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Is WCAG Certification Possible?
Many businesses are on the hunt for something called “WCAG certification”—a stamp of approval to show their site is accessible. But is that even a real thing?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the widely accepted standard for creating accessible digital content. These guidelines help ensure websites, apps, and digital tools work for everyone—including people with disabilities. But here’s the catch: there’s no such thing as official WCAG certification. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, though.

In this article, we’ll unpack what WCAG really is, why it matters, and what practical steps you can take to prove your accessibility commitment—without chasing a non-existent certificate.

What Is WCAG — and Why It Matters

WCAG is a set of accessibility guidelines created by a group called the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It’s been updated over the years—versions 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 are already in use, and a new draft version (WCAG 3.0) is in the works.

The guidelines are built on four main principles:
- Perceivable: Can people see, hear, or otherwise access your content?
- Operable: Can users interact with it, like using a keyboard or voice commands?
- Understandable: Is your site’s content and layout easy to follow?
- Robust: Will your site work across different devices, browsers, and assistive tech?
These principles help you build a better experience for everyone. And with around 1 in 4 Americans living with a disability, accessibility isn’t a niche issue—it’s a core part of serving your audience.

Can You Get WCAG Certified? (No — and Here’s Why)

Let’s make it simple: WCAG certification does not exist in any official form. The W3C—the organization behind WCAG—doesn’t issue certificates to websites or developers. So if someone tells you they can give you a WCAG certificate, that’s a red flag.

Here’s what does exist:
- WCAG Conformance: This means your website meets specific WCAG success criteria.
- Audit Reports: Accessibility experts can review your site and document its strengths and weaknesses.
- Professional Credentials: Individuals can take training and exams to show they understand accessibility standards.
What you can’t get is an “official” WCAG certification from any governing body. The W3C has actually decided not to create a certification program at all, stating that a formal seal could do more harm than good. So any so-called “WCAG certificate” should be treated carefully—think of it more as “we followed WCAG and have evidence” rather than a license or badge.

Why the Idea of Certification Still Matters

Even though WCAG certification isn’t real, the need to show good faith—especially during legal challenges—is very real.

If your site faces an ADA accessibility complaint, a detailed audit report or a public accessibility statement can help. It won’t guarantee immunity, but it may:
- Shorten legal negotiations
- Lower settlement demands
- Show that you’re actively working on improvements
Most lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focus on fixing the problem (not financial damages at the federal level), but state laws like California’s Unruh Act can make things much more expensive. In some cases, businesses may face penalties of $4,000 per violation—per user session.

Many businesses choose to settle accessibility lawsuits rather than fight in court, with settlements typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, and sometimes far more. Proactively documenting your WCAG conformance can reduce those risks and costs.

What You Can Get Instead: Real Accessibility Certifications

While your website can’t be WCAG certified, you or your team can earn credentials that demonstrate knowledge of WCAG and broader accessibility concepts. These are well-respected in the field:
- CPACC – Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies
  Great for content creators, marketers, and generalists. Covers topics like disability types, legal basics, and WCAG principles.
- WAS – Web Accessibility Specialist
  Tailored for developers and UX designers. Dives deep into the technical side: semantic HTML, ARIA, testing practices.
- CPWA – Certified Professional in Web Accessibility
  Combines both CPACC and WAS certifications. Ideal for accessibility leads or those overseeing compliance efforts.
These certifications don’t claim to be WCAG certification, but they do show your commitment to accessibility expertise.

Real Accessibility Is About Practical Action

Certifications help—but they’re not a shortcut. To build and maintain an accessible site, focus on practical, ongoing steps that create real impact.

Run Regular Accessibility Audits

You can use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse, but manual testing is essential too. Look for issues like missing labels, broken keyboard navigation, or poor heading structure. Save your reports as documentation in case questions arise later.

Fix High-Impact Issues First

Some problems—like missing alt text or contrast issues—pose bigger risks than others. Prioritize known trouble spots.

Bake Accessibility Into Development

Make accessibility part of your everyday workflow, not something you tackle at the end. Small habits make a big difference.

Publish a Public Statement

Adding an accessibility statement to your website builds trust and shows you’re being transparent and proactive.

Train Your Content Team

Every upload matters. A well-meaning update can unintentionally introduce accessibility problems—so make sure everyone’s equipped to do their part.

Should You Be Chasing WCAG Certification?

Not exactly. The smarter question is: how do you prove that your site meets WCAG standards?

Here’s how to show your work:
- Encourage team members to earn real accessibility credentials like CPACC or WAS.
- Hire an expert to audit your site and issue a detailed report.
- Post an accessibility statement on your site that outlines your efforts and future plans.
- Monitor your site and run regular checks to ensure improvements are sustained.
And remember: legal risk is growing. Thousands of lawsuits were filed in the past year alone over inaccessible websites. Many target websites that lack basic WCAG conformance.

Accessibility Partners Can Make the Difference

Trying to juggle deadlines, legacy code, and legal exposure? Outside help can give you the lift you need. Experienced accessibility partners don’t just run audits—they help you build a sustainable, legally defensible program.

What expert partners can offer:
- Full audits, including real-user testing
- Help fixing accessibility issues
- Ongoing monitoring to catch new problems
- Role-specific training for devs, designers, and content teams
And a key difference? The right partner will never promise fake WCAG certification. They’ll help you build real results.

You Don’t Need a WCAG Certificate—You Need a Plan

The idea of WCAG certification sounds comforting—but it’s not real. What is real? Earning your users’ trust by making your site work for everyone.

When you show that you’ve taken the right steps—training, audits, public transparency—you don’t need a certificate. You’ve already proven your commitment.

Ready to show your commitment to accessibility the right way?
Schedule an ADA accessibility briefing with 216digital and see how we help teams maintain long-term WCAG conformance and build more inclusive digital experiences.
Greg McNeil

May 14, 2025

Web Accessibility Training

Accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Certification, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development
Don’t Be Fooled by False Positives in Accessibility
Imagine you’re scanning through an accessibility report when it flags a purely decorative image for missing alt text. You pause and double-check the code—aria-hidden= "true" is clearly set—yet the tool insists it’s an issue. In moments like these, you’re dealing with false positives.

When left unchecked, false positives can waste hours of development time, drain your budget, and leave real accessibility problems hidden beneath noise. For developers who regularly rely on automated accessibility testing, learning to recognize and reduce these inaccuracies is as essential as fixing actual accessibility barriers.

What a False Positive Really Is

Simply put, false positives occur when a testing tool incorrectly marks compliant content as inaccessible, even though it aligns perfectly with standards like WCAG. These mistaken alerts often create confusion and lead teams to fix things that aren’t broken—sometimes at the expense of overlooking real issues.

So, why do they happen? Usually, false positives stem from three common causes:
- Limited context: Automated tools understand code but not intent. Elements involving dynamic JavaScript or custom user settings can confuse them, triggering inaccurate alerts. For example, a modal loaded via JavaScript might be marked as inaccessible until it’s fully rendered, even if it meets all WCAG requirements when interactive.
- Overly cautious rules: Some tools are intentionally strict, flagging anything remotely questionable to avoid missing genuine issues. While well-intentioned, this can lead to excessive alerts. Developers end up treating these tools like overprotective smoke alarms—loud, constant, and sometimes hard to trust.
- Varied coding practices: Custom components or unconventional markup patterns, common in modern front-end workflows, often mislead algorithms expecting textbook HTML. Accessibility implemented through ARIA roles or JavaScript event handlers may trip up tools that expect static HTML structures.
Most developers have encountered these scenarios in practice: decorative icons labeled as “critical issues,” contrast alerts ignoring user-selected dark modes, or dynamic form elements incorrectly flagged for missing labels. Each instance represents the broader problem—tools missing the bigger picture.

The Hidden Costs of False Positives

When false positives become part of your day-to-day workflow, the cost isn’t just inconvenience—it’s real impact on time, trust, and outcomes.

