Frontend Accessibility

Keyboard accessibility in React requires semantic HTML elements, focus management, and keyboard event handlers. Use native `<button>` and `<input>` tags instead of divs, implement `onKeyDown` handlers for custom interactions, manage focus with `useRef`, and add `tabIndex` where needed. Test navigation with Tab, Enter, and arrow keys to ensure all interactive elements are reachable and operable.

WCAG guidelines require semantic HTML structure, keyboard operability, sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 for text), descriptive alt text for images, and ARIA labels for screen readers. Implement focus indicators, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, provide skip links, and use `aria-live` regions for dynamic content. These standards ensure compliance and improve usability for all users.

Add ARIA attributes directly to JSX elements: use `aria-label` for icon-only buttons, `aria-describedby` for descriptions, `aria-live` for dynamic updates, and `role` to clarify element semantics. In modals, apply `aria-modal="true"` and `aria-labelledby` to link the heading. Combine with semantic HTML—ARIA supplements but doesn't replace proper element choice.

Focus management requires trapping keyboard focus within the modal so Tab cycles only through focusable elements inside. On open, move focus to the first interactive element or modal heading. On close, return focus to the trigger button. Use `useRef` to manage focus programmatically, disable focus outside the modal with `inert`, and test with screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Yes. Radix UI and Headless UI are built with accessibility as a core feature, providing semantic HTML, keyboard navigation, ARIA attributes, and focus management out of the box. Both work seamlessly with React and Next.js. Using these primitives as a foundation reduces the work needed to meet WCAG standards and ensures consistent, tested accessible patterns.

Semantic HTML elements like `<nav>`, `<main>`, `<button>`, and `<input>` convey meaning and structure to assistive technologies, enabling screen readers to announce element types and relationships. Generic `<div>` elements require custom ARIA roles and attributes to communicate the same meaning. Semantic HTML is simpler, more performant, and the accessible-first approach.