By Timilehin Fasuan•Published •Updated •2 min read
Write useful alternative text for informative images and keep decorative images from creating unnecessary screen-reader noise.
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Your practical roadmap
Follow the steps in order, check each result before moving on, and use the final checklist to confirm your work.
Alternative text should communicate an image’s purpose in context. It is not a place to stuff keywords or describe every decorative detail. ## Step-by-step guide 1. Complete the main task using only a keyboard. 2. Check focus visibility, heading order, form labels, and error messages. 3. Review contrast, zoom, alternative text, and narrow-screen reflow. 4. Make controls and links understandable without relying on colour alone. 5. Test important tasks with assistive technology when possible. 6. Fix barriers by impact and repeat the same checks. ## Common mistakes to avoid - Do not skip the test stage just because the page or tool appears to work on your own device. - Do not publish unverified claims, broken links, or instructions that no longer match the current interface. - Keep a copy of important source files and record any settings that would be difficult to recreate. ## Final checklist - Confirm the result solves the original problem. - Check the experience on a second device or browser where practical. - Make sure the instructions are clear enough for a first-time reader. - Review the page periodically and update it when the process changes.
Accessibility test checklist
Navigate the page with a keyboard and ensure focus is always visible.
Give each form field a persistent label and associate errors with the field.
Add useful alternative text to informative images; use empty alt text for decorative ones.
Check text and control contrast, zoom, headings, link purpose, and responsive reflow.
Test important tasks with assistive technology where possible.
Fix barriers by impact
Prioritise issues that stop people completing essential tasks. Retest after changes and make accessibility checks part of normal releases.
Useful next steps for your project
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