# Web Accessibility (a11y) Web accessibility (a11y) is the practice of enabling as many people as possible to use websites, including people with limited abilities, through assistive technologies and web-development practices. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Why Is WCAG Level AA the Standard for Digital Accessibility? DevFeed: [Why Is WCAG Level AA the Standard for Digital Accessibility?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Mark Published: 2026-03-06T16:56:18Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [digital accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Usability]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-requirements](), [color](), [compliance](), [digital-accessibility](), [keyboard](), [readability](), [usability](), [wcag](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains why WCAG Level AA is commonly used as the goal for digital accessibility. It contrasts Levels A, AA, and AAA, describing Level A as a baseline and highlighting Level AA requirements such as color contrast and visible focus. ### Source excerpt When you're building an accessibility initiative, it's a good idea to establish your goals up front -- and most accessibility experts will tell you that means seeking Level AA conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). ## Web Accessibility Is Less Rigid Than You Think DevFeed: [Web Accessibility Is Less Rigid Than You Think]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Vince Published: 2026-02-19T18:30:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Web]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [defining-terms](), [developer](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains that WCAG 2.2 is an extensive but flexible framework for digital accessibility. It focuses on removing barriers and achieving accessible outcomes rather than prescribing one rigid implementation, with examples involving alt text, keyboard-friendly navigation, and color contrast. ### Source excerpt The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) contain 86 success criteria, as of version 2.2. That's a lot of requirements -- and if you're a developer, web designer, or content creator, digital accessibility probably sounds like a lot of extra work. ## Web Accessibility Trends Expected to Shape 2026 DevFeed: [Web Accessibility Trends Expected to Shape 2026]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: John Northup Published: 2025-12-22T23:22:37Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [WebAIM Blog]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [Testing](), [Automation](), [ChatGPT]() Tags: [2026](), [accessibility](), [accessibility-testing](), [ai](), [automation](), [chatgpt](), [testing](), [uncategorized](), [web-accessibility]() ### AI overview The article forecasts gradual changes in web accessibility during 2026. It argues that AI will improve accessibility testing tools and workflow efficiency but will not replace human expertise, especially for judging context, intent, meaningful alternative text, and user experience. It also expects WCAG 2.2 to increasingly become a procurement baseline. ### Source excerpt I've lived long enough, and worked in accessibility long enough, to have honed a healthy skepticism when I hear about the Next Big Thing. I've seen lush website launches that look great, until I activate a screen reader. Yet, in spite of it all, accessibility does evolve, but quietly rather than dramatically. As I gaze [...] ## How Interrupting Your Users Can Create Accessibility Concerns DevFeed: [How Interrupting Your Users Can Create Accessibility Concerns]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Chris Published: 2025-12-22T12:30:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [digital accessibility](), [Website](), [Users](), [notifications]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-ux](), [automatic](), [digital-accessibility](), [display](), [people-with-disabilities](), [send](), [stop](), [time](), [timeout](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines](), [web-developers](), [websites]() ### AI overview The article explains how dynamic website behavior, including unexpected notifications, automatic refreshes, and other interruptions, can create accessibility barriers for screen reader users and people with attention disorders. It discusses WCAG Success Criterion 2.2.4, which says interruptions can be postponed or suppressed except in emergencies, while noting that this Level AAA criterion is not generally required for conformance goals. ### Source excerpt If you're building a dynamic website, there are plenty of valid reasons to interrupt your users. You might need to tell someone if their session is about to timeout, for example, or you might want your content to refresh periodically in order to show more up-to-date information. ## Web Accessibility Myths: Can a Font Choice Violate the ADA? DevFeed: [Web Accessibility Myths: Can a Font Choice Violate the ADA?