Accessibility in React: Best practices, guidelines and tools

When building a web application, accessibility can sometimes feel like an afterthought. However, accessibility doesn’t just benefit users with disabilities — it improves usability for everyone. Below are a few practical techniques and tools to ensure your React application is accessible and inclusive.

Why Accessibility Should be a Priority?

• Inclusivity: Around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. Over a billion people globally experience some form of disability, including visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Accessible applications ensure these users have equal access.
• SEO Boost: Accessible websites often rank higher in search engines because they follow structural and semantic best practices.
• Legal Risk Mitigation: Non-compliance with accessibility laws like WCAG or Section 508 can lead to lawsuits, especially in countries like the US, Canada, and EU nations.
• Brand Reputation: Companies that invest in accessibility showcase their commitment to inclusivity, enhancing their public image.
• Improved UX: Accessible designs often benefit all users, such as subtitles for videos in noisy environments.