WCAG 2.1 AA Website Accessibility Checklist
A practical accessibility checklist covering headings, keyboard navigation, forms, images, color contrast, focus states, and accessible interactive components.
Why Use an Accessibility Checklist?
A checklist helps teams consistently review common accessibility requirements instead of relying only on visual inspection. Automated tools are useful, but manual testing is also important.
Accessibility Checklist
1. Page Structure
Use meaningful headings and semantic HTML elements. Keep heading levels logical and make the page structure understandable without relying only on visual styling.
2. Images
Provide appropriate alternative text for informative images. Decorative images can be treated differently when they do not communicate useful information.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Make sure interactive elements can be reached and operated using a keyboard. The focus indicator should remain visible.
4. Forms
Associate labels with controls, provide useful error messages, and make validation feedback understandable.
5. Color and Contrast
Do not communicate important information through color alone. Check text and interface contrast against the applicable accessibility requirements.
6. Interactive Components
Buttons, menus, dialogs, tabs, accordions, and other custom controls need appropriate semantics, focus behavior, and keyboard interaction.
7. Multimedia
Provide appropriate alternatives and accessibility features for audio and video content where required.
Automated Testing Is Only One Part
Automated scanners can identify many common problems, but they cannot fully evaluate whether content, focus behavior, keyboard workflows, and interaction patterns are usable.
See our accessibility and SEO guide for an introduction to web accessibility.
Conclusion
Accessibility should be considered throughout design and development rather than treated as a final checkbox. Combine automated testing, code review, and manual testing for a more complete assessment.