Time and Budget Drain

Chasing down false positives can quickly become a costly distraction. Imagine your team spends hours rewriting alt text for images that never needed it. Those same resources could have resolved genuine issues or shipped new features, improving your product instead of spinning its wheels. For larger teams or enterprise projects, these hours quickly compound into days—adding up to measurable delays in delivery and inflated budgets.

This resource drain can be particularly painful during audits or compliance deadlines when teams are working under pressure. Every misfire takes attention away from what truly matters: building inclusive digital experiences for real users.

Erosion of Trust in Tools

Repeated inaccurate alerts erode confidence in accessibility tools. Developers may grow skeptical, dismissing genuine issues as “probably another false positive.” This skepticism can cause real accessibility problems to slip through unnoticed, undermining the very purpose of using these tools.

Once the trust is gone, so is the motivation to use these tools proactively. Instead of integrating accessibility checks early and often, teams may push them off to the final stages—or abandon them altogether. That’s a slippery slope that compromises both compliance and user experience.

Legal and Reputational Risks

Perhaps most serious of all, excessive false positives can mask true accessibility problems. If your team assumes a website is compliant based on misleading tool reports, users could face unexpected barriers. That scenario leaves your organization vulnerable to lawsuits, fines, and damage to brand reputation.

It’s a dangerous combination: a dashboard showing 100% compliance while screen reader users struggle to navigate key interactions. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to legal action under ADA, Section 508, or similar laws depending on your location or industry.

Practical Steps to Minimize False Positives

It’s not about choosing between automation and accuracy—it’s about striking a balance. Here are a few strategies that can help:

Choose Tools Carefully

Accuracy is crucial. Opt for tools known to minimize false positives—look at reviews, user communities, and real-world feedback. Tools that offer detailed explanations for each issue help developers evaluate the context instead of blindly applying changes. Bonus points for tools that integrate smoothly into your CI/CD pipeline or Git workflows, allowing developers to spot and triage issues earlier in the process.

Combine Automated Testing with Manual Checks

Automation is valuable, but humans bring the necessary context. Regular manual reviews, particularly with real assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation, confirm whether flagged issues are real or simply more false positives. This human element provides critical insights into actual user experiences that no machine can replicate on its own.

Pairing automated scans with periodic expert reviews ensures you don’t end up trusting the scanner more than the people you’re building for.

Educate and Empower Your Team

Providing training ensures everyone knows what a genuine accessibility issue looks like. Regular team briefings, quick reference guides, or lunch-and-learn sessions can equip developers and QA specialists to confidently distinguish true issues from false positives during daily workflows.

It also helps to document commonly misflagged elements in your internal dev wiki or design system docs. That way, developers don’t waste time rediscovering the same conclusions again and again.

Shift Accessibility Testing Left

Accessibility testing should be a routine practice, integrated into every development phase—right alongside linting, unit testing, and code reviews. Early checks catch issues and limit the spread of false positives throughout your codebase.

This shift-left approach reduces last-minute panic before launches and promotes a culture where accessibility is part of the conversation from the start. Teams that embed these habits often find they’re able to respond to flagged issues faster and with greater confidence.

Engage Accessibility Specialists

Sometimes, complex implementations or large-scale projects need specialized insight. Accessibility experts can fine-tune automated testing parameters, spot challenging edge cases, and provide tailored recommendations. Their guidance helps reduce false positives and sets your project on a sustainable path forward.

Even a short-term partnership or audit can clarify which alerts deserve attention and which are tool-generated noise. Think of it like calling in an electrician to check wiring behind the walls—some things are better seen with trained eyes.

A True Positive Path Forward

False positives in accessibility testing aren’t just minor annoyances—they cost valuable resources, erode trust, and potentially expose your site to compliance risks. Left unchecked, they can derail good intentions and cause more confusion than clarity. But with the right balance of tools, process, and people, they don’t have to.

Start by picking better tools, pairing them with manual validation, and investing in your team’s knowledge. Make accessibility part of your workflow—not just a checkbox at the end. And when needed, bring in expert support to cut through the noise.

Want to take your accessibility efforts to the next level? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. Our team will help you build a sustainable, practical strategy for achieving real-world accessibility and staying ahead of compliance requirements.
Greg McNeil

May 13, 2025

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, false positives, Web Accessibility Remediation, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
aria-label vs aria-labelledby: When and How to Use Each
As developers, we know every interactive element—buttons, dialogs, inputs—needs an accessible name. Good semantic HTML handles this automatically. But let’s face it, our apps get complicated. Sometimes, buttons only show icons, dialogs pull their titles from external components, or complex widgets break the neat semantic model. That’s where ARIA attributes come in. Specifically, aria-label and aria-labelledby help us provide clear,

screen-reader-friendly names. But they aren’t interchangeable. Knowing when to use each can save you debugging headaches down the line.

The Common Ground

First off, let’s review their similarities. Both aria-label and aria-labelledby override native labels provided by HTML. Both directly influence what assistive technologies like screen readers announce. Ideally, though, these ARIA attributes should be your fallback, not the go-to solution—semantic HTML labels are always best.

Quick side note: If you’re ever curious about the details, check out the Accessible Name Computation Algorithm.

Using aria-label: Direct and Hidden

aria-label lets you set an accessible name directly with a string—no extra DOM needed. Here’s a simple example you’ve probably seen before:
```
<button aria-label="Search">
  <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false">...</svg>
</button>
```
Perfect for icon buttons or elements that don’t have visible labels. But there’s a catch:
- It’s invisible to sighted users. If your visual UI doesn’t clearly indicate the button’s purpose, this can confuse people.
- It’s static and won’t automatically update with dynamic content changes.
- Localization is manual—you need to integrate these labels into your internationalization setup.
Use aria-label when simplicity outweighs these drawbacks—like icon-only buttons that stay consistent across languages.

aria-labelledby: Harness Visible Content

aria-labelledby points directly to visible content already on the page to build the accessible name. This is super helpful for complex widgets or dialogs:
```
<div role="dialog" aria-labelledby="dialog-title">
  <h2 id="dialog-title">Settings</h2>
  
</div>
```
This is great because:
- Updates to referenced elements automatically update the accessible name—handy for localization or dynamic UI changes.
- You can reference multiple IDs to build richer, descriptive names.
The downside? It requires stable IDs. Reference a missing ID, and your screen reader users will hear nothing—a silent fail you won’t catch easily without testing.

Picking the Right Attribute

Choosing between these two attributes boils down to visibility and localization:
- Visible text already on screen? Use aria-labelledby.
- Icon-only or hidden label? Use aria-label.
- Multiple languages or dynamic content? Lean heavily towards aria-labelledby.
Following these simple guidelines can help keep your UI accessible and your codebase clean.

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

Let’s get real: we’ve all made these mistakes:
1. Using both attributes at once: Screen readers only honor aria-labelledby. The leftover aria-label just confuses whoever touches your code next.
2. Referencing IDs that don’t exist: Silent errors are the worst. Double-check your references with automated tools like axe-core.
3. Static English aria-labels on multilingual sites: Always leverage your translation pipeline or use aria-labelledby with translated DOM elements.
Quick example: Imagine a delete button labeled with aria-label="Delete" in English. When your app gets translated into Spanish, this button label stays stuck in English. Switching to aria-labelledby referencing a translated element solves it instantly.

Performance and Maintenance Tips

In frameworks like React or Vue, manage your DOM carefully. Always ensure referenced elements exist in the DOM before referencing components mount. Add automated accessibility checks (like Lighthouse) into your CI/CD setup. They’ll quickly catch misconfigured labels and help you maintain consistent accessibility.

Advanced Label Composition

Need more detail? Stack IDs with aria-labelledby:
```
<span id="action">Confirm</span>
<span id="item">your subscription</span>
<button aria-labelledby="action item">...</button>
```
Now the screen reader clearly announces, “Confirm your subscription.”

