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NotesJul 14, 2026

Accessibility in Next.js and React

Most apps we ship don't pass a basic a11y audit

A practical accessibility checklist for Next.js and React projects: real semantic HTML, AA contrast, visible focus states, purposeful aria-labels, and keyboard-only navigation. What started as a compliance checkbox ended up surfacing real UX bugs.

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Accessibility in Next.js and React

Most apps we build don't pass a basic accessibility audit.

It's not for lack of care — it just isn't on the checklist. Here's what I now review on every project:

  • 🔲 Real semantics — button, nav, main instead of a div with onClick.
  • 🎨 AA contrast — reading fine isn't the same as meeting the standard.
  • ⌨️ Visible focus — if you remove the outline, replace it; never delete it.
  • 🏷️ aria-label with judgment — only when the visible text isn't enough.
  • 🖱️ Navigate without a mouse — if you can't, your user can't either.

I started doing this because of regulatory pressure, but ended up finding UX bugs I didn't even know I had.

What would you add to this list?