3 | Ensure 4.5:1 color contrast for body text |
| 4 | Visible focus rings on all interactive elements |
| 5 | Label form inputs with <label for> |
| 6 | Use proper heading hierarchy (h1 → h2 → h3) |
| 7 | Provide skip-to-main-content link |
| 8 | Set lang attribute on <html> |
| 9 | Touch targets minimum 24x24 px (WCAG 2.2) |
| 10 | Don't rely on color alone to convey meaning |
🛠️ Tools to Audit Your Site
- axe DevTools — browser extension for instant audits
- Lighthouse — Chrome built-in accessibility scoring
- WAVE — visual feedback overlay
- NVDA / VoiceOver — actually use a screen reader
⚖️ Legal Note: Accessibility lawsuits are at an all-time high. A simple WCAG 2.2 AA audit before launch can save tens of thousands in legal fees.
