I was reviewing a pull request last week when I noticed something that made me pause. The developer had carefully implemented proper semantic HTML, added ARIA labels where needed, and ensured keyboard navigation worked perfectly. But every alt text attribute ended abruptly without punctuation, like a conversation that just stops mid-sentence.
It's a tiny detail that most developers miss, and it reveals something important about how we approach accessibility. We often focus on the technical compliance checkboxes while overlooking the human experience details that actually matter to the people using assistive technology.
Here's the thing: accessibility isn't just about meeting WCAG guidelines. It's about creating digital experiences that feel natural and respectful for everyone, including the estimated 285 million people worldwide who rely on screen readers.