Accessibility is a property of the complete experience, not a badge added by a toolbar. The theme, plugins, content, and editorial habits all shape whether people can understand and operate a WordPress site.
Build a clear document structure
Use one descriptive page title and headings that reflect the content hierarchy. Do not choose heading levels for visual size; apply styles instead. Write meaningful link text so a list of links still makes sense without surrounding paragraphs.
Make media understandable
Provide alternative text when an image communicates information. Describe the purpose in context rather than repeating the filename. Mark decorative images appropriately so assistive technology can skip them. Add captions or transcripts to meaningful audio and video.
Test every form
- Each control needs a persistent, programmatically connected label.
- Required fields should be identified in more than color alone.
- Error messages should explain how to correct the input.
- Keyboard focus should move sensibly after validation.
- Success should be announced and visually clear.
Placeholder text is not a replacement for a label. Also test date pickers, address suggestions, payment fields, and consent controls provided by third parties.
Check keyboard and focus behavior
Navigate the page using Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, and Escape. Focus must remain visible and follow the visual order. Menus, dialogs, accordions, carousels, and cookie notices should open and close without trapping the user.
Review contrast and responsive zoom
Text, controls, focus indicators, and meaningful graphics need sufficient contrast. Confirm that content remains usable when text is enlarged and at narrow widths. Avoid fixed-height containers that clip translated or magnified text.
Treat plugin widgets as part of the site
A plugin may advertise accessibility while its chosen configuration creates problems. Test the exact slider, form, popup, table, calendar, or chat widget used on the page. Remove components that cannot be made operable, or choose a simpler alternative.
Combine automated and human checks
Automated scanners catch some missing labels, contrast failures, and structural errors. They cannot judge clear language, logical focus, useful alternative text, or the success of a real task. Include keyboard checks and, when possible, testing with people who use assistive technology. Accessibility improves when it is part of every publishing review, not an emergency project before launch.