Accessibility Should Be Second Nature for Developers

A mindful approach to web accessibility that goes beyond checklists

Image credit: Ramakant Sharda on Unsplash

Back when I was doing a social work internship, I noticed a teenager struggling with a website they actually liked.

They were slouched over the laptop. Fingers hovering, unsure where to click. The buttons were tiny. The colors so bright they made their eyes ache after a few minutes.

I remember thinking, this shouldn’t be this hard.

Their brow furrowed. Lips pressed together. That sparkle of excitement slowly drained from their face, replaced by frustration. I felt a pang watching them.

Little things — buttons too small, harsh colors, unclear labels — had turned something joyful into something exhausting.

That image stayed with me.

Later, as I started learning web development, it came back to me again and again. Accessibility isn’t just a checklist or a final step. It’s noticing where someone might stumble, imagining their experience, and smoothing the path before they even get there.

Tiny, thoughtful adjustments can turn frustration into engagement, exclusion into inclusion. Just as in social work, small, attentive gestures — like helping someone reach what they need — can ripple outward and make a meaningful difference.

---

What Accessibility Means in Web Development

In web development, accessibility is about designing and building websites and apps that anyone can use — including people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive differences.

It’s about removing barriers so everyone can navigate, understand, and interact with content. Accessibility isn’t a “bonus” feature; it’s a core part of creating digital experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and functional for all users.

---

Why Accessibility Matters

Globally, over 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability. Yet studies show that only around 3% of websites meet basic accessibility standards.

Millions encounter obstacles online every day — not because the content isn’t valuable, but because accessibility doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

For developers, this is a gentle reminder: clean, semantic code alone isn’t enough. If someone struggles to use your site because of preventable barriers, your work hasn’t reached its full purpose. Accessibility isn’t an “extra” — it’s essential to serving people with care and respect.

💡 Reflection: Have you ever visited a site that felt frustrating to use? What could have made it easier?

---

Making Accessibility Second Nature — The Developer’s Toolbox

The good news: accessibility doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It’s not about memorizing every guideline or perfectly implementing ARIA attributes.

Think of it as forming habits that become second nature — like washing your hands before a meal or pausing to consider how your words affect others.

Here are some foundational steps you can start with today:

✅ Semantic HTML: Use <header>, <main>, <nav>, <button>, and <form> correctly. Proper structure helps assistive technologies understand your content. For example, a “Submit” button should be a <button>, not a <div> with a click listener.

✅ Alt Text for Images: Every image should have a meaningful description. Instead of “image123,” write “Teen smiling while reading an article.” Decorative images can use alt=””.

✅ Keyboard Navigation: Ensure every interactive element can be reached with the keyboard. Test by navigating with Tab and Shift+Tab — if you can’t reach a button, neither can someone relying on a keyboard.

✅ Color & Contrast: Make text readable against the background. Don’t rely solely on color to convey meaning. A red error message alone is insufficient; adding a label or icon ensures everyone understands it.

✅ Forms & Feedback: Clear labels and descriptive error messages reduce confusion. Instead of “Invalid input,” try “Please enter a valid email address like name@example.com.”

These steps establish a solid foundation, making your code more usable and reducing user frustration. But accessibility isn’t only about correct implementation — it’s also about imagining someone’s experience as they navigate your site. That’s where empathy comes in.

---

Web Accessibility — Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

Once the basics are in place, the next layer is about perspective and experience. Think back to that teen at the social center — struggling with tiny buttons, harsh colors, and confusing labels. How could the experience be smoother?

Here are empathy-driven habits that go beyond code:

💡 Guide Users Thoughtfully: Use clear headings and landmarks (<header>, <main>, <nav>) to help users navigate easily. Think of it like leaving breadcrumbs for someone walking through a new city.

💡 Anticipate Missteps: Provide helpful error messages and instructions. Make it easy for users to recover if they make a mistake.

💡 Communicate Through Multiple Channels: Don’t rely solely on color to convey meaning. Use icons, labels, and text as backup so everyone receives the information.

💡 Control Over Timing & Animation: Give users control over auto-updating content or animations. Surprising movement can be disorienting — pause buttons or manual controls respect the user’s pace.

💡 Provide Context for All Elements: Every interactive element should be clearly labeled. Screen reader users rely on labels as guideposts.

💡 Make Content Flexible: Allow text resizing, zooming, and contrast changes without breaking layout. Respect users’ preferences — it’s a meaningful act of consideration.

💡 Test From a User’s Perspective: Occasionally navigate your site using only a keyboard or a screen reader. Ask yourself: what might challenge someone with different abilities?

By layering these habits on a solid technical foundation, accessibility becomes a mindset — designing with care, attention, and empathy.

---

Reflections — For Developers and Everyone

Accessibility goes beyond code; it’s noticing, anticipating, and valuing the experiences of others.

Just as a social worker might pause to explain a confusing form or help someone navigate a crowded space, small, intentional adjustments — like meaningful labels, intuitive navigation, and uncluttered layouts — can transform a digital space into one where people feel capable and welcome.

This awareness doesn’t stop at coding. It shows up in everyday interactions:

• Offering clear directions to a newcomer

• Speaking at a pace that others can follow

• Arranging a room so everyone can participate

Each small act carries impact, turning moments of confusion into clarity, hesitation into confidence, and exclusion into belonging.

At its core, accessibility is empathy in action — a practice we can bring to every part of life, online and offline.

---

Join the 30-Day Accessibility Challenge

To make accessibility a natural habit, I’m inviting you to join me in a 30-day accessibility challenge. Each day, I’ll share a small idea, tip, or reflection — not as instruction, but as a conversation starter to explore how we can make our work more welcoming and inclusive.

Whether you’re building websites, creating content, or simply thinking about how others experience your work, there’s something here for everyone. Follow along, share your thoughts, or try out ideas in your own projects — and let’s learn from each other along the way.

👉 Join the challenge and connect with others on LinkedIn!

I’m curious — what’s one small gesture or adjustment you could explore today to help more people engage with your work?

Even modest, mindful steps can ripple outward, turning the web — and the world — into spaces that feel approachable, thoughtful, and welcoming for everyone.