guide
WAD on React: complete compliance checklist
Implementing WAD compliance on React means addressing the platform's specific failure modes (custom components rebuilding native primitives badly, hydration mismatches obscuring at view) while applying EU Web Accessibility Directive success criteria across content, code, and editorial workflow.
WAD in 60 seconds
The EU Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102) requires public-sector bodies in all EU member states to make their websites and mobile apps accessible per EN 301 549, with mandatory accessibility statements and a complaints mechanism — operative since September 2018 for new sites and September 2020 for all sites.
React accessibility — what you are starting with
React produces whatever HTML you tell it to. Accessibility is a function of component choices and library usage.
WAD setup checklist for React
1. Use accessible primitives libraries: react-aria, Radix UI, Headless UI ship WCAG-tested primitives.
2. Wire axe-core: @axe-core/react in dev; jest-axe in tests.
Common WAD failures on React
• Custom components rebuilding native primitives badly
• Hydration mismatches obscuring AT view
• Route announcements
Putting it together
Combine WAD's Level AA requirements with React's native tooling. Bake accessibility into your component library and editorial workflow; instrument axe-core in CI for regression.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.
Is React WAD-compliant out of the box?
React is markup-agnostic. Accessibility comes from the developer's choices, not the framework.
What is the easiest path to WAD compliance on React?
Start with the platform's most-accessible default theme (where applicable), audit each installed plugin/extension/module, train content authors on alt text and heading hierarchy, and instrument axe-core in your CI pipeline.
Is React accessible?
React is markup-agnostic. Accessibility comes from the developer's choices, not the framework.
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