CSS accessibility patterns for inclusive design

Need CSS patterns that ensure web content is accessible to users with disabilities: screen readers, keyboard navigation, reduced motion.

CSS accessibility patterns:

/* 1. Visually hidden but accessible to screen readers */
.sr-only {
  position: absolute;
  width: 1px;
  height: 1px;
  padding: 0;
  margin: -1px;
  overflow: hidden;
  clip: rect(0, 0, 0, 0);
  white-space: nowrap;
  border: 0;
}

/* 2. Focus styles (NEVER remove without replacement!) */
/* BAD: outline: none; (removes focus indicator) */

/* GOOD: Custom focus styles */
:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid #4A90D9;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* Only show focus for keyboard navigation */
button:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
  outline: none; /* Hide for mouse clicks */
}

/* 3. Respect user preferences */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  *, *::before, *::after {
    animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
    transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    scroll-behavior: auto !important;
  }
}

@media (prefers-contrast: more) {
  :root {
    --text-color: #000;
    --bg-color: #fff;
    --border-color: #000;
  }
}

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --text-color: #e0e0e0;
    --bg-color: #1a1a1a;
  }
}

/* 4. Minimum touch target size (44x44px) */
button, a, input, select {
  min-height: 44px;
  min-width: 44px;
}

/* 5. Color contrast */
/* WCAG AA: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text */
/* WCAG AAA: 7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text */
/* Don't rely on color alone to convey information */
.error {
  color: #d32f2f;
  /* Also add icon or text, not just color */
}
.error::before {
  content: '\26A0  '; /* Warning symbol */
}

/* 6. Skip to content link */
.skip-link {
  position: absolute;
  top: -40px;
  left: 0;
  padding: 8px;
  z-index: 100;
}
.skip-link:focus {
  top: 0; /* Visible when focused via Tab */
}

About 15% of people have some form of disability. Accessible CSS ensures your app works with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and various user preferences.

Web accessibility and inclusive design