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Alexa Published: 2025-12-21T07:45:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Font](), [Accessibility](), [web design]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-requirements](), [accessibility-ux](), [accessible](), [color](), [fonts](), [legibility](), [sans-serif-fonts](), [serif-fonts](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains that WCAG and the ADA do not require a specific font family. It distinguishes typeface choice from accessibility requirements involving text resizing, color contrast, and avoiding images of text. ### Source excerpt On December 9th, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio ordered diplomats to stop using Calibri -- a sans serif font -- and to switch back to Times New Roman. Normally, a change in typeface wouldn't make headlines, but Rubio's department took the unusual step of decrying Calibri as both unprofessional and wasteful. ## ARIA Isn't A Solution for Every Digital Accessibility Issue DevFeed: [ARIA Isn't A Solution for Every Digital Accessibility Issue]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sarah Published: 2025-10-20T19:45:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [aria](), [digital accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [HTML](), [Web Development]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [aria](), [developer](), [developers](), [digital-accessibility](), [html](), [semantic](), [web-accessibility]() ### AI overview The article explains that WAI-ARIA is not a universal solution for digital accessibility. It describes evidence associating ARIA usage with more detected accessibility errors while noting that correlation does not prove causation, and recommends using semantic HTML instead when appropriate. ### Source excerpt Many digital accessibility initiatives fail -- or, at least, they're less successful than they could be -- because they're assigned solely to a single developer or group of developers. Regardless of the size of your business or your industry, every person on your team needs to understand the importance of accessibility. That includes content creators, designers, and customer service representatives. ## What Is ISO/IEC 40500, And Why Is It Important for Web Accessibility? DevFeed: [What Is ISO/IEC 40500, And Why Is It Important for Web Accessibility?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Alexa Published: 2025-09-15T15:45:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Accessibility](), [digital accessibility](), [W3C]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-compliance](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-requirements](), [standard](), [w3c](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains that ISO/IEC 40500 is identical to WCAG 2.0 and discusses why adopting WCAG as an ISO/IEC standard can simplify accessibility compliance. It also describes how ISO recognition may increase awareness of digital accessibility among governments, businesses, and lawmakers. ### Source excerpt ISO/IEC 40500 is the standard for digital accessibility under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It's identical to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0. ## Basic Web Accessibility Tests: Turn Your Monitor to Grayscale DevFeed: [Basic Web Accessibility Tests: Turn Your Monitor to Grayscale]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Vince Published: 2025-09-05T16:15:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [color](), [digital accessibility](), [Testing]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-ux](), [color](), [digital-accessibility](), [people-with-disabilities](), [testing](), [tests](), [wcag](), [web](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains how viewing a website in grayscale can help reveal accessibility problems caused by using color as the only way to convey information. It places the exercise within a broader strategy combining automated and manual testing for WCAG Level AA conformance and gives examples involving links, form fields, charts, and status indicators. ### Source excerpt To truly test content for accessibility, you need an extensive strategy that combines automated testing with manual tests. You should have a goal in mind -- for most websites, that's Level AA conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). ## Minnesota Web Accessibility Laws: An Overview DevFeed: [Minnesota Web Accessibility Laws: An Overview]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sarah Published: 2025-08-19T14:15:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [digital accessibility](), [Accessibility](), [Web]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-requirements](), [compliance](), [digital-accessibility](), [government](), [lawsuits-settlement](), [legal](), [mobile](), [mobile-apps](), [web-accessibility](), [website]() ### AI overview This overview explains how Minnesota's Human Rights Act applies to digital accessibility, including websites, mobile apps, web-based documents, and other digital resources. It discusses disability protections and potential damages and penalties under amendments that took effect in 2024. ### Source excerpt In the United States, most digital accessibility lawsuits are filed in New York or California. That's because those states have laws that make the legal landscape more favorable for web accessibility plaintiffs. ## Minnesota Lawsuit Reinforces ADA's Web Accessibility Requirements DevFeed: [Minnesota Lawsuit Reinforces ADA's Web Accessibility Requirements]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sam Published: 2025-07-28T16:15:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Accessibility](), [Requirements]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-requirements](), [department-of-justice](), [government](), [lawsuit](), [web-accessibility]() ### AI overview The article examines Frost et al. v. Lion Brand Yarn Company, a Minnesota lawsuit in which the court rejected the argument that websites operating stores are not places of public accommodation under the ADA. It highlights alleged screen-reader incompatibilities and the potential damages available under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. ### Source excerpt Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to websites, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a number of major court decisions. But