Method

Accessibility checklist: the essential checks

A clear list of priority checks to catch the bulk of accessibility problems.

This checklist covers the checks that reveal the majority of problems. It does not replace a full audit, but it gives a solid starting point.

Perception

• Sufficient contrast between text and background.
• Text alternatives for informative images.
• Information never conveyed by colour alone.
• Captions for videos.

Operation

• Everything is reachable and operable by keyboard.
• Focus is visible at all times.
• Touch targets are large enough.
• No blocking time limits imposed.

Understanding and robustness

• A unique, relevant page title.
• A consistent heading hierarchy.
• Labelled forms and explicit errors.
• Valid code that cooperates with assistive technologies.

An automated scan checks a large part of these points in seconds and shows which ones need a manual check.