Software Accessibility Checklist

Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements can be reached using the Tab and arrow keys 

Keyboard traps: There are no interactive elements that “trap” input focus and prevent navigating away 

Focus indicator: All interactive elements give a visible indication when they have input focus 

Tab order: The tab order is consistent with the logical order that's communicated visually. 

Input focus: Input focus does not move unexpectedly without the user initiating it. 

1.1.1 Non Text Context 

Images, icons, buttons, and other non-text content need meaningful text alternatives unless decorative. 

Use a screen reader to confirm images and icon controls have appropriate accessible names or are marked decorative. 

1.3.1 Info and Relationships 

Structure and relationships must be programmatically available, such as headings, lists, tables, labels, and groups 

Inspect HTML/semantics and test with a screen reader to confirm structure is announced correctly. 

1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence 

Content must be presented in a logical reading order when sequence affects meaning.  

Navigate with a screen reader and keyboard. Confirm the reading and focus order match the visual order and preserve meaning. 

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks 

Users must be able to bypass (skip) repeated content, such as headers, navigation menus, or sidebars. 

Check for skip links, landmarks, headings, or other mechanisms that let keyboard and screen reader users move directly to main content. 

2.4.2 Page Titled 

Each page must have a descriptive title that identifies the page’s purpose or topic. 

Check the browser tab, HTML <title> element, and screen reader announcement to confirm the title is unique and descriptive. 

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) 

The purpose of each link must be clear from the link text or its surrounding context. 

(No links that just say: “Click Here”) 

Review links with a screen reader and visually on the page. Confirm vague links such as “Click Here” or “Read More” make sense in context. 

2.4.6 Headings and Labels 

Headings and labels must describe the topic, purpose, or function of the content or control. 

Review page headings and form/control labels. Confirm they are clear, descriptive, and match the content or action they identify. 

3.3.2 Labels or Instructions 

Forms and inputs must provide labels or instructions when users are expected to enter information. 

Inspect each input, dropdown, checkbox, and form field. Confirm visible labels, required field indicators, format instructions, and error-prevention guidance are provided where needed. Confirm these can be discovered and announced by screen readers 

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value 

User interface components must expose their accessible name, role, state, and value to assistive technologies. 

Test with a screen reader. Confirm buttons, links, menus, dialogs, tabs, and form fields announce correct names, roles, states, and values. 

4.1.3 Status Message 

Status messages must be announced to screen readers without moving focus, such as errors, confirmations, or loading updates. 

Trigger status messages and test with a screen reader. Confirm updates are announced using appropriate live regions or programmatic status messaging without forcing focus changes. 

1.4.1 Use of Color 

Color cannot be the only way information is conveyed. 

Check links, errors, charts, and status indicators to confirm information is also conveyed by text, icons, patterns, labels, or through some other method besides color 

1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) 

Text must meet minimum contrast requirements against its background. 

Use a contrast checker to verify normal text is at least 4.5:1 and large text is at least 3:1 

1.4.11 Non-text Contrast 

UI components and meaningful graphics must have sufficient contrast. 

Check buttons, form borders, icons, focus indicators, and charts for at least 3:1 contrast 

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) 

Alternatives must be available for prerecorded audio-only or video-only content 
(Audio only = sound only, no video) 

(Video only = video only, no sound) 

For video-only content, confirm that an equivalent text or audio description of visual information is available. For audio-only content, confirm that an accurate text transcript is available. 

1.2.2 Captions 

Prerecorded video with audio must include captions for spoken dialogue and important sounds. 

Play prerecorded videos with sound. Check that captions are available, synchronized, accurate, complete, and include meaningful sound cues such as music, laughter, or alarms. 

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) 

Prerecorded videos with audio must provide either an audio description or a text based alternative when visual information is needed to understand the content. 

Review videos for important visual-only information. Confirm that an audio description or equivalent written alternative describes key actions, text on screen, scene changes, and other meaningful visuals. 

1.2.4 Captions (Live) 

Live videos with audio must provide captions in real time. 

Review live streams or real-time video events. Confirm live captions are present, reasonably accurate, synchronized, and available to users during the live presentation. 

1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) 

Prerecorded videos with audio must provide an audio description when visual information is needed to understand the content. 
(Same as 1.2.3 except an audio description is required, text-based alternatives are not enough) 

Review videos for important visual-only information. Confirm that an audio description describes key actions, text on screen, scene changes, and other meaningful visuals. 

1.4.2 Audio Control 

If audio plays automatically for more than three seconds, users must be able to pause, stop, or control the volume independently from the overall system volume. 

Check any pages or systems where audio starts automatically. If it plays for more than three seconds, confirm there is an accessible pause, stop, mute, or volume control that can be operated by keyboard and assistive technology.