What is an Accessible Carousel?
Information about the article
Author: Dmitry Dugarev
Components of a Carousel
Carousels (you might also know them as Sliders or Slideshows) are truly everywhere on the web. They are often used to display images and text compactly or to prominently showcase marketing information in a small space.
You usually navigate using "Next" and "Previous" arrows, small dots for direct access, or it rotates automatically. The functions are usually:
- Slide Content: Every slide contains stuff like images, text, and links.
- Slide Transitions: Slides change, either when you click or automatically in a loop.
- Focus Management: If you select a slide, the focus should jump there so that screen readers announce it. [1]
- Navigation Elements: Meaning arrow buttons and dot selectors, both of which must be accessible. [2]
- Automatic Rotation: Provides automatic switching, but must be controllable by you. [3]
Here you see an example of such a carousel:
Live Demo
Carousel with 4 slides. Use the "Next" and "Back" buttons or select a dot. Automatic rotation can be paused with the button. Press the Escape key at any time to stop.
What makes a carousel accessible?
An accessible carousel ensures that all these functions are also accessible to people who use a keyboard instead of a mouse or who rely on screen readers. For you, this means:
- Clear Structure: The relationship between the carousel, its slides, and the controls is semantically correct. [4]
- Complete Keyboard Operability: All interactive elements are accessible and operable via keyboard. [5]
- Reliable Focus Management: The focus is logically guided. You always know where you are, especially after a slide change. [1], [6]
- Controllable Animations: You can pause automatic rotations. They also respect the user's system settings. [3]
- Understandable Announcements: Screen readers can clearly communicate the purpose of the widget, the current position, and all status changes. [7]
Make sure your carousel meets these criteria to create an inclusive and accessible user experience for all visitors to your website.
Resources for Accessible Carousels
This section is specifically aimed at developers who want to create accessible digital products. This is where we get into the nitty-gritty: How do I build accessible carousels that truly work – for all user groups?
Here you will find the following resources:
- Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing an Accessible Carousel
- The Ultimate Checklist for Auditing Carousel Accessibility
For every recommendation, I explain the Why behind it, show practical Do’s & Don’ts, and provide concrete code examples. They are also provided with sources for relevant WCAG criteria [8] and WAI-ARIA patterns [9], so you can easily understand the requirements.
Just start with the Step-by-Step Guide to build a solid framework. Use the Checklist to ensure that your carousel meets all important accessibility requirements.
Good luck with implementing accessible carousels! If you have any questions or want to provide feedback, please feel free to contact me.
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