### Accessibility and WCAG Compliance
Accessibility in web development refers to the practice of making websites usable for everyone, including people with disabilities, and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) Compliance is a set of guidelines and best practices to ensure accessibility. Compared to alternatives like Section 508 in the US, WCAG is globally recognized and more comprehensive, making it the gold standard for accessibility. When developing, it is crucial to implement accessibility features, such as proper ARIA roles and semantic HTML, as this not only ensures a wider audience can access your content, but it also positively impacts SEO and is often legally required, making it a fundamental aspect of web development. The top three key aspects of WCAG compliance include:
1. **Text Alternatives:** Providing text alternatives for non-text content, such as images, audio, and video, is essential to make it accessible for users with visual or auditory disabilities.
2. **Keyboard Navigation:** Ensuring your application can be navigated using only a keyboard is vital. Some users may be unable to use a mouse or touch screen due to motor disabilities.
3. **Contrast and Color:** Using sufficient contrast and color in text and design elements helps users with visual impairments, such as color blindness or low vision, to perceive and understand the content more easily.