DOFIW ACCESSIBILITY ARTICLES
Web Accessibility Articles with Practical, Testable Guidance
Explore original, topic-specific articles that explain accessibility requirements, difficult judgment calls, realistic examples, repair decisions, and the limits of automated testing.
Color accessibility
Build a foundation with contrast thresholds, expand the test to a role-based palette, and repair failing brand combinations without replacing the visual identity.
WCAG Color Contrast Explained: Ratios, AA, AAA, and Practical Examples
A close reading of contrast thresholds and the situations in which each one applies.
- Why do normal and large text use different ratios?
- Which branded and inactive elements have exceptions?
- Why must 4.49:1 not be rounded into a pass?
How to Test an Accessible Color Palette for Websites and Apps
A role-based approach to evaluating a color system rather than labeling isolated swatches accessible.
- Which real foreground and surface pairs should be tested?
- How should hover, focus, error, and dark-theme states be reviewed?
- How can approved combinations become reusable design rules?
How to Fix Inaccessible Color Combinations Without Losing Brand Identity
A worked method for preserving a recognizable core color while assigning demanding jobs to functional shades.
- Should the foreground, surface, or brand token change first?
- How can a tonal scale preserve visual identity?
- Which repair mistakes create new inaccessible states?
Page structure, forms, and navigation
Use semantic relationships and descriptive wording so readers can understand a page outline, complete a form, and predict where a link will go.
How to Structure Headings for Accessibility and Clear Content
A nuanced explanation of document hierarchy that separates WCAG requirements from common authoring conventions.
- Does WCAG require exactly one H1?
- When is a skipped heading level confusing?
- How do WordPress templates change the published outline?
How to Label Form Fields for Accessibility
An examination of visible labels, accessible names, descriptions, groups, requirements, and errors as separate form decisions.
- Why is nearby text not automatically a label?
- When are aria-label and aria-describedby appropriate?
- How should grouped options and validation messages be connected?
How to Write Accessible Link Text That Makes Sense
A guide to predicting destinations and actions when links are read inside paragraphs, card grids, or isolated link lists.
- Is “Click here” always a WCAG failure?
- How can repeated “Read more” links be distinguished?
- What should image, file, and new-window links communicate?
Images, data, and understandable content
Decide what an image contributes, preserve relationships in data tables, and edit English web content for real understanding rather than a score alone.
How to Write Alt Text for Images: A Practical Decision Guide
A context-first decision process for choosing meaningful, empty, functional, or extended text alternatives.
- What information disappears when the image is removed?
- When is alt=”” correct rather than missing?
- How should charts, image links, captions, and reused WordPress media differ?
How to Create Accessible Data Tables in HTML
A structural guide to preserving row-and-column relationships across screen readers, zoom, responsive layouts, and interaction.
- When is content genuinely tabular?
- How do caption, th, scope, id, and headers differ?
- How can a wide table adapt without losing its semantics?
How to Improve Web Readability with Plain Language
An editing workflow that begins with the reader’s task and treats readability formulas as diagnostic signals.
- What should be changed before shortening sentences?
- How can technical precision remain understandable?
- Why can a good readability score still hide confusing content?
Media accessibility
Balance caption reading time with accurate text, synchronization, natural line breaks, speaker identification, meaningful sounds, and the final video presentation.
How to Set an Accessible Caption Reading Speed
A timing guide that places CPS and WPM inside the wider requirements for accuracy, synchronization, completeness, and placement.
- Does WCAG define one universal caption-speed limit?
- When should a dense cue be extended, split, merged, or condensed?
- How do line breaks, speaker labels, sounds, and visual competition affect reading?
Choose a learning path
You do not need to read every guide in order. Start with the path that matches the work you are doing now.
- Heading structure
- Link text
- Alt text
- Plain language
- Contrast foundations
- Palette testing
- Brand-color repairs
- Caption presentation
- Headings
- Form labels
- Data tables
- Final page testing
- Plain language
- Caption speed
- Color contrast
- Player review
Use the article collection as a reference library
Written for the task, not from a repeated template
Each guide addresses the distinct decisions behind its topic, provides examples designed for that specific problem, links to primary guidance, explains limitations, and identifies where human judgment is essential. Word count and automated checks are not treated as substitutes for useful, original information.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides only for accessibility specialists?
No. They are written for content editors, designers, WordPress site owners, developers, and media producers who need a practical starting point and clear limits.
Should I read the guide before using a tool?
You can begin with either. Use a tool for a focused check, then read the guide when you need to understand the requirement, choose between repairs, or evaluate context.
Do the guides guarantee WCAG conformance?
No. They cover focused topics and support a broader evaluation. Conformance applies to the complete page or process and requires appropriate automated and human testing.
Which WCAG version do the guides use?
The guides were reviewed against WCAG 2.2 resources available when they were prepared. Always check the linked primary source and requirements that apply to your project.
Can I use the examples in WordPress?
Yes, but inspect the final output. Themes and blocks can add headings, links, image behavior, styles, and wrappers that are not visible in the editor.
Are the guides legal advice?
No. They provide educational and technical information. Legal obligations vary by jurisdiction, organization, product, and contract.
Looking for a focused calculation or markup check?
The articles explain the subject in depth. When you need to apply one focused check to your own colors, code, text, or caption timing, continue to the separate tools directory.
Browse accessibility toolsDOFIW guides provide educational information and do not constitute legal advice, certification, or a guarantee of WCAG conformance.