Dynamic content? Even simpler:
```
const statusLabel = document.getElementById("status");
statusLabel.textContent = isExpired ? "Expired" : "Active";
// aria-labelledby references statusLabel automatically
```
This dynamic updating is invaluable for reactive or state-driven UI.

Testing Your Accessible Names

Don’t skip manual checks. Fire up VoiceOver, NVDA, or even JAWS and tab through your components the way real users do. Navigate end‑to‑end, listen for odd announcements, and confirm the focus order feels right. Then pair those spot checks with automated tools in CI so labeling issues get fixed long before code ships.

Wrapping Up: Making Strategic Choices

Understanding when to use aria-label versus aria-labelledby might seem minor, but it significantly impacts users’ experience. Choose aria-label for simplicity and directness, especially on icon-driven interfaces. Go with aria-labelledby when leveraging visible, dynamic, or localized content.

Remember, accessibility is about making your interfaces clear for everyone, not just users relying on assistive tech. The strategic use of these attributes ensures your app feels polished and intuitive.

Need a quick gut‑check? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll walk through your codebase together and make sure every label—and the rest of your accessibility stack—hits the mark.
Greg McNeil

May 9, 2025

How-to Guides

Accessibility, ARIA, aria-label, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development

Accessible Accordion vs Disclosure: Dev Best Practices

Disclosures and accordions show up all over the place—FAQs, menus, settings panels—you name it. They seem simple enough, right? But making sure they actually work for everyone takes more than just toggling some content and calling it a day.

If you’ve ever wondered when to use <details> versus building an accordion with buttons and ARIA, or how to keep screen reader users from getting lost in a sea of hidden panels, you’re not alone. This guide breaks it all down—what to use, when to use it, and how to build a truly accessible accordion without overcomplicating the code.

What Are Disclosure and Accordion Widgets?

Disclosure Widgets: Simple, Native, and Often Overlooked

Disclosures—also known as show/hide widgets—are ideal for toggling a single section of content. Think expandable FAQs or inline help that doesn’t clutter the UI by default.

Here’s a basic example using semantic HTML:

<details>
  <summary>Need more info?</summary>
  <p>Here are more details you might find useful.</p>
</details>

This pattern is fully native and built into the browser, which means it comes with keyboard support and screen reader compatibility right out of the box. You also get the open attribute, which allows you to control whether the content is expanded by default.

The main advantage here is simplicity—no JavaScript needed, and fewer chances to introduce accessibility issues.

Accordion Widgets: More Complex, More Control

An accessible accordion expands on the idea of disclosure by managing multiple content panels. In most implementations, only one section is open at a time, helping users stay focused and reducing cognitive overload.

You can build an accordion using multiple <details> elements, but if you want to control behavior more precisely—like closing other panels when one opens—you’ll need JavaScript.

Here’s what a minimal HTML-only version might look like:

<details name="accordion">
  <summary>Step 1</summary>
  <p>Instructions for step one.</p>
</details>

But to meet WCAG standards for a true accessible accordion, you’ll need to manage keyboard navigation, state indicators, and focus behavior—topics we’ll cover next.

Accessibility Considerations Developers Must Prioritize

Keyboard Navigation That Works for Everyone

An accessible accordion must support meaningful keyboard interactions. Here’s what users expect:

Tab and Shift + Tab to move between interactive elements.
Enter or Space to toggle a section open or closed.
Arrow Up/Down or Home/End to move between accordion headers in more advanced versions.

Missing any of these can make your component unusable for keyboard users. The WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices offer detailed guidance on accordion interaction patterns—worth bookmarking for reference.

Use Semantic Elements—Always

If there’s one golden rule, it’s this: never sacrifice semantics for styling.

That means:

Use <button> for interactive triggers—not <div>, <span>, or anchor tags without href.
If you’re toggling visibility, it’s a button, not a link.
Ensure that elements behave as users (and assistive technologies) expect.

Using semantic elements is one of the most effective ways to ensure your accessible accordion behaves predictably across screen readers and input types.

Add ARIA Where Needed, Not Everywhere

ARIA should enhance native HTML—not replace it. But when you’re building a custom accordion in JavaScript, ARIA becomes essential for communicating component state.

Here’s a basic implementation:

<button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="info">More Info</button>
<div id="info" hidden>
  <p>Here’s the additional info.</p>
</div>

const btn = document.querySelector('button');
const content = document.getElementById('info');
btn.addEventListener('click', () => {
  const expanded = btn.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true';
  btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', String(!expanded));
  content.hidden = expanded;
});

This ensures screen readers can track whether content is visible or hidden, creating a seamless experience for all users.

Common Accessibility Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even seasoned devs slip up. Here are a few common issues that can break accessibility—and how to address them:

Mistake	Problem	Solution
Non-focusable triggers	`<div>`s with `onclick` don’t work for keyboard users	Use `<button>` or add `tabindex="0"`
Links used instead of buttons	`<a>` without `href` doesn’t convey intent	Replace with semantic `<button>`
Missing state feedback	Screen readers can’t detect if content is expanded	Dynamically update aria-expanded
Focusable elements in hidden content	Users tab into content they can’t see	Use hidden or display: none correctly

Most of these issues stem from skipping semantic HTML or relying too heavily on JavaScript without proper state management. An accessible accordion avoids these pitfalls by focusing on clarity, intent, and interaction feedback.

Best Practices for Developers

Building an accessible accordion that holds up in the real world means going beyond code snippets. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Start with Progressive Enhancement

Whenever possible, begin with HTML <details> and <summary>. They’re accessible by default and supported in all major browsers. Use JavaScript only when additional behavior—like limiting panels to one open at a time—is truly needed.

Prioritize Focus Visibility

An accordion is only as accessible as its focus states. Make sure every interactive element has a visible focus indicator, and don’t override :focus-visible in your CSS. This isn’t just a WCAG 2.2 requirement—it’s also just good UX.

Avoid Overengineering with ARIA

Don’t reach for ARIA unless you need to. Native HTML tends to be more robust across assistive technologies, and using ARIA incorrectly can make things worse. When in doubt, simplify.

Test Like a User

If you’re not testing with a keyboard, you’re flying blind. Add screen reader testing with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver into your QA flow. Run Lighthouse and WAVE scans, but don’t rely on them alone—they won’t catch everything an actual user would encounter.

Real-World Application: From Good to Great

Let’s say you’re rebuilding a legacy FAQ section. It uses JavaScript to toggle open answers, but it’s riddled with <div>s and missing ARIA.

Start by replacing the markup with semantic HTML:

<details>
  <summary>What’s your return policy?</summary>
  <p>You can return items within 30 days.</p>
</details>

Then, enhance with JavaScript if you want only one section open at a time. Layer in ARIA attributes to improve screen reader support. Suddenly, you’ve turned a clunky widget into a polished, accessible accordion that works for everyone.

Wrapping It Up

Disclosures and accordions might seem interchangeable, but the differences matter—especially when accessibility is on the line. Whether you’re working on a quick FAQ or building a fully dynamic interface, an accessible accordion ensures users with different abilities can navigate and interact with your content.

At the end of the day, accessibility isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about building better interfaces for everyone.

Need help auditing your components?

216digital offers in-depth accessibility support. Schedule an ADA compliance consultation to review your current implementation and ensure everything meets WCAG standards—without compromising design or performance.

Greg McNeil

May 8, 2025

How-to Guides

Accessibility, accessible accordion, Disclosure, How-to, HTML, semantic HTML, web developers, web development

Who Needs Web Accessibility Training?
Think about all the hands that shape a website before it goes live.

A designer sketches the layout. A content writer crafts the story. A developer brings it to life. A marketer promotes it. A project manager keeps the wheels turning. But if even one person in that chain doesn’t understand the basics of accessibility, the final experience can fall short for someone trying to navigate with a screen reader, keyboard, or other assistive tools.

