How to make HTML buttons accessible

HTML buttons are an essential part of many websites and applications, and it is important to ensure that they are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. In this post, we will go over some of the key considerations for making HTML buttons accessible.

Properly label buttons

One of the most important things to consider when making HTML buttons accessible is to properly label them. This means using the <button> element and including descriptive text within the element to explain the purpose of the button.

For example, instead of using a <div> element with a background image and the text "click here," you should use a <button> element with the text "submit form." This will help users understand the purpose of the button and make it easier for them to interact with.

It is also a good idea to use proper button icons and graphics to help convey the purpose of the button. For example, if you are using a button to submit a form, you might use an icon of a paper airplane to help convey the purpose of the button.

Use the aria-label attribute

In addition to using proper button labels, you can also use the aria-label attribute to provide additional context and information about the button to assistive technologies. This is particularly useful if you are using icons or other graphics as part of your button labels.

For example, if you are using an icon of a paper airplane to represent a button that submits a form, you can use the aria-label attribute to provide a text description of the button's purpose. This might look something like this:

<button aria-label="Submit form">
  <img src="paper-airplane.svg" alt="Submit form icon">
</button>

By including the aria-label attribute, you can provide additional context and information about the button to assistive technologies, which will make it easier for users with disabilities to understand and interact with the button.

Use the role attribute

Another useful attribute for making HTML buttons accessible is the role attribute. This attribute allows you to specify the role of the element in the context of the page, which can provide additional context and information to assistive technologies.

For example, if you are using a button to trigger a modal window, you might use the role attribute like this:

<button role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">
  Open modal
</button>

By including the role attribute, you can provide additional context and information about the button's function to assistive technologies, which will make it easier for users with disabilities to understand and interact with the button.

Test and evaluate

Finally, it is important to test and evaluate your buttons to ensure that they are accessible to all users. This can include manually reviewing your buttons and checking for common accessibility issues, as well as using automated testing tools to scan your content for potential issues.

You should also consider conducting user testing with real users, including those with disabilities, to ensure that your buttons are usable and accessible to all users. This will help you to identify any issues and make any necessary improvements to your buttons.

By following these best practices, you can make your HTML buttons accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This will help to ensure that your buttons are usable and engaging for all of your users, and will help you to create a better overall user experience.

Conclusion

In summary, here are the key considerations for making HTML buttons accessible:

  • Properly label buttons with descriptive text and, if necessary, appropriate icons and graphics
  • Use the aria-label attribute to provide additional context and information about the button to assistive technologies
  • Use the role attribute to specify the role of the element in the context of the page
  • Test and evaluate your buttons to ensure that they are accessible to all users

By following these guidelines, you can create HTML buttons that are usable and accessible to all users, and that contribute to a positive user experience for everyone.

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