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Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web.

Accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the web, including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual disabilities.

Accessibility is important for several reasons:

• It ensures equal access to information and functionality for all users.
• It is required by law in many jurisdictions around the world.
• It improves the overall user experience for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
• It can improve search engine optimization (SEO) and reach a wider audience.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world. The guidelines provide a single shared standard for web content accessibility.

WCAG is organized around four principles, often referred to as POUR:

• Perceivable: Information must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
• Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable.
• Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
• Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

Getting started with accessibility can feel overwhelming, but here are some practical first steps:

• Use semantic HTML elements like headings, lists, buttons, and landmarks.
• Ensure all images have meaningful alternative text.
• Make sure your site is fully navigable using only the keyboard.
• Maintain sufficient color contrast (at least 4.5:1 for normal text).
• Test with screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver.
• Use automated tools like axe or Lighthouse as a starting point, but don't rely on them exclusively.

Remember, accessibility is a journey, not a destination. Every improvement helps real people.