Web accessibility is essential when creating websites that can be used by everyone. As developers, we sometimes make basic accessibility mistakes during development, which can make web projects inaccessible.

In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 web accessibility mistakes developers make and how to avoid them in your projects. Whether you're new to accessibility or looking to refine your skills, these tips will help you build more inclusive and user-friendly projects.

1. Overusing <div> and <span> Tags

Semantic HTML provides context for assistive technologies, helping users navigate your site effectively. When <div> and <span> are used in place of semantic HTML, screen readers lose context, leaving users confused.

How to Avoid It

• Always start with semantic elements that describe the content’s purpose.

Need a button? Use <button> Writing a list? Use <ul> or <ol> Need to create a navigation? Use <nav>. This approach is not only useful for accessibility but also great for search engine optimization (SEO).

Make semantic HTML the foundation of your projects and only fall back on generic elements when necessary.

2. Neglecting Meaningful Alt Text

Skipping alt text or using irrelevant words is a poor practice. Alt text is essential for users with visual impairments, as it allows them to understand the content of images. Without descriptive alt text, images become inaccessible to those relying on screen readers, leaving them in the dark.

How to Avoid It

• Plan alt text during the design phase to align with the purpose of the image.
• Write concise, descriptive alt attributes for meaningful images. For decorative images, set alt="".

A decorative image is an image that doesn't provide important information or content, e.g an illustrative icon next to a text for visual design.

• Avoid using "image of" or "picture of" in image alt text.

3. Relying Solely on Color to Convey Information

Relying solely on color to convey information, like using red text to indicate errors, is a mistake in accessibility because users with color vision deficiencies may not perceive the distinction.

How to Avoid It

• Design with multiple cues: pair color with text or icons. For example, use a red border with an error message like “Invalid email address.”

4. Skipping Keyboard Testing

Many interactive elements, like modals, dropdowns, and sliders, may not be keyboard-friendly. For users with mobility impairments or those relying on screen readers, the keyboard is essential for navigating a site. If these elements are not accessible via keyboard, those users are locked out of your site.

How to Avoid It

• Make keyboard testing part of your regular development workflow.
• Use the Tab key and Shift+Tab to navigate and identify inaccessible areas.

5. Using ARIA Roles Incorrectly

Misusing ARIA roles, like adding role="heading" to a non-heading element, confuses assistive technologies and misleads users relying on screen readers about the element's structure.

Here is an example of incorrect usage:

<p role="heading" aria-level="2">Welcome to Our Website</p>

How to Avoid It

• Only use ARIA roles when there’s no native HTML element to achieve the same purpose.
• Familiarize yourself with ARIA best practices and understand how to use them effectively.

6. Relying Solely on Automated Tools

Automated accessibility tools catch technical errors but often miss usability challenges experienced by real users.

How to Avoid It

• Combine automated testing with manual testing.
• Regularly invite users with disabilities to test your site. Their insights can reveal issues you might never consider

7. Ignoring Text Contrast Standards

Low-contrast text may look stylish, but it’s often unreadable for many users. Without proper contrast, your content becomes inaccessible, even to users without visual impairments, in bright conditions like sunlight.

How to Avoid It

• Follow WCAG guidelines for contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text).
• Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to check for contrast ratios.

8. Inconsistent Heading Structure

Headings are like chapter titles in a book; they guide users through your content. When heading levels are skipped or used for styling instead of structure, it creates confusion for screen reader users and makes content navigation difficult.

How to Avoid It

• Follow a logical heading order: <h1> → <h2> → <h3>.
• Style headings with CSS, but keep their semantic meaning intact.

9. Unclear Link Text

Screen readers often navigate by links, and vague text like “Click here” or “Read more” provides no context about the destination.

How to Avoid It

• Write descriptive link text that indicates the link’s purpose, such as “Download the accessibility guide” or “Learn more about our services.”

10. Using Placeholders as Labels for Form Fields

Placeholders disappear once users start typing, leaving no reference for screen readers and users with cognitive challenges.

How to Avoid It

• Use <label> elements tied to inputs via the for attribute.
• Avoid placeholder-only designs.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes requires a mindset shift: think of accessibility as a must-have and a bridge to inclusion. By incorporating accessibility practices into your coding workflow, you’ll create sites that work for everyone.