Accessibility issues don’t usually happen because people don’t care—they happen because people don’t know what to look for. That’s why accessibility training isn’t just for developers or tech teams. It’s for everyone who shapes the digital experience—from strategy to support.

When teams understand their role, accessibility becomes part of the process—not a last-minute fix. And that’s when real progress begins.

Why Broader Accessibility Training Matters

Accessibility barriers often hide in plain sight. A confusing heading can trip up a screen reader. An auto‑playing video can trap a keyboard user. Each issue might start with a different team, so solving them requires shared awareness and a shared skill set.

When every role learns the basics, good habits form early. This lowers future repair costs, speeds up projects, and reduces legal risk. Just as important—it sends a clear message: “Our doors are open to everyone.”

Who Should Learn—and What They Need to Know

Here’s how accessibility training benefits each team involved in your digital presence.

1. Executives and Senior Leaders

What they do: Set vision, approve budgets, choose partners.

Why they train: Training helps leaders connect accessibility to results—larger audiences, stronger brand trust, and measurable ROI. They also learn how setting clear goals and timelines keeps inclusion on track.

2. Designers and UX Teams

What they do: Choose colors, type, layouts, and flows.

Why they train: Design choices determine whether text is readable, buttons are reachable, and flows make sense. Training covers contrast, consistent icon labels, logical headings, and visible focus indicators.

3. Developers and Engineers

What they do: Write and test code.

Why they train: Developers learn how to apply semantic HTML, ARIA roles, keyboard support, and accessible error handling. Even seasoned coders benefit from updated WCAG guidance and modern tooling.

4. Content Creators and Editors

What they do: Write blog posts, help articles, PDFs, and product pages.

Why they train: Clear headings, plain language, and helpful alt text transform raw info into inclusive content. Training includes quick checks for reading level, link clarity, and captioned media.

5. Marketers and Social Media Managers

What they do: Create campaigns, videos, landing pages, and emails.

Why they train: Marketing moves fast, and small oversights spread wide. Training ensures captions are added, visuals are described, and flashing graphics are avoided—protecting both reach and user safety.

6. Quality‑Assurance Testers

What they do: Validate features before launch.

Why they train: QA staff learn how to run both automated scans and manual checks with keyboards and screen readers. Catching issues here prevents costly post-launch fixes.

7. Product and Project Managers

What they do: Gather requirements, plan sprints, and manage scope.

Why they train: They learn to include accessibility in acceptance criteria and timelines, and track progress against WCAG standards—making sure nothing slips through.

8. Customer Support Teams

What they do: Handle questions and feedback.

Why they train: Support agents are often the first to hear about accessibility barriers. Training helps them log issues clearly, guiding meaningful improvements.

Building a Culture of Learning

Workshops are a great start—but lasting accessibility comes from weaving training into everyday workflows. Here’s how to keep that momentum alive:
- Start with a quick win: Host a one‑hour session on headings and alt text. Immediate impact builds confidence.
- Use role-based paths: Designers explore contrast and layout. Marketers focus on captions and social media accessibility.
- Pair training with checklists: A simple “before you publish” list—contrast, keyboard reach, captions—keeps lessons at the top of your mind.
- Bring in real users: Invite people with disabilities to demos. Live feedback drives empathy and makes the value of inclusive design unmistakable.
- Celebrate success: Recognize teams that close accessibility tickets or launch inclusive content.
Choosing the Right Accessibility Training Format

Not everyone learns the same way. Mix formats to meet your team’s needs:
- Live workshops: Great for Q&A and real-time practice.
- Short video modules: Ideal for busy schedules or quick refreshers.
- Office hours: Open sessions where experts answer questions from any team.
- Documentation hubs: Centralized space for checklists, coding samples, and brand guidelines.
Larger organizations may also benefit from certification tracks or external mentors to support deeper learning and audits.

Measuring Success

Track the impact of training to keep improving:
- Fewer accessibility issues during QA.
- Lower remediation costs thanks to early awareness.
- Positive user feedback from screen reader and caption users.
- Fewer legal notices or compliance complaints.
Quarterly progress reports help leadership see the value and maintain support.

Overcoming Common Roadblocks
- “We don’t have time.” Break accessibility training into 15-minute micro-lessons that fit between meetings.
- “We can’t teach everyone everything.” Focus on essentials for each role—developers need ARIA, executives don’t.
- “It sounds too technical.” Share real stories. A single form label can help both a low-vision user and someone filling it out in bright sunlight.
Getting Started: A Quick Action Plan
1. Audit your team’s skills. Survey knowledge gaps.
2. Create a roadmap. Start with high-impact roles.
3. Choose a learning partner. Consultant, online platform, or internal champion.
4. Launch a pilot session. Start with something approachable, like image alt text.
5. Review and refine. Gather feedback and evolve your approach.
When people know what to look for, accessibility becomes second nature—not a scramble.

Equip Your Team, Elevate Your Experience

A successful accessibility program isn’t powered by one expert—it’s built on shared understanding. The more your teams know, the more they can contribute to inclusive, compliant, user-friendly experiences from the very beginning.

Now’s the time to turn knowledge into action. Whether you’re setting strategy, designing experiences, writing content, or launching campaigns, accessibility training helps each role identify where inclusion starts—and how to make it stick.

Accessibility Training That Moves Teams Forward

At 216digital, we include complementary ADA training with every project because we believe that lasting accessibility starts with alignment. Our role-based approach ensures your team isn’t just meeting requirements—they’re embedding inclusion into design, development, and communication with confidence.

Ready to move forward? Schedule a personalized ADA briefing with us. We’ll help you map out your goals, identify key opportunities, and launch a training strategy that’s effective, affordable, and built to last.

The most accessible experiences are the ones designed with intention. Let’s help your team build them.
Greg McNeil

April 17, 2025

Web Accessibility Training

Accessibility, Accessibility Training, Marketer, Web Accessibility Training, web developers, Website Accessibility
How to Use aria-describedby for Web Accessibility
Have you ever looked at a form, seen the bold text or red borders, and instantly known what to do next? That’s because as visual users, we get a lot of clues from layout, color, and spacing. But for someone using a screen reader, those visual hints don’t exist. Instead, they rely on code—programmatic clues—to make sense of what’s on the screen.

That’s where aria-describedby comes in. If you’ve ever struggled to make a form, button, or modal accessible, you’re not alone. aria-describedby is a powerful tool that helps users understand what’s happening—if you use it right.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to use aria-describedby the right way. We’ll go through practical code examples, real use cases, and common mistakes. I’ll also show you how it ties into making things like captions and subtitles more accessible, especially for users with assistive technology.

Unpacking aria-describedby

aria-describedby lets you link an element to other content that gives extra detail. It points to the ID(s) of one or more elements that contain helpful text. Think of it like this:
- aria-labelledby gives something its name.
- aria-describedby gives it extra explanation.
If a screen reader sees an input with aria-describedby= "pw-hint", it will read the input label and the hint.

Why It’s Important

Used correctly, aria-describedby helps you meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) success criteria. It improves accessibility for users who rely on screen readers. It’s especially helpful when native HTML doesn’t cover all the information a user needs. This matters for users navigating complex interfaces—like forms, modals, or media players with captions and subtitles.

When Should You Use aria-describedby?
- Form fields: Add help text or error messages.
- Buttons: Clarify what will happen, especially for destructive actions.
- Dialogs/modals: Explain what the dialog is for.
- Tooltips: Offer extra information without cluttering the interface.
- Live status updates: Let users know when things change, like upload progress or loading indicators.
aria-describedby can even support captions and subtitles in video players by giving extra context for the screen reader user, describing what’s happening beyond the visual content.

When Not to Use It
- If HTML already does the job (like using <label> or <fieldset>).
- If it adds repetitive or unnecessary text.
Code Walkthroughs: Real-World Examples

Let’s get into some code. These examples show how to use aria-describedby in ways that make a real difference.

