Frontend: Improve Accessibility & Keyboard Navigation

Description

Improve accessibility and keyboard navigation across the FairMind frontend application to ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and better user experience for all users.

Why This Is a Good First Issue

• High impact on user experience
• Clear guidelines (WCAG 2.1)
• Good learning opportunity for accessibility
• Can be done incrementally
• Well-documented standards

Current State

• Basic accessibility exists
• Some keyboard navigation gaps
• Focus management needs improvement
• ARIA labels may be missing in some areas

Goals

1. Keyboard Navigation

   • All interactive elements accessible via keyboard
   • Logical tab order
   • Skip links for main content
   • Keyboard shortcuts where appropriate

2. Screen Reader Support

   • Proper ARIA labels
   • Semantic HTML
   • Alt text for images
   • Form labels and error messages

3. Focus Management

   • Visible focus indicators
   • Focus trapping in modals
   • Focus restoration after modal close

4. WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

   • Color contrast ratios
   • Text alternatives
   • Keyboard accessible
   • Predictable navigation

Getting Started

1. Prerequisites

   • Understanding of HTML semantics
   • Basic knowledge of ARIA attributes
   • Familiarity with React/Next.js
   • Accessibility testing tools (axe DevTools, WAVE)

2. Files to Review

   • apps/frontend-new/src/components/ - Component files
   • apps/frontend-new/src/app/ - Page files
   • Focus on interactive components

3. Implementation Steps

   • Audit current accessibility (use axe DevTools)
   • Identify keyboard navigation gaps
   • Add ARIA labels where needed
   • Improve focus management
   • Test with screen readers
   • Verify WCAG compliance

4. Testing

   • Use keyboard only navigation
   • Test with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
   • Run accessibility audits
   • Check color contrast

Acceptance Criteria

• All interactive elements keyboard accessible
• Logical tab order throughout application
• ARIA labels on all interactive elements
• Focus indicators visible and clear
• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance verified
• Screen reader testing completed
• Documentation updated

Resources

• WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
• ARIA Authoring Practices
• WebAIM Accessibility Checklist
• axe DevTools

Related

Related to parent issue #133 (Platform Enhancements & User Experience)

Labels

enhancement, help wanted, good first issue, frontend, accessibility