Forms everyone can fill in
Forms are where customers become leads, bookings and sales. They're also where accessibility problems cost you the most.
Labels you can see
Every field needs a visible label connected to it in the code. Placeholder text disappears as soon as someone starts typing, and many screen readers don't announce it reliably.
Errors in words
"Please enter a phone number" is useful. A red border alone is invisible to someone who can't see colour, and silent to a screen reader. Put the message next to the field and move focus to the first problem.
Let browsers help
Use the standard autofill settings for name, email, phone and address. People with motor disabilities (and everyone on a phone) fill forms faster when the browser can do it.
Keyboard all the way through
Try your form with only the Tab, Shift+Tab, Space and Enter keys. Drop-downs, date pickers and "Submit" should all work, with a visible outline showing where you are.
CAPTCHAs
Puzzle CAPTCHAs block real people. Prefer invisible spam protection (honeypot fields, server-side checks) or a CAPTCHA with an accessible alternative.
Don't time people out
If a booking or checkout session expires, warn people and let them extend it.