Form Fields

Password Requirements
```
<label for="pw">Password</label>
<input type="password" id="pw" aria-describedby="pw-hint">
<p id= "pw-hint">Password must be at least 12 characters long and include a number.</p>
```
Error Messages
```
<label for="email">Email address</label>
<input type="email" id="email" aria-invalid="true" aria-describedby="email-error">
<p id="email-error" class="error">Please enter a valid email address.</p>
```
Multiple Descriptions
```
<input type="text" id="username" aria-describedby="username-req username-tip">
<p id="username-req">Must be at least 8 characters.</p>
<p id="username-tip">Displayed on your profile.</p>
```
Buttons

Destructive Action Explanation
```
<button aria-describedby="delete-desc">Delete Account</button>
<p id= "delete-desc">This will permanently remove your account and all data.</p>
```
Dialogs and Modals

Accessible Dialog
```
<div role="dialog" aria-modal="true" aria-labelledby="dialogTitle" aria-describedby="dialogDesc">
  <h2 id="dialogTitle">Confirm Deletion</h2>
  <p id= "dialogDesc">This action is permanent and cannot be undone.</p>
</div>
```
Tooltips and Live Regions

Accessible Tooltip
```
<input type="text" id="first" aria-describedby="tip1">
<div id="tip1" role="tooltip">Optional field.</div>
```
Status Messages
```
<div aria-describedby="upload-status">
  <input type="file" onchange="showUploadStatus()">
  <div id="upload-status" aria-live="polite">Uploading...</div>
</div>
```
These techniques can also apply to custom media players. You can use aria-describedby to point to captions and subtitles that are visible on screen but also need to be announced programmatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too Many Descriptions: Linking to 3 or 4 IDs might overwhelm users.
- Broken References: Make sure every ID you point to actually exists.
- Redundant Content: Don’t repeat what’s already in the label.
- Timing Issues: Don’t change the text dynamically during focus unless absolutely necessary.
- Inconsistent Patterns: Keep your approach consistent across similar components.
Best Practices for Effective Implementation
- Write Clear Descriptions: Keep them short, useful, and easy to understand.
- Avoid Jargon: Explain things in plain language.
- Keep Descriptions Visible: If possible, don’t hide the text—what helps screen reader users can help sighted users, too.
- Use Native HTML First: ARIA is a supplement, not a substitute.
- Test Often:
  - Use screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
  - Test in browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
- Stay Consistent:
  - Create reusable components.
  - Document your design patterns.
  - Automate accessibility checks.
This also applies to any content with captions and subtitles—they should be clearly described in a way that works for both visual and non-visual users.

Beyond the Code: Organizational Tips
- Code Reviews Should Include Accessibility
- Use Linters and Audits: Tools like Google Lighthouse or WAVE to catch ARIA barriers.
- Add Accessibility to Your QA Checklist
- Train Your Team: Make sure everyone knows what ARIA does and doesn’t do.
If you’re building tools with captions and subtitles, include accessibility from the start. Don’t bolt it on later.

Accessible Descriptions, Better UX

aria-describedby is one of those quiet heroes of accessibility. It helps fill the gaps between what users see and what assistive tech can tell them.

Used well, it improves the user experience for everyone—not just people using screen readers. It’s especially helpful in forms, dialogs, and anything with captions and subtitles, where the added context can be critical.

So remember: use aria-describedby intentionally, test it thoroughly, and keep your patterns consistent. And if your team needs help making your site or app more accessible, 216digital offers expert guidance to help you meet compliance standards—while creating a better experience for all users.

Let’s keep building an internet that works for everyone. One line of code at a time.
Greg McNeil

April 11, 2025

How-to Guides

ARIA, aria-describedby, How-to, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
eCommerce Accessibility: Cart & Checkout Best Practices
As a front-end developer, you already know how much the small stuff matters—clear labels, logical tab order, and meaningful feedback. These details don’t just polish the experience; they make the difference between a site that works for everyone and one that silently shuts people out. When it comes to eCommerce accessibility, gaps tend to show up in the usual suspects: shopping carts, forms, payment flows, and filters.

Below, we’ll explore common eCommerce accessibility gaps and show you how to fix them. You’ll see examples of HTML and ARIA attributes that make a real difference in usability—without requiring you to overhaul your entire site. Just clean, thoughtful code that helps your work reach more people, the way it’s meant to.

Why Accessibility Matters in E-Commerce

Better eCommerce accessibility results in a better user experience. When you streamline navigation, label form fields properly, and offer multiple payment methods, you’re benefiting everyone, not just shoppers with disabilities. You’re also opening your doors to more customers, including those who use screen readers, have limited mobility, or simply prefer an intuitive layout.

Beyond enhanced usability, there’s also the legal side. Lawsuits related to eCommerce accessibility are on the rise. Addressing accessibility from the start can help reduce legal risks, but the bigger win is ensuring all potential customers feel welcome in your store.

eCommerce accessibility often breaks down at a few critical points:
- Shopping carts with unclear or missing labels.
- Forms and checkouts that don’t offer proper error messages.
- Payment flows that are dependent on inaccessible CAPTCHAs or limited payment methods.
- Product filters that are keyboard-incompatible or lack clear feedback.
If you’re a developer responsible for these features, you’re in the perfect position to fix these problems. A few strategic lines of code or well-placed attributes can help transform a confusing checkout into a seamless experience for all.

Making Your Shopping Cart Work for Everyone

Add Clear Labels (Yes, Even for Buttons)

It’s a common oversight to have buttons or icons without descriptive text. Screen readers can’t interpret an icon unless you provide an aria-label or similar attribute. Give every button clear text or an invisible descriptor for assistive tech.
```
<button aria-label="Remove item from cart">
  Remove
</button>
```
This simple step ensures that anyone using a screen reader knows exactly what action they’re about to take.

Let People Update Cart Items Without Guesswork

Quantities, item removals, and other cart updates should be straightforward. If you’re using a numeric input, label it properly so a screen reader user knows what they’re adjusting.
```
<label for="quantity">Quantity:</label>
<input type="number" id="quantity" name="quantity" min="1" value="1">
```
When quantity fields are clearly labeled and keyboard-friendly, customers can adjust items easily—no mystery involved.

Show Helpful Feedback When Things Go Wrong

Errors happen: maybe a shopper enters an invalid quantity or tries to remove an item that’s no longer in stock. Instead of reloading the entire page (and frustrating users), use an aria-live region to announce errors in real-time:
```
<div role="alert" aria-live="assertive">
  Error: Please enter a valid quantity.
</div>
```
This alerts people using screen readers without forcing them to refresh or hunt for an error message.

Shipping Forms That Are Easy to Use (and Easy to Navigate)

Use Straightforward, Consistent Labels

Forms can become confusing if users aren’t sure what to type. Proper <label> tags tied to the correct inputs make a huge difference for both sighted customers and those using assistive tech.
```
<label for="address">Shipping Address:</label>
<input type="text" id="address" name="address">
```
When labels are descriptive and consistent throughout the form, everyone knows exactly what information to provide.

Make Sure Users Can Tab Through Fields Logically

Keyboard-only users often navigate by pressing the Tab key. If your form fields aren’t in a logical sequence, they’ll jump around unpredictably. Paying attention to the natural DOM order is usually enough, but if you must alter it, use tabindex carefully.

Show Errors Clearly and Offer Suggestions

Generic error messages like “Invalid input” force users to guess what they did wrong. Instead, offer specific guidance so people know exactly how to fix the issue:
```
<div role="alert">
  Error: ZIP code must be five digits.
</div>
```
This clarity benefits everyone, speeding up the checkout process and reducing frustration—two big wins for eCommerce accessibility.