despite that well-established precedent, many businesses continue to argue that websites aren't places of public accommodation -- and therefore, they're not covered by the ADA. ## Cognitive Load and Web Accessibility: Quick Tips for Clearer Content DevFeed: [Cognitive Load and Web Accessibility: Quick Tips for Clearer Content]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Marissa Published: 2025-07-24T19:45:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Website](), [Users](), [User interface design]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-ux](), [autism](), [charts](), [cognitive-load](), [form](), [layout](), [navigation](), [people-with-disabilities](), [quick-tips](), [tips](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains how cognitive load affects web accessibility, particularly for people with cognitive and learning disabilities. It recommends simplifying complex content, using consistent layouts and navigation, and following the Understandable principle of WCAG. ### Source excerpt The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is designed to improve experiences for all users with disabilities. That includes people who have cognitive disabilities and learning disabilities -- but those users are often left out of the discussion. ## Why WCAG Conformance Doesn't Mean "Perfectly Accessible" DevFeed: [Why WCAG Conformance Doesn't Mean "Perfectly Accessible"]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Jordan Published: 2025-07-23T12:45:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web](), [alt text](), [Users]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-ux](), [accessible](), [alt-text](), [cause](), [content](), [lawsuit](), [markup](), [speech](), [tables](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview The article explains that WCAG conformance, including Level AA, is a valuable goal but does not guarantee a perfectly accessible experience. Pass-or-fail criteria can be met while websites still create barriers through poor alt text, difficult captions, incomprehensible table presentation, or layout shifts caused by slow page speeds. ### Source excerpt The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an excellent set of standards, and WCAG conformance is achievable -- regardless of the size of your website, the complexity of its features, or any other factors. ## Missouri's Web Accessibility Standard: What Businesses Should Know DevFeed: [Missouri's Web Accessibility Standard: What Businesses Should Know]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Gary Published: 2025-07-15T10:45:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog-Main]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Requirements](), [web applications]() Tags: [accessibility](), [accessibility-guidelines](), [accessibility-requirements](), [compliance](), [digital-accessibility](), [wcag](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines](), [websites]() ### AI overview This article explains Missouri's Web Accessibility Standard, including its basis in Section 508 and WCAG 2.1. It describes how the standard applies to state agencies and may affect contractors, while noting that Title III of the ADA applies to places of public accommodation, including websites. ### Source excerpt Read the official website of the state of Missouri, and you'll find a fairly standard web accessibility policy -- with one curveball: ## Up and Coming ARIA DevFeed: [Up and Coming ARIA]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: John Northup Published: 2025-05-30T18:19:41Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [WebAIM Blog]() Topics: [aria](), [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web]() Tags: [accessibility](), [android](), [aria](), [browser](), [chrome](), [edge](), [firefox](), [ios](), [macos](), [safari](), [uncategorized](), [web](), [web-accessibility](), [windows](), [windows-11]() ### AI overview This article surveys emerging ARIA 1.3 features, including aria-errormessage, aria-description, aria-details, and aria-keyshortcuts. It explains their intended uses and reports varying support across browsers, screen readers, and operating systems tested in May 2025. ### Source excerpt If you work in web accessibility, you've probably spent a lot of time explaining and implementing the ARIA roles and attributes that have been around for years--things like aria-label, aria-labelledby, and role="dialog". But the ARIA landscape isn't static. In fact, recent ARIA specifications (especially ARIA 1.3) include a number of emerging and lesser-known features that [...] ## Announcing FigJam screen reader support DevFeed: [Announcing FigJam screen reader support]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Figma Published: 2023-05-16T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Figma Blog]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Figma](), [User interface design](), [Icon font](), [aria]() Tags: [accessibility](), [alt-text](), [aria](), [collaboration](), [figma](), [release](), [ui](), [updates](), [web-accessibility]() ### AI overview Figma announces official screen reader support for FigJam after a beta period. The update enables screen reader and keyboard-only users to navigate the canvas, menus, and screens while creating, editing, and reading file structures, text shapes, stickies, tables, and image alt text. Some features, including cursor chat, voting, widgets, and freeform vector nodes, are not yet supported. ### Source excerpt We sat down with the accessibility team to talk about the journey from beta to official release and share tips for anyone who'd like to use these updates to make their FigJam files more accessible. ## What is WAI? The Web