a11y-audit

Accessibility Audit

Workflow

1. Detect framework from package.json (React, Vue, Svelte)
2. Run static analysis -- grep JSX/TSX/HTML files for violations using the checklist below
3. If dev server is running, optionally run axe-core CLI:

   npx @axe-core/cli@4 http://localhost:3000
   

4. Report findings grouped by severity

WCAG Checklist

Level A -- Critical (blocks assistive technology users)

Images:

• Every <img> has alt; decorative images use alt=""
• Complex images (charts, diagrams) have detailed alt or linked description

Forms:

• Every input has <label> (via htmlFor/for or aria-label)
• Required fields indicated (not by color alone)
• Error messages are descriptive and linked to the field

Interactive elements:

• All interactive elements are focusable (no tabindex="-1" on clickable elements)
• No <div onClick> or <span onClick> -- use <button> or <a>
• Links have descriptive text (not "click here")
• Buttons have accessible names (text content or aria-label)

Structure:

• Single <h1> per page; heading levels not skipped
• Lists use <ul>/<ol>, not manual bullet characters

Level AA -- Serious (significantly impacts usability)

Color & contrast:

• Text contrast >= 4.5:1 (normal), >= 3:1 (large 18pt+)
• Information not conveyed by color alone
• Focus indicator visible (not removed without replacement)

Navigation:

• Skip-to-content link present
• Landmarks: <main>, <nav>, <header>, <footer>
• Navigation order matches visual order

Dynamic content:

• Modals trap focus and return focus on close
• Loading states announced (aria-live or aria-busy)
• Error messages announced (not just shown visually)

Common React anti-patterns

// Bad: non-semantic interactive element
<div onClick={handleClose}>x</div>
// Good
<button onClick={handleClose} aria-label="Close dialog">x</button>

// Bad: unlabeled input
<input type="text" placeholder="Email" />
// Good
<label htmlFor="email">Email</label>
<input id="email" type="email" />

// Bad: color-only error
<input style={{ border: '1px solid red' }} />
// Good
<input aria-invalid="true" aria-describedby="email-error" />
<span id="email-error" role="alert">Email is required</span>

Output format

Group by WCAG criterion:

• Critical (A) -- blocks assistive technology
• Serious (AA) -- significantly impacts usability
• Suggestions -- best practice improvements

Use file:line references. Include the fix for each finding.

Rules

• Report file:line + violation + WCAG criterion + fix
• Never auto-fix -- show what to change and why
• Prioritize keyboard navigation and screen reader issues

Error Handling

• @axe-core/cli fails (no dev server) -- fall back to static analysis; note axe was skipped
• No JSX/HTML files found -- report incompatible project and stop
• Framework undetected -- scan all .html, .jsx, .tsx, .vue files