Why a Checklist Matters

Accessibility regulations and user expectations continue to evolve. A checklist helps you systematically review your site for common issues and avoid costly oversights. It’s a starting point for compliance with standards like WCAG 2.2 and ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, operate and understand your content.

Accessibility Checklist by Principle

Perceivable

• Provide text alternatives (alt text) for all images and non-text content.
• Offer captions and transcripts for audio and video.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background.
• Make content adaptable by using proper headings and landmarks.

Operable

• Ensure all functionality is available from a keyboard.
• Provide visible focus indicators so keyboard users can see where they are.
• Give users enough time to complete tasks and avoid time limited interactions.
• Avoid content that flashes more than three times in one second to prevent seizures.

Understandable

• Use clear and consistent language appropriate for your audience.
• Keep navigation menus and page structure consistent throughout the site.
• Provide descriptive error messages and suggestions for corrections.
• Explain any unusual interactions or non‭standard controls.

Robust

• Use valid HTML and ARIA roles to maximize compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Avoid relying on features that are not supported across browsers.
• Test your site with screen readers and other assistive tools.
• Keep your code up to date and monitor for accessibility regressions.

Using This Checklist

This list covers the basics, but accessibility is a moving target. Automated tools can help surface some issues, but manual review is essential to catch keyboard traps, focus order problems and other user experience issues.

If you need a thorough review with prioritized findings and fix guidance, consider commissioning a professional accessibility audit. It will help you identify high‑risk issues and plan remediation.

Ensuring your site is inclusive isn’t just about compliance—it’s about providing equal access to your products and services. Start with this checklist, then build on it with deeper testing and expert review.