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ACCESSIBILITY_MANIFESTO.md

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id accessibility
title Accessibility Manifesto
version 2.1
status current
focus Universal access & WCAG compliance
primary_users
frontend-developers
designers
accessibility-specialists
all-developers
learning_curve medium
roi_timeline immediate
adoption_scope universal-legally-required
principles_count 4
tier_structure
core standard excellence
4
0
0
applicability
project_types languages contexts
all-web
all-mobile
government
education
ecommerce
healthcare
html
css
javascript
swift
kotlin
public-facing
customer-facing
regulated
related_manifestos
complements prerequisites enables
user-experience
content-communication
inclusive-design
legal-compliance
tools
categories count
automated-testing
screen-readers
design-validation
ci-cd
40+
standards
WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA
Section 508
ADA
EAA (EU)
AODA (Ontario)
EN 301 549
measurement
automated_testing manual_testing color_contrast touch_targets
axe_core_violations lighthouse_accessibility_score
wcag_a wcag_aa wcag_aaa measurement
target blocking
0 violations
true
target blocking
0 violations
true
target blocking
≤5 violations
false
axe-devtools-cli
target acceptable alert_threshold measurement
≥95
≥90
<90
lighthouse-ci
keyboard_navigation screen_reader_task_completion
target measurement
100% functionality accessible
manual-qa-checklist
target acceptable measurement
≥95% success rate
≥90%
user-testing-with-blind-users
text_normal text_large ui_components
target wcag_level measurement
≥4.5:1
AA
colour-contrast-analyser
target wcag_level measurement
≥3:1
AA
colour-contrast-analyser
target wcag_level measurement
≥3:1
AA
colour-contrast-analyser
minimum_size
target wcag_level measurement
≥44×44px
AA
manual-inspection-design-tools

The Accessibility Manifesto

Version: 2.1 Last Updated: 2025-11-23 Conformance: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Accessibility is not a feature, a burden, or an edge case. It is a fundamental human right, a legal requirement, and the mark of a quality product. We build for everyone, or we fail. This manifesto outlines the principles for creating universally accessible digital experiences.

The Universal Design Mandate

Our guiding philosophy is Universal Design: the design of products to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation.

  • Curb cuts built for wheelchairs benefit people with strollers, luggage, and bicycles.
  • Captions built for deaf users benefit people in noisy environments and language learners.
  • High-contrast text built for low-vision users benefits everyone in bright sunlight.

By designing for disability first, we create better products for everyone.

The 5 Rulings

OBLIGATORY (Core Principles & Tier 1)

Mandatory practices. These correspond to WCAG Level A and core POUR principles.

  • Perceivable - Text Alternatives: All non-text content (images, icons) must have a text alternative (alt text).
  • Perceivable - Captions: All video must have synchronized captions; all audio must have transcripts.
  • Operable - Keyboard Accessible: All functionality must be operable via keyboard. No mouse required.
  • Operable - No Keyboard Traps: Focus must never get stuck in a component.
  • Understandable - Error Identification: Errors in forms must be clearly identified and described in text.
  • Robust - Semantic HTML: Use valid HTML (e.g., <button> for buttons, not <div>).

ENCOURAGED (Standard - Tier 2)

Highly recommended practices. These correspond to WCAG Level AA.

  • Color Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text and UI components.
  • Visible Focus: Focus indicators must be clearly visible and have good contrast.
  • Resize Text: Text must resize up to 200% without loss of content or functionality.
  • Consistent Navigation: Navigation mechanisms should appear in the same order on every page.
  • Descriptive Headings & Labels: Headings and labels must describe the topic or purpose clearly.

OPTIONAL (Excellence - Tier 3)

Discretionary practices for inclusive excellence. WCAG Level AAA.

  • Sign Language: Providing sign language interpretation for media.
  • Extended Audio Description: Detailed narration for video content.
  • Target Size (Enhanced): Touch targets ≥ 44x44px (AAA level).
  • No Interruptions: Allowing users to suppress interruptions and alerts.

DISCOURAGED (Anti-Patterns)

Practices that degrade accessibility and should be avoided.

  • "Click Here" Links: Use descriptive link text (e.g., "Read the report").
  • Positive tabindex: Manually setting tabindex="1" etc. disrupts logical flow.
  • Removing Focus Outlines: outline: none without a replacement style makes navigation impossible for many.
  • Autoplay Media: Audio/video playing automatically can be disorienting.
  • Arbitrary Time Limits: Requiring actions within a short time window without extension options.

PROHIBITED (Forbidden)

Practices that create absolute barriers or safety risks.

  • Flashing Content (>3 times/sec): Can trigger seizures. This is a critical safety violation.
  • Keyboard Traps: Locking a user inside a component so they cannot tab out.
  • Color-Only Information: Using color as the only visual means of conveying information (e.g., "Press the green button").
  • Inaccessible CAPTCHAs: Preventing users from accessing service due to visual-only challenges.

Measurement Framework

  • Automated Testing: 100% pass rate on axe-core scanner.
  • Manual Testing: 100% keyboard operability check.
  • User Testing: ≥95% success rate for screen reader users.