Accessibility Initiative DevFeed: [What is WAI? The Web Accessibility Initiative]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Ilknur Eren Published: 2022-07-18T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [The A11Y Project]() Topics: [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web](), [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](), [Accessibility](), [aria](), [FIRST](), [Internet](), [browsers](), [User interface design](), [image slider]() Tags: [accessibility](), [applications](), [aria](), [browsers](), [community](), [content](), [development](), [education](), [evaluation](), [internet](), [standards](), [support](), [tools](), [web](), [web-accessibility](), [web-content-accessibility-guidelines]() ### AI overview This article explains the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), a W3C initiative launched in 1997 to improve Web accessibility for people with disabilities. It describes W3C's role in developing Web standards, WAI's accessibility guidelines and resources, and its contributions to WCAG and WAI-ARIA. ### Source excerpt The Web Accessibility Initiative is W3C's effort to improve accessibility of the Web for people with disabilities. What is the World Wide Consortium? In order to know about the Web Accessibility Initiative, we must first talk about the World Wide Consortium, also known as W3C. Founded in 1994 and currently led by director Tim Berners-Lee and CEO Jeffrey Jaff, W3C is an international community where organizers develop international standards for the Web. As described by W3's website, "W3C's mission is to lead the Web to its full potential." Organizers from all around the world, involved in many different fields, join W3C to develop guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web. The Web Accessibility Initiative is one initiative that was launched by W3C. What is the Web Accessibility Initiative? The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect. Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web W3C launched The Web Accessibility Initiative, (WAI), in 1997, with support from the White House. The Web Accessibility Initiative's main goal is to make the internet accessible for people with disabilities. WAI brings people from disability organizations, governments, and research labs from all around the world to develop guidelines and resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities. This includes: auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech and visual disabilities. In short, WAI develops accessibility standards and offers implementation guidance. As described by W3C Website, WAI "pursues accessibility of the web through these primary activities": Ensuring that W3C standards support accessibility Developing accessibility guidelines for web content and applications, browsers, and authoring tools Developing resources to improve web accessibility evaluation processes and tools Supporting education and outreach on web accessibility Coordinating with research and development ## Reviewing a design for accessibility DevFeed: [Reviewing a design for accessibility]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Steve Barnett Published: 2021-08-14T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [The A11Y Project]() Topics: [Accessibility](), [Web Accessibility (a11y)](), [Web Development](), [HTML](), [Forms]() Tags: [accessibility](), [article](), [forms](), [guide](), [web-accessibility]() ### AI overview This article presents an early design-review approach for identifying and addressing accessibility issues before development begins. It recommends explicitly annotating semantics and accessibility requirements, then checking page titles, heading structure, image text alternatives, link and button names, standard controls, form-element names, grouped controls, and error messages. ### Source excerpt I'm a big believer in shifting left: considering accessibility as early in the process as we can. One way we can do this is by reviewing designs for accessibility. This helps us catch anything we've missed before we start developing it. What to do: annotate By adding annotations about the semantics and accessibility of elements on a page we can remove barriers to access. The best way to do annotations might be sticky notes on a printout or adding comments on a Figma file, or something else. The important thing is that we want to be clear and explicit. Here are a handful of things that I've found give good value / effort balance when reviewing a design for accessibility. Things to check Page title Is the page title unique? Does it concisely describe the page content? Headings Are headings used to divide content up in a logical way? Are the levels shown, without skipping any? Text alternatives Do all images (including icons) have a text alternative (using the alt attribute)? You can see WebAIM's guide to alternative text for more about what this is, and what makes good alternative text. If the image is decorative, is it marked as such (using alt="")? Are we sure it's only decorative? Link and button text Does each link describe where we'll go when we follow it? Does each button describe what will happen when we use it? Where links or buttons have the same text repeated on a page, do they have a longer accessible name that is unique? For example: "View details of Quarter 1 review" instead of "View details". Standard controls Do form controls match standard ones (like selects, radio, and checkbox) where possible? If not, is it possible to use a standard control instead? Are standard controls being used to match the design intent? Names for form elements Do all form controls (one input plus one label) have a name? You can reference MDN's article on the