Accessible documentation isn't just about compliance—it creates better experiences for all users by prioritizing clarity, structure, and multiple ways to consume information.
Clear Language and Structure
Accessible writing starts with clear, direct language that reduces cognitive load for all readers.
Write for Clarity
Use simple, direct language that communicates efficiently:
Subsequently, in order to implement the aforementioned functionality, it is necessary to instantiate the configuration object with the appropriate parameters as delineated in the following example.
Next, create a configuration object with these settings:
Meaningful Headings
Write headings that describe content accurately and help users navigate efficiently:
# Introduction ## Getting Started ## More Information ## Advanced Stuff
# User Authentication Setup ## Installing the Authentication SDK ## Configuring Your First Login Flow ## Handling Authentication Errors ## Multi-Factor Authentication Options
Screen Reader Test: Read only your headings aloud. Can someone understand your document structure and find what they need?
Alternative Text and Media
Provide meaningful descriptions for all visual content so information isn't lost for users who can't see images.
Effective Alt Text
Write alt text that conveys the same information the image provides:
Focus on what information the image conveys, not how it looks.
❌ "Screenshot of a dashboard" ✅ "Dashboard showing 3 active integrations, 1,247 API calls today, and 99.8% uptime status"
If the image contains important text, include it in the alt text.
❌ "Error message dialog box" ✅ "Error dialog stating 'Invalid API key. Please check your configuration and try again.' with a retry button"
Video and Interactive Content
Provide text alternatives for multimedia content:
Logical Content Structure
Organize information in a predictable hierarchy that assistive technologies can navigate effectively.
Consistent Navigation Patterns
Use consistent patterns throughout your documentation:
Page Structure
Page title (H1)
Introduction paragraph
Main sections (H2)
Subsections (H3)
Code examples
Next steps
Section Patterns
Descriptive heading
Brief overview
Step-by-step instructions
Code example
Expected outcome
Troubleshooting
Skip Links and Landmarks
Help users navigate efficiently through content:
Navigation Strategy: Users with screen readers often navigate by headings, landmarks, or links. Ensure your content structure supports these navigation methods.
Color and Visual Accessibility
Don't rely solely on color to convey important information.
Color-Independent Information Design
Use multiple visual cues to communicate status and importance:
❌ Red text: "Error occurred" 🟡 Yellow text: "Warning message" ✅ Green text: "Success"
❌ **Error:** Invalid API key provided ⚠️ **Warning:** Rate limit approaching (80% used) ✅ **Success:** Configuration saved successfully
High Contrast Content
Ensure sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds:
Contrast Requirements: Text should have at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio against its background. Large text (18pt+) needs at least 3:1 contrast.
Keyboard Navigation Support
Ensure all interactive elements work with keyboard navigation:
Focus Management
Design content flow that makes sense when navigating with keyboard:
Interactive elements should follow reading order (left-to-right, top-to-bottom).
## API Key Configuration 1. [Input field: API Key] 2. [Button: Test Connection] 3. [Button: Save Configuration] 4. [Link: Advanced Settings]
Users should always know which element has focus.
Focus Indicators: Ensure buttons, links, and form fields have visible focus states that are clearly distinguishable.
Provide ways to skip repetitive content.
<a href="#main-content" class="skip-link"> Skip to main content </a>
Testing Your Content
Regularly test your documentation with accessibility tools and real users:
# Test with accessibility scanners npm install -g @axe-core/cli axe-cli https://your-docs-site.com # Check color contrast npm install -g colour-contrast-checker contrast-checker "#333333" "#ffffff"
Keyboard Navigation Test:
Unplug your mouse
Navigate your entire documentation using only keyboard
Can you access all information and functionality?
Screen Reader Test:
Enable your OS screen reader (VoiceOver on Mac, NVDA on Windows)
Navigate through your content
Is all information available audibly?
Include Diverse Users:
Users with visual impairments
Users with motor disabilities
Users with cognitive differences
Users with limited technical experience
Ask Specific Questions:
Can you find how to authenticate API requests?
What steps would you take if you got an error?
Is any information unclear or confusing?
Error Messages and Help Text
Write error messages and help text that are clear and actionable:
Accessible documentation creates better experiences for everyone—users with disabilities, non-native speakers, people in low-bandwidth environments, and anyone trying to quickly find information.