---
title: Accessibility in the development phase
description: Learn how to integrate accessibility into the development phase for inclusive digital experiences.
---

[CiaoCiao the blog about the digital lifecycle](https://pages.ciao.ca/en-ca/ciaociao)

# [Accessibility in the development phase](https://pages.ciao.ca/en-ca/ciaociao/accessibility-in-the-development-phase)

 Written by [Karine Simard](https://pages.ciao.ca/en-ca/ciaociao/author/karine-simard) | 29-Sep-2025 8:00:00 AM

It is in the development phase that turn our accessibility decisions into accessible features! 

In the development phase, the application is built by developing the source code. 

- - - - Back-end development (server, database, API).
                  - Development of the front-end (user interface, interactions).
                  - Integration of third-party services (payment, authentication, analytics).
                  - Implementation of unit and integration tests.

 

3 ways to develop code that is accessible from the start 

1. 1. 1. Use semantic HTML

- - - - - Favor <button> instead of <div> clickable.
                            - Use <label> to correctly associate an <input> field.
                            - Prioritize titles with <h1> → <h2> → <h3> for logical navigation. 

          2. Properly manage focus and keyboard navigation

- - - - - All interactive elements must be accessible with the Tab key.
                            - Always display a visible focus (custom outline if necessary).
                            - Do not break keyboard navigation with tabindex="-1" or positive tabindexes on interactive elements.

Example of focus management: 

<a href="#contenu" id="skip">Skip to main content</a> 

<main id="content" tabindex="-1">... </main> 

 

The "Skip to content" link allows keyboard users to avoid repetitive navigation. 

           3. Validate the use of colors 

- - - - - Check colors with tools like Contrast Checker (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text).
                            - Do not use only color to convey information (e.g. error indicated by an icon and text).

 

3 ways to make interactive elements accessible 

1. 1. 1. 1. Screen reader compatibility

- - - - - Add ARIA attributes as needed (aria-label, aria-live, role, and so on).
                            - Verify that error messages on forms are properly announced.

Example: 

<input type="text" id="email" aria-describedby="error-email"> 

<span id="error-email" role="alert">The email address must be in the format name@domain.com</span> 

 

The screen reader will automatically read the error when the user interacts with the field. 

                2. Properly manage interactive states

- - - - - Add visual and audio feedback for actions (e.g. confirmation message).
                            - Ensure a visible change of state on hover and focus.
                            - Check that animations do not disturb sensitive users (prefers-reduced-motion).

CSS example: 

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { 

  \* { 

    animation: none; 

    transition: none; 

  } 

} 

 

               3. Create an accessibility checklist

- - - - - Using Semantic HTML
                            - Smooth keyboard navigation
                            - Focus and interaction management
                            - Sufficient contrast and legible text
                            - Screen reader compatibility
                            - Automated and manual tests performed

 

**What’s the next step?**

In our next post, we’ll talk about accessibility during the testing phase!

In the meantime, if you have a project in mind, we love help making ideas more inclusive.   
[Tell us about your project](https://ciao.ca/contact)! 

[View full post](https://pages.ciao.ca/en-ca/ciaociao/accessibility-in-the-development-phase)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Karine Simard"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-13T17:23:32.015Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-29T08:00:00Z",
  "headline" : "Accessibility in the development phase",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 675,
    "url" : "https://48214872.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/48214872/accessibilit%C3%A9_d%C3%A9veloppement-1.jpg",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://pages.ciao.ca/en-ca/ciaociao/accessibility-in-the-development-phase",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "CiaoCiao"
  }
}
```