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Navigating WCAG 2.1: A Step-by-Step Approach for Developers

 Get Familiar with WCAG 2.1: WCAG 2.1 is like the rulebook for web accessibility. It's split into four parts: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). For instance, "Perceivable" includes rules like giving all images a text description (alt text) for folks who can't see them.  Run an Accessibility Audit: Use tools like Google Lighthouse or WAVE to scan your site. They'll flag up stuff like missing alt text, low color contrast, or form fields without labels.  Manual Testing: Automated tools can't catch everything. You'll need up roll to your sleeves and do some manual testing. Try navigating your site using only your keyboard, or using a screen reader like NVDA or VoiceOver. You're checking that all content and functionality is accessible.   Write an Accessibility Statement: This is a page on your site where you talk about your commitment to accessibility. You could mention that you're aiming for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, lis

Navigating WCAG 2.1: A Step-by-Step Approach for Developers

  1.  Get Familiar with WCAG 2.1: WCAG 2.1 is like the rulebook for web accessibility. It's split into four parts: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). For instance, "Perceivable" includes rules like giving all images a text description (alt text) for folks who can't see them. 

  2. Run an Accessibility Audit: Use tools like Google Lighthouse or WAVE to scan your site. They'll flag up stuff like missing alt text, low color contrast, or form fields without labels. 

  3. Manual Testing: Automated tools can't catch everything. You'll need up roll to your sleeves and do some manual testing. Try navigating your site using only your keyboard, or using a screen reader like NVDA or VoiceOver. You're checking that all content and functionality is accessible.
     
  4. Write an Accessibility Statement: This is a page on your site where you talk about your commitment to accessibility. You could mention that you're aiming for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, list any known accessibility issues, and provide a way for users to get in touch with any concerns. 

  5. Fix the Issues: This is where you get your hands dirty and start fixing the problems identified in your audit. You might be adding alt text to images, making sure all interactive elements can be accessed with a keyboard, upping the color contrast, or adding labels to form fields. 

  6. Train Your Team: Make sure everyone on your team knows their stuff when it comes to accessibility. Developers need to know how to write code accessible, designers need to create accessible designs, content creators need to write accessible content, and testers need to know how accessibility for test. 

  7. Keep Checking: Just like you'd regularly check your site for bugs, you need to keep an eye out for accessibility issues. This could involve running automated tests, doing manual tests, or getting feedback from users. If you add a new feature to your site, make sure it's accessible. 

  8. Keep Records: Keep track of what you're doing. You could keep a spreadsheet that lists all the issues you found in your audit, what you did to fix them, and any issues that are still outstanding.
     
  9. Get User Feedback: Get some real-world feedback from people with disabilities. They can give you insights that you might not have thought of. You could do usability testing with users who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. 

  10. Get Expert Help: If you're feeling a bit lost, consider getting an accessibility consultant on board. They can give you expert advice and help you navigate the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. They might do a deep-dive audit of your site and give you specific recommendations for improvements.


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