Web accessibility (often abbreviated as A11y) is the practice of ensuring that websites and web applications are usable by people with disabilities. This includes people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.

Why Accessibility Matters

Inclusivity: Everyone deserves equal access to information and services online.
Legal Compliance: Many regions have laws requiring digital accessibility.
SEO Benefits: Many accessibility practices overlap with good SEO practices.
Improved User Experience: Accessible sites are often more usable for everyone.

Best Practices

Semantic HTML: Use appropriate HTML tags (`<`header`>`, `<`nav`>`, `<`main`>`, `<`footer`>`, `<`button`>`, `<`a`>`) to convey meaning.
Alt Text for Images: Provide descriptive `alt` attributes for all meaningful images.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements are reachable and operable via keyboard.
Color Contrast: Maintain sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
Form Labels: Use `<`label`>` elements for form controls.
ARIA Attributes: Use WAI-ARIA attributes when semantic HTML isn't sufficient to convey meaning.
Focus Management: Manage focus logically, especially after user interactions or route changes.
Transcripts/Captions for Media: Provide alternatives for audio and video content.

Building accessible websites is not just about compliance; it's about building a better web for everyone.