Designing a Payment Flow That’s Smooth and Inclusive

Offer More Than One Way to Pay

Variety in payment methods—credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.—ensures different shoppers can complete purchases in a way that suits them. Some assistive technologies work better with certain payment platforms, so having options expands your customer reach.

If You Use CAPTCHAs, Make Them Accessible

Nothing derails a checkout faster than an inaccessible CAPTCHA. If possible, rely on server-side checks. If you do need a CAPTCHA, consider offering an audio version or a more user-friendly alternative. This prevents people with disabilities from being locked out at the final step of their eCommerce accessibility journey.

Choose Accessible Payment Gateways

Third-party payment platforms can introduce new accessibility issues. Do a quick review to ensure any external gateway meets basic WCAG standards and is compatible with screen readers and other assistive tools. Even the best checkout flow can fail if the final payment step isn’t accessible.

Don’t Let Product Filters Be a Barrier

Make Filters Keyboard-Friendly

Checkboxes, sliders, and dropdowns all need to be navigable via keyboard. That means ensuring users can Tab to each control, use arrow keys for sliders, and press Enter or Space to toggle checkboxes or confirm a selection.

Let Users Know What Filters Are Applied

Always make it clear which filters are currently active, both visually and programmatically (via ARIA attributes). This helps sighted users and people using screen readers track their selections and remove or adjust filters easily.

Stick to Native HTML Controls When Possible

While custom-styled checkboxes and radio buttons can look appealing, they often introduce accessibility quirks. Native HTML elements are easier to make accessible:
```
<fieldset>
  <legend>Filter by Size</legend>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="small"> Small</label>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="medium"> Medium</label>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="size" value="large"> Large</label>
</fieldset>
```
You can style them to fit your brand while ensuring they work out of the box for most assistive tech. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve eCommerce accessibility.

Testing and Validating Your Work

Start with Automated Tools (But Don’t Stop There)

Tools like Google Lighthouse and WAVE are great starting points. They scan for many common issues, but automated tests can’t cover everything, especially more nuanced user interactions.

Test Manually with Real Assistive Tech

Grab a screen reader like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac). Try using only your keyboard to navigate the site. This hands-on approach reveals a lot about real-world usability that automated checks might miss—especially in areas related to eCommerce accessibility.

Get Feedback from Real Users

If you can, involve people with disabilities in your testing. Their direct experience helps pinpoint issues you might never notice on your own. Real-world feedback is invaluable for refining the shopping journey.

Small Fixes, Big Impact

Building an accessible eCommerce site doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Most improvements, like adding clear labels or structuring forms properly, are quick, incremental changes in your code. These small fixes can significantly enhance the experience for shoppers who rely on assistive technology—and often make the site more pleasant for everyone else as well.

If you want more detailed guidance or an expert review, there are plenty of resources on WCAG and web.dev. You can also team up with 216digital, where we specialize in making sure online stores meet eCommerce accessibility standards from start to finish. Whether you need help with checkout flows, product filtering, or a full-site audit, our team is here to ensure every shopper can complete their purchase with ease.

Remember: inclusive design isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a mindset. By prioritizing eCommerce accessibility at each step of your development process, you’ll build online shopping experiences that truly welcome everyone. And that’s good business for everyone involved.
Greg McNeil

April 4, 2025

How-to Guides

Accessibility, ecommerce website, How-to, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
Accordion Accessibility: Common Issues & Fixes
Organizing content effectively on the web is about more than just layout—it’s about usability and inclusivity. When users are forced to scroll through long pages of uninterrupted text, the experience becomes inefficient and frustrating.

Enter accordion components: interactive UI elements that allow content sections to be expanded or collapsed. When implemented correctly, accordion accessibility streamlines navigation and improves content organization. However, if accessibility is overlooked, these helpful components can quickly become barriers.

This guide explores how to design accessible accordion components that enhance the user experience and meet all users’ needs—regardless of their abilities. We’ll cover best practices for structure, semantics, ARIA attributes, keyboard support, and implementation strategies to help you build inclusive, user-friendly interfaces.

Why Accordion Accessibility Matters

Accordions are essential: they reduce visual clutter and allow users to interact with content on their terms. Whether it’s an FAQ page, a product feature breakdown, or technical documentation, accordions help surface only the content that matters at the moment.

However, it’s crucial to remember that not all users interact with content similarly. Screen reader users, keyboard-only users, and others with varying access needs must be able to operate accordions just as easily as those using a mouse or touchscreen. Accessible design isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential component of responsible development.

The Building Blocks of an Accordion Accessibility-Friendly Component

1. Structure: Header and Panel

Every accordion should be composed of two core parts:

Header (Trigger)

A clickable element (typically a <button>) that users activate to show or hide content. It usually includes a descriptive label and may feature visual indicators like arrows or plus/minus icons.

Panel (Content)

The content is associated with the header. It should be hidden from view and keyboard focus when collapsed and fully accessible when expanded.

For effective accordion accessibility, each header must be clearly linked to its corresponding panel—visually for sighted users and programmatically for assistive technologies.

2. Keyboard Navigation

One of the most common accessibility pitfalls with accordion components is insufficient keyboard support. If users can’t operate your interface without a mouse, it’s not accessible.

Your accordion must support the following interactions:
- Tab / Shift + Tab: Move between focusable elements, including accordion headers.
- Enter or Space: Expand or collapse the currently focused header.
- Arrow Up / Arrow Down: Navigate between accordion headers.
- Home / End: Jump to the first or last header within the accordion group.
By supporting these interactions, you ensure that keyboard users have the same level of control as mouse users.

3. Use Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML provides the backbone of accessibility. It ensures assistive technologies can understand the structure and function of your content without additional cues.

Best Practices for Accordion Accessibility
- Use heading elements (<h3>, <h4>, etc.) to maintain the document outline.
- Place a <button> inside the heading to toggle visibility.
- Wrap panel content in a <div> that follows its associated button.
Why <button> and not <div> or <a>?

Buttons are keyboard-focusable by default, accessible to screen readers, and support interactions like Enter and Space. Enter and Space. If you rely on <div> or <a> for toggling, you’ll need extra code to achieve the same level of accordion accessibility.

4. Implementing ARIA Attributes

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes enhance accessibility when native HTML doesn’t fully express an element’s role or state. In custom accordions, these attributes help communicate dynamic behavior to assistive technologies.

ARIA Attributes for Accordion Accessibility
- aria-expanded: Indicates the panel’s expanded (true) or collapsed (false) state. Applied to the button.
- aria-controls: Points to the id of the panel controlled by the button.
- aria-labelledby: Applied to the panel, this links it back to its header button for context.
- aria-hidden:Use decorative icons or non-informative content to prevent screen readers from announcing them.
These attributes ensure that screen reader users receive clear, relevant information about the accordion’s behavior and structure.

Implementation Examples

Option 1: Native HTML with <details> and <summary>

For a semantic-first approach, HTML offers a native accordion-like behavior:
```
<details>
  <summary>Shipping Information</summary>
  <div>
    <p>We offer free shipping on orders over $50...</p>
  </div>
</details>
```
Pros
- Minimal code
- Built-in keyboard support
- Accessible by default in modern browsers
Cons
- Styling can be limited
- Inconsistent support across all assistive technologies
This is a great lightweight option for simple use cases but may fall short in more complex interfaces.

Option 2: Custom JavaScript Accordion with ARIA

If you need more control, a custom accordion allows full styling and behavior management—just be sure to handle accordion accessibility properly.

HTML Structure
```
<h3>
  <button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="panel1" id="accordion1">
    Shipping Info
  </button>
</h3>
<div id="panel1" role="region" aria-labelledby="accordion1" hidden>
  <p>We offer free shipping on orders over $50...</p>
</div>
```
JavaScript snippet
```
const buttons = document.querySelectorAll('button[aria-expanded]'); buttons.forEach((button) => { const toggleAccordion = () => { const expanded = button.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true'; button.setAttribute('aria-expanded', String(!expanded)); const panel = document.getElementById(button.getAttribute('aria-controls')); panel.hidden = expanded; }; button.addEventListener('click', toggleAccordion); button.addEventListener('keydown', (event) => { if (event.key === 'Enter') { toggleAccordion(); } }); });
```
This implementation not only handles basic interaction but also improves navigation for keyboard users. Combined with semantic structure and ARIA, it creates a robust and inclusive experience.

