# Vue Accessibility Blueprint: 8 Steps



Creating accessible Vue components is crucial for building inclusive web applications that work for everyone, including people with disabilities. This guide outlines 8 essential steps to improve the accessibility of your Vue projects and align them with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.

## Why Accessibility Matters

Implementing accessible design in Vue apps:

- Expands your potential user base
- Enhances user experience
- Boosts SEO performance
- Reduces legal risks
- Demonstrates social responsibility

Now let's explore the 8 key steps for building accessible Vue components:

## 1. Master Semantic HTML

Using proper HTML structure and semantics provides a solid foundation for assistive technologies. Key actions:

- Use appropriate heading levels (h1-h6)
- Add ARIA attributes
- Ensure form inputs have associated labels

```html
<header>
  <h1>Accessible Blog</h1>
  <nav aria-label="Main">
    <a href="#home">Home</a>
    <a href="#about">About</a>
  </nav>
</header>

<main>
  <article>
    <h2>Latest Post</h2>
    <p>Content goes here...</p>
  </article>

  <form>
    <label for="comment">Comment:</label>
    <textarea id="comment" name="comment"></textarea>
    <button type="submit">Post</button>
  </form>
</main>
```

Resource: [Vue Accessibility Guide](https://vuejs.org/guide/best-practices/accessibility.html)

## 2. Use eslint-plugin-vue-a11y

Add this ESLint plugin to detect accessibility issues during development:

```shell
npm install eslint-plugin-vuejs-accessibility --save-dev
```

Benefits:

- Automated a11y checks
- Consistent code quality
- Less manual testing needed

Resource: [eslint-plugin-vue-a11y GitHub](https://github.com/vue-a11y/eslint-plugin-vuejs-accessibility)

## 3. Test with Vue Testing Library

Adopt Vue Testing Library to write accessibility-focused tests:

```js
test("renders accessible button", () => {
  render(MyComponent);
  const button = screen.getByRole("button", { name: /submit/i });
  expect(button).toBeInTheDocument();
});
```

Resource: [Vue Testing Library Documentation](https://testing-library.com/docs/vue-testing-library/intro/)

## 4. Use Screen Readers

Test your app with screen readers like NVDA, VoiceOver or JAWS to experience it as visually impaired users do.

## 5. Run Lighthouse Audits

Use Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools or CLI to get comprehensive accessibility assessments.

Resource: [Google Lighthouse Documentation](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/lighthouse/overview/)

## 6. Consult A11y Experts

Partner with accessibility specialists to gain deeper insights and recommendations.

## 7. Integrate A11y in Workflows

Make accessibility a core part of planning and development:

- Include a11y requirements in user stories
- Set a11y acceptance criteria
- Conduct team WCAG training

## 8. Automate Testing with Cypress

Use Cypress with axe-core for automated a11y testing:

```js
describe("Home Page Accessibility", () => {
  beforeEach(() => {
    cy.visit("/");
    cy.injectAxe();
  });

  it("Has no detectable a11y violations", () => {
    cy.checkA11y();
  });
});
```

Resource: [Cypress Accessibility Testing Guide](https://docs.cypress.io/app/guides/accessibility-testing)

By following these 8 steps, you will enhance the accessibility of your Vue applications and create more inclusive web experiences. Remember that accessibility is an ongoing process - continually learn, test, and strive to make your apps usable by everyone.

---

--- title: How to Structure Vue Projects description: Discover best practices for structuring Vue projects of any size, from simple apps to complex enterprise solutions. tags: ['vue', 'architecture'] url: https://alexop.dev/posts/how-to-structure-vue-projects ---