accessibility-deep-patterns

Accessibility Deep Patterns

ARIA Patterns

Live Regions

<div aria-live="polite">  <!-- Non-urgent updates -->
<div aria-live="assertive">  <!-- Urgent: errors, alerts -->

Landmark Roles

• <main> — primary content
• <nav> — navigation blocks
• <aside> — supplementary content
• <form> — form regions
• aria-label on landmarks when multiple exist

Dynamic Content

• Announce new content additions to screen readers.
• Focus management: move focus to new content (modals, expanded sections).
• Loading states: aria-busy="true" on containers.

Cognitive Accessibility

• Simple language (aim for 8th-grade reading level).
• Consistent navigation patterns across all pages.
• Don't rely on memory (show information, don't expect recall).
• Break complex tasks into simple steps.
• Allow undo instead of requiring confirmation.

Motor Impairment

• Large click/touch targets (minimum 44px, ideally 48px+).
• Sufficient spacing between targets (8px minimum gap).
• Support for switch control and voice control.
• No time-limited interactions unless adjustable.
• Sticky/fixed action buttons (reduce mouse travel).