Practical guidance on semantics, headings, images, forms, landmarks, and testing with screen readers.
Understand the foundation
Screen readers convey information through a combination of browser accessibility APIs and the page's semantic structure. Clear HTML helps users understand where they are and how to complete a task.
Look at the real user experience
Use meaningful heading levels, landmarks, lists, buttons, and links. A clickable div without appropriate semantics and keyboard support may not behave like a real button. Use native elements whenever practical.
Use standards and testing thoughtfully
Write useful alternative text for informative images. Decorative images generally should not add noise to the reading order. For complex charts or diagrams, provide a text explanation of the key information rather than relying on a short alt attribute alone.
Build a repeatable process
Every form field needs an accessible name, instructions when needed, and errors that are associated with the relevant field. After validation, communicate the problem and how to fix it without relying on color alone.
Practical next steps
Test using keyboard-only navigation and one or more screen-reader/browser combinations appropriate to your audience. Automated checks can help, but a person should verify reading order, control names, dynamic updates, and the completion of important tasks.
Keep learning
Include this topic in the website's ongoing accessibility review process, verify the current official guidance, and retest important user journeys after changes.