Building Accessible Web Components
Web accessibility isn't just a nice-to-have feature—it's a fundamental requirement for creating inclusive digital experiences. When building web components, we have a unique opportunity to bake accessibility into reusable pieces of our applications.
The Foundation: Semantic HTML
The first rule of accessible web components is to start with semantic HTML. This means using the right HTML elements for the job:
```html
<!-- Good: Semantic button --><button type="button">Click me</button>
<!-- Bad: Non-semantic div --> <div onclick="handleClick()">Click me</div> \`\`\`ARIA Attributes: When and How
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes help screen readers understand complex interactions:
```javascript // Example: Accessible dropdown component class AccessibleDropdown extends HTMLElement { connectedCallback() { this.setAttribute('role', 'combobox'); this.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false'); this.setAttribute('aria-haspopup', 'listbox'); } } ```
Testing Your Components
Always test your components with:
- Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
- Keyboard navigation
- High contrast mode
- Automated accessibility testing tools
Conclusion
Building accessible web components requires intentional design and testing, but the result is components that work for everyone. Start with semantic HTML, enhance with ARIA when needed, and always test with real users.