Anyone who codes static web pages or dynamic web applications must ensure that the content is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including visually and hearing impaired people. The following guidelines represent the most basic steps for improving the accessibility of websites and reflect good development standards. See Advanced tips for guidelines on more complex topics.

WebAIM maintains a series of articles on accessibility. They cover most aspects of planning, assessing, and implementing electronic accessibility. These articles are an excellent primer and reference about accessibility.

Google also offers excellent introductory web developer training in accessibility.

Quick reference for Web Developers PDF

Guidelines for web developers

Use alt attributes appropriately on all images

Enabling screenreader users to comprehend images

Create accessible PDFs

Structure Word documents to convert to accessible PDFs

Use descriptive text for links

Optimize your link descriptions for use by screen readers

Use plain text for text

Solutions for text-based menu navigation, use of CSS, and math equations

Use skip navigation links

Allow readers to bypass repetitive information

Maintain contrast between text and background colors

Tips of optimize contrast of your websites

Use headings appropriately

Help screenreader users jump through content

Use unique names for links

Avoid repetition

Use valid markup and styles

Good code makes for accessible design

Don't use frames

How to control the display of content

Inform users when a link opens in a new window

Avoid the confusion of multiple browser windows

Don't provide a separate text-only alternative site

Maintaining two sites is quadruple the work

Siteimprove Tip Sheets

Training

Key things to do for accessibility