Accessibility: It's not just ALT tags.

We all know a good web application should be accessible.
But too often, "accessibility" gets boiled down to

'Just slap some alt tags on it and call it a day'

🚫 Nope. Accessibility is so much more than that.
It’s not about ticking boxes; it's about removing friction, breaking barriers so anyone can use your app.

People experience your site in many ways:
🧑‍🦯 Screen readers.
👩‍💻 No Mouse.
📱 Touch or voice only.

Accessibility means all of them should be able to use your site comfortably.
It’s not just about disabilities.

🚚 A driver using voice controls while driving.
☕ Someone watching a muted video in a café.
🧠 A user overwhelmed by a confusing form flow.

That’s accessibility, too.

Accessibility is also about technical capability, education level, cognitive load, cultural background, and context.

If your app assumes too much ("Everyone knows this is a create icon")
or hides key actions behind weird flows (scroll down → check a box → scroll back up to type)

Then it's not accessible.

💡 If you need to explain it, it's too complicated.

A few things to think about:
🗣️ Communication

• Use plain language. Explain like I'm 5.
• Provide captions and translations where possible.
• Be clear with errors.
  - Say “Please enter your password again.”
  - Not “Invalid credentials.”
• Explain what happens when users take an action

🧭 Navigation

• Label menus and buttons clearly.
• Make it responsive and zoom-friendly
• Make sure you can do everything with just a keyboard.
• Keep layouts logical.
• Provide multiple ways to contact you, not just one AI chatbot.

🎨 Content and Visuals

• Avoid flashing colors.
  - No one wants to trigger seizures
• Use culturally neutral examples and imagery.
• Show progress during long tasks.
• Keep icons and labels consistent.
• Do not invent UI elements.
• Use tools like Lighthouse and Wave to make sure your contrast, font sizes, headers, etc.
• And yes... add your alt tags.

But why bother?
Even if your "target" audience doesn't need it, do it anyway.
Because Accessibility:
✅  Expands your user base.
✅  Improves SEO.
✅  Builds trust and brand reputation.
✅  And most importantly, it’s the right (and sometimes legally required) thing to do.

Accessibility isn't just compliance. It's about leveling the playing field so everyone who needs to can use what you build.

If your app feels intuitive to everyone, not just the tech-savvy with PhDs, then congratulations, that's real accessibility.