Best Practices to Keep in Mind
- Use Clear Labels: Avoid generic labels like “Section 1.” Use descriptive headers that make sense out of context.
- Provide Visual Cues: Arrows or plus/minus icons help users understand that a section is expandable. Consider animations that reinforce open/close behavior.
- Maintain Focus Indicators: Never remove focus outlines unless you’re replacing them with custom indicators that are just as visible.
- Be Selective with Accordions: Don’t hide critical content. It should be visible by default if the information is essential (e.g., pricing, legal disclaimers).
Testing Accessibility

Even well-intended implementations can miss the mark without testing. Include accessibility testing as part of your development workflow:
- Keyboard-Only Testing: Navigate the accordion entirely by keyboard.
- Screen Reader Testing: Use tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to check for correct announcements.
- Automated Tools: Run your component through tools like WAVE, or Lighthouse to identify missing attributes or ARIA misuse.
- Manual Code Review: Double-check that all attributes, labels, and roles are properly implemented.
Final Thoughts

Accessible accordions do more than organize content—they foster a better, more inclusive web. By prioritizing structure, semantics, ARIA roles, and thoughtful interaction design, you empower all users to engage with your content meaningfully.

If you’re unsure where to start or want to ensure your components meet accessibility standards, consider working with an experienced accessibility partner like 216digital. We specialize in helping teams build digital experiences that work for everyone—by default, and with accordion accessibility baked in.
Greg McNeil

March 27, 2025

How-to Guides

Accessibility, accordion, accordion accessibility, How-to, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
When Is a Skip Link Needed?
We’ve all been on websites that greet us with massive headers, menu bars crammed full of links, or flashy ads stretching across the top. With a mouse, you can scroll or click straight to the section you care about. But if you rely on a keyboard, you’re stuck tabbing through every link and button in that menu before you reach the main story. It can feel like trudging through a maze when you just want to dive into the content.

A skip link offers a simple shortcut: it lets keyboard users jump over that repeated stuff and land exactly where they need to be. In this article, we’ll explore how skip links fit into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), why they matter for anyone who doesn’t browse with a mouse, and how they can make a site more enjoyable for all visitors—even the ones who love to scroll.

What Is WCAG’s Bypass Blocks Rule?

WCAG’s Success Criterion 2.4.1, known as “Bypass Blocks,” focuses on letting users skip past content that appears on every page, such as headers, navigation menus, and sidebars. These areas can become barriers for people who rely on keyboard navigation or use screen readers, since they have to listen to or Tab through every link each time they land on a new page.

Mouse users can ignore repeated elements by moving their cursor directly to the main section of the page. But if you are using a keyboard only, you have to press the Tab key multiple times to get beyond the menu or header. This extra effort can be frustrating. By contrast, a skip link makes it possible to jump straight to the main content with a single press of the Tab key and an Enter or Space to activate it. Cutting down on keystrokes is a big boost to usability and can remove physical strain for users with motor disabilities.

Do Landmarks and Headings Count as Bypass Tools?

Some people think that WCAG’s requirements force you to include a skip link no matter what. However, WCAG does not specifically demand that you place a “Skip to Main Content” link on your pages in every scenario. If you use proper HTML5 sectioning elements like <main> or set up ARIA landmarks with role= "main", you can fulfill the technical requirement.

When you use clear heading structures (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) and assign landmarks (role= "navigation", role= "banner") to your layout, many screen readers allow users to jump from one landmark or heading to another. This means they can skip large chunks of repeated content. However, there is a key drawback: these landmark shortcuts are tied to assistive technology. Keyboard-only users without a screen reader do not benefit from these features, because landmarks are not accessible through simple keystrokes like Tab. That is where a skip link proves especially helpful, providing an obvious and direct way to move focus into the main content.

Why a Skip Link Is Still Best Practice

Even if you are technically compliant with WCAG, many experts still recommend a skip link. Here’s why:
1. Keyboard-Only Users: Landmarks may help screen reader users, but they are not available to someone who only has a keyboard. A skip link is the only direct and reliable way to jump over repetitive elements.
2. Users with Motor Disabilities: Each extra keystroke can cause strain. Reducing the need to press Tab repeatedly makes it easier for people with limited mobility to explore your site.
3. Users with Cognitive Disabilities: Repeated menus and banners can be visually overwhelming and distracting. A skip link streamlines the experience by letting users focus on the main content faster.
Other Tools That Help With Page Navigation
- Provide a Skip Link: A short text-based link such as “Skip to Main Content” at the top of the page is a universal solution.
- Use HTML Sectioning Elements: Properly labeling <header>, <main>, and <footer> can help screen reader users identify page sections.
- Implement a Logical Heading Structure: When headings form a clear outline, it is easier for people to scan or jump to key areas, especially when assistive technology is involved.
Alternative Navigation Aids

While a skip link is vital, it’s not the only accessibility tool you can use. ARIA landmarks, for example, let you define elements like role= "navigation", role= "banner", or role= "main". Screen readers can use these roles to move focus to each region. Another strategy is to include access keys, which assign keyboard shortcuts to major parts of your site. Yet, these approaches are typically helpful only to those who know how to use them and have compatible assistive technology. For most keyboard users, a skip link remains the clearest and simplest tool.

How to Add a Skip Link the Right Way

A skip link should do more than just jump down the page; it needs to work with the keyboard in a smooth way. Here’s how:

Position the Link as the First Focusable Element

The best practice is to place the skip link at the very top of your page. This ensures it is the first element that gets focus when someone tabs through the page. A common method is to link to the main content area, marked by an ID like id= "main-content".

Ensure Proper Keyboard Functionality

When users activate the skip link, focus should land right on the main content area. For this to happen, that target element must be focusable. If <main> or the first heading is not normally focusable, you can add tabindex= "-1" to make it work. This step also helps users who use screen magnifiers, because the focus moves right to the main section visually.

Example:
```
<a href="#main-content">Skip to Main Content</a>


<main id="main-content" tabindex="-1">
    
</main>
Or, if you want to move focus to the first heading:
<a href="#first-heading">Skip to Main Content</a>


<h1 id="first-heading" tabindex="-1">Welcome to Our Site</h1>

```
Ensure the Skip Link Is Visible When Focused

Many designers hide the skip link until it gains focus. While this can keep the page looking tidy, it’s important that the link is fully visible and noticeable the moment someone tabs onto it. This visibility ensures that keyboard users know there is a helpful tool available. In some designs, leaving the skip link in plain sight all the time may be the best approach.

Mistakes to Avoid With Skip Links

Even if you add a skip link, a few errors can stop it from working as intended:
- Improper Hiding Techniques: If you use display: none; or visibility: hidden;, screen readers will not detect the link at all. Instead, use off-screen positioning so it remains accessible.
- Non-Focusable Targets: Forgetting to add tabindex= "-1" to the target means the user might land near the content but not actually focus on it. This can confuse people using screen readers or screen magnifiers.
- Skipping Too Much Content: Your skip link should jump over repeated menus, but it should not force users to skip crucial information, like an important heading that explains the page’s purpose.
Check That Your Skip Link Actually Works

Testing makes sure your skip link works well:
1. Keyboard Testing: Turn off your mouse and try to navigate the site by tapping through. Watch for the link to show up, and check that it drops you into the main area.
2. Assistive Technology Testing: Use a screen reader to confirm that your skip link is announced and that it moves focus correctly.
3. Cross-Browser Compatibility: Test in different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to confirm that the skip link behaves the same everywhere.
Make Navigation Easy for Everyone with 216digital

Including semantic elements and ARIA landmarks can make your site meet the minimum requirements of WCAG, but offering a dedicated skip link goes a step further by improving usability for keyboard-only users, people with motor disabilities, and users who may become overwhelmed by repeated menus. Rather than viewing accessibility as a set of rules to follow, think of it as a way to create a smoother, more welcoming experience for all.

