June 2025 Updates

Accessibility improvements and implementations

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Tattoo Studio Page Accessibility Enhancements

WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion improvements:
  • Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships:
    • Implemented proper semantic HTML structure with article elements for artist profiles
    • Added role="list" and role="listitem" to artist grid for screen reader navigation
    • Enhanced dialog roles and proper aria-labelledby relationships for all modals
    • Created screen reader-only headings for content sections using .sr-only class
  • Success Criterion 2.4.6: Headings and Labels:
    • Fixed heading hierarchy by converting artist names from div elements to proper h3 headings
    • Added proper IDs for heading references (ryan-heading, collin-heading, etc.)
    • Implemented descriptive section headings with aria-labelledby attributes
    • Created consistent heading structure throughout portfolio modals
  • Success Criterion 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value:
    • Added comprehensive aria-label attributes to all interactive buttons
    • Enhanced portfolio buttons with specific artist names in labels
    • Implemented descriptive close button labels for each modal
    • Added proper role attributes to dialog elements and gallery regions
  • Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content:
    • Added descriptive alt text for all artist portrait images
    • Implemented detailed alt text for portfolio gallery images with work descriptions
    • Enhanced aftercare guide preview image with meaningful description
    • Added aria-hidden="true" to decorative icons to hide them from screen readers
  • Success Criterion 2.4.7: Focus Visible:
    • Enhanced focus indicators with brand-consistent yellow outlines
    • Implemented :focus-visible styles for all interactive elements
    • Added consistent focus styling to carousel navigation arrows
    • Improved button focus states with proper outline-offset spacing
  • Success Criterion 2.4.3: Focus Order:
    • Implemented focus management with focusPortfolioButton() function
    • Added focus restoration to portfolio buttons when modals close
    • Enhanced keyboard navigation flow through artist sections
    • Maintained logical tab order in portfolio galleries
  • Success Criterion 4.1.3: Status Messages:
    • Added aria-live="polite" regions for portfolio carousel navigation
    • Implemented screen reader announcements for current slide position
    • Created loading state announcements for image loading in galleries
    • Added descriptive status messages for portfolio navigation

Screen Reader and Assistive Technology Support

WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion improvements:
  • Success Criterion 4.1.1: Parsing:
    • Added proper Vue.js import for nextTick to support focus management
    • Implemented clean HTML structure with valid ARIA attributes
    • Enhanced semantic markup throughout the component structure
  • Success Criterion 3.3.2: Labels or Instructions:
    • Enhanced consultation modal with proper aria-labelledby references
    • Added descriptive labels for consultation form interactions
    • Implemented clear button labels that describe their specific actions
  • Success Criterion 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context):
    • Enhanced aftercare guide download link with clear purpose description
    • Added role="link" attribute to aftercare PDF download button
    • Implemented descriptive link text that explains the action and destination

Portfolio Gallery Accessibility Enhancements

WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion improvements:
  • Success Criterion 2.1.1: Keyboard:
    • Enhanced carousel navigation with proper keyboard accessibility
    • Implemented role="region" for portfolio gallery sections
    • Added descriptive aria-label attributes to gallery navigation
    • Improved keyboard interaction for modal dialogs
  • Success Criterion 1.4.1: Use of Color:
    • Enhanced hover and focus states with multiple visual indicators
    • Implemented consistent brand yellow color for focus indicators
    • Maintained sufficient contrast ratios for all interactive elements
  • Success Criterion 1.4.4: Resize text:
    • Maintained responsive design that accommodates text scaling
    • Ensured gallery components remain functional at 200% zoom
    • Implemented flexible layout that adapts to various screen sizes

Technical Implementation Details

  • CSS Improvements:
    • Added .sr-only utility class for screen reader-only content
    • Enhanced :focus-visible styles with consistent brand theming
    • Implemented proper focus management across all interactive elements
  • JavaScript Enhancements:
    • Added focusPortfolioButton() function for proper focus restoration
    • Implemented async focus management using Vue's nextTick
    • Enhanced modal interaction patterns for better accessibility
  • ARIA Implementation:
    • Comprehensive aria-label attributes for all interactive elements
    • Proper aria-labelledby relationships for modal dialogs
    • Live regions for dynamic content announcements
    • Semantic role assignments for improved screen reader navigation

Accessibility Testing and Validation

  • Screen Reader Testing:
    • Verified proper announcement of artist information and navigation
    • Tested carousel navigation with screen reader software
    • Validated modal dialog accessibility and focus management
  • Keyboard Navigation Testing:
    • Verified complete keyboard accessibility for all interactive elements
    • Tested tab order and focus management throughout the page
    • Validated modal interactions and focus restoration
  • WCAG Compliance:
    • Improved compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
    • Enhanced semantic structure and accessibility features
    • Maintained visual design while improving accessibility