If you want a site that not only checks the compliance box but also feels inclusive to every visitor, consider working with a partner who understands the importance of thoughtful navigation. At 216digital, we specialize in designing web experiences that work for everyone. A skip link may seem like a small touch, but it can make a world of difference for those who need it. Let’s make the web more inclusive together.
Greg McNeil

March 21, 2025

How-to Guides

skip link, WCAG, WCAG conformance, web developers, web development
Getting Focused: Why Focus Order Matters for Web Accessibility
Most people never think about what it would be like to navigate a website without using their mouse. This is a reality for many users with visual or motor impairments. They rely on using other input modalities, such as the keyboard or gestures, to navigate a web page. This is where focus order comes into play.

In this post, we’ll look at what focus order is, why it’s so important, how it connects to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and the most common issues you’ll want to fix. Then, we’ll share a few tips on how to test and improve it on your own site.

Life Without a Mouse

Picture going through your favorite website using only your keyboard. You press Tab to jump from one link or button to another. If the focus order is set up right, you’ll move through the page in a smooth, logical sequence, usually from top to bottom. But if it’s not, you could land somewhere unexpected or miss entirely essential parts of the page.

For anyone who can’t use a mouse, a messed-up focus order often leads to frustration. Improper focus order can lead to the cursor jumping around the page illogically or preventing them from using necessary functionality.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
1. Skipping Interactive Elements: If a link or button is not coded using the proper semantic HTML tag or does not have the correct attributes, it will not be focusable at all, and users who can’t use a mouse will be unable to interact with the element.
2. Jumping in Strange Ways: If you rely on random tabindex values or a messy HTML structure, the focus may go from the header to a random footer link before bouncing back up. That’s tough to follow.
3. Getting Trapped: Pop-ups, modals, and iframes can trap keyboard users if the code doesn’t let them tab out. People might get stuck until they refresh the page.
4. Invisible Focus: Many designers, developers, or store owners choose to hide the focus outlines for aesthetic purposes without realizing how many people rely on them to navigate the site. Without visible focus outlines, motor-impaired users have no idea which element is currently focused on or selected.
The WCAG Connection

Focus order plays a key role in meeting the standards laid out in WCAG. Some of the main ones include:
- 2.4.3 (Focus Order, Level A): Content should follow a logical order when tabbing through the page.
- 2.1.1 (Keyboard, Level A): All site functions should work with only a keyboard.
- 2.4.7 (Focus Visible, Level AA): People should see which element is active at all times.
- 2.4.11 & 2.4.12 (Focus Not Obscured, WCAG 2.2, Levels AA & AAA): The focused element has to remain visible instead of scrolling off-screen.
Meeting these criteria helps make sure your site is accessible and much easier to navigate.

Simple Tips to Get It Right
- Use the DOM Order: Write your HTML in the order you want people to move through the page. That way, you don’t have to force things with unique attributes.
- Use Correct Elements: If you have something clickable, make it a <button> or <a>. This makes it automatically focusable without extra work.
- Be Careful With tabindex: tabindex= “0” can help include an element in the natural focus sequence. tabindex= “-1” keeps something out of the normal flow but still lets you focus there with scripts. High or random values can create chaos.
- Manage Modals Properly: When a modal pops up, focus should jump into it. People should be able to tab around inside and close it without getting stuck. Once it’s closed, the focus should return to the element that opened it.
- Keep Focus Visible: If your brand style doesn’t match the default outline, customize it with a high-contrast border or box-shadow. Whatever you do, make sure people can still see where they are on the page.
Testing and Tweaking Your Site
1. Manual Testing – Put your mouse away and try tabbing through the page. Ask yourself if the order makes sense and if you can reach everything you need.
2. Browser Tools – Chrome DevTools and Firefox Accessibility Inspector can show you how each element appears in the accessibility tree, which can help you spot weird focus flows.
3. Automated Tests – Tools like WAVE and Lighthouse are helpful for flagging fundamental problems, though they won’t catch everything.
4. Real Users – If possible, ask people who rely on keyboard navigation to test your site. They’ll be the quickest to notice focus issues you might miss.
Wrapping Up

Focus order might sound like a small detail, but it’s a massive deal for those who rely on the keyboard to get around. A logical, precise tab sequence helps keep your site user-friendly, no matter who’s visiting. If you’re worried about your site’s accessibility, it’s never too late to run an audit or refresh your code.

Need extra help? Contact 216digital, where we specialize in creating accessible websites that work well for everyone. Whether you just need a quick review or a complete accessibility plan, we’re here to make your site feel welcoming for all kinds of users.
Greg McNeil

March 19, 2025

How-to Guides, WCAG Compliance

focus order, WCAG, WCAG conformance, web developers, web development

What Is WCAG — and Why It Matters

Can You Get WCAG Certified? (No — and Here’s Why)

Why the Idea of Certification Still Matters

What You Can Get Instead: Real Accessibility Certifications

Real Accessibility Is About Practical Action

Run Regular Accessibility Audits

Fix High-Impact Issues First

Bake Accessibility Into Development

Publish a Public Statement

Train Your Content Team

Should You Be Chasing WCAG Certification?

Accessibility Partners Can Make the Difference

You Don’t Need a WCAG Certificate—You Need a Plan

What a False Positive Really Is

The Hidden Costs of False Positives

Time and Budget Drain

Erosion of Trust in Tools

Legal and Reputational Risks

Practical Steps to Minimize False Positives

Choose Tools Carefully

Combine Automated Testing with Manual Checks

Educate and Empower Your Team

Shift Accessibility Testing Left

Engage Accessibility Specialists

A True Positive Path Forward

The Common Ground

Using aria-label: Direct and Hidden

aria-labelledby: Harness Visible Content

Picking the Right Attribute

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

Performance and Maintenance Tips

Advanced Label Composition

Testing Your Accessible Names

Wrapping Up: Making Strategic Choices

What Are Disclosure and Accordion Widgets?

Disclosure Widgets: Simple, Native, and Often Overlooked

Accordion Widgets: More Complex, More Control

Accessibility Considerations Developers Must Prioritize

Keyboard Navigation That Works for Everyone

Use Semantic Elements—Always

Add ARIA Where Needed, Not Everywhere

Common Accessibility Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Best Practices for Developers

Start with Progressive Enhancement

Prioritize Focus Visibility

Avoid Overengineering with ARIA

Test Like a User

Real-World Application: From Good to Great

Wrapping It Up

Why Broader Accessibility Training Matters

Who Should Learn—and What They Need to Know

1. Executives and Senior Leaders

2. Designers and UX Teams

3. Developers and Engineers

4. Content Creators and Editors

5. Marketers and Social Media Managers

6. Quality‑Assurance Testers

7. Product and Project Managers

8. Customer Support Teams

Building a Culture of Learning

Choosing the Right Accessibility Training Format

Measuring Success

Overcoming Common Roadblocks

Getting Started: A Quick Action Plan

Equip Your Team, Elevate Your Experience

Accessibility Training That Moves Teams Forward

Unpacking aria-describedby

Why It’s Important

When Should You Use aria-describedby?

When Not to Use It

Code Walkthroughs: Real-World Examples

Form Fields

Password Requirements

Error Messages

Multiple Descriptions

Buttons

Destructive Action Explanation

Dialogs and Modals

Accessible Dialog

Tooltips and Live Regions

`aria-labelledby`: Harness Visible Content

Why `<button>` and not `<div>` or `<a>`?

Option 1: Native HTML with `<details>` and `<summary>`