♿ Accessibility in React Native

? Quick Overview

Accessibility in React Native ensures that mobile applications are usable by everyone, including users who rely on screen readers (TalkBack on Android, VoiceOver on iOS), assistive technologies, or alternative input methods. React Native provides built-in accessibility props to create inclusive mobile experiences.

? Key Concepts

Accessible labels and roles
Screen reader support
Keyboard and focus navigation
Color contrast and readable text
Touch target sizing

? Syntax / Theory

React Native components support accessibility through props such as accessible, accessibilityLabel, accessibilityHint, and accessibilityRole. These props help screen readers understand UI elements.

? Code Example

? View Code Example

// Accessible button example in React Native
import React from "react";
import { View, Text, TouchableOpacity } from "react-native";

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View>
      <TouchableOpacity
        accessible={true}
        accessibilityLabel="Submit Button"
        accessibilityHint="Submits the form"
        accessibilityRole="button"
        onPress={() => alert("Form Submitted")}
      >
        <Text>Submit</Text>
      </TouchableOpacity>
    </View>
  );
}

? Live Output / Explanation

What Happens?

Screen readers announce this component as a button with the label "Submit Button" and provide a hint explaining its action. This improves usability for visually impaired users.

? Interactive Example

This simulator demonstrates how a Screen Reader (like TalkBack or VoiceOver) interprets React Native accessibility props. Click the buttons on the simulated phone to see the Visual Focus Indicator and hear the Voice Output.

? My App

(Tap buttons to focus)

? Screen Reader Output

Waiting for user interaction...

* Note: The "Bad Btn" has no accessibilityLabel, so a screen reader might just read the icon filename or nothing at all.

Try enabling TalkBack (Android) or VoiceOver (iOS) on your real device to experience this natively!

? Use Cases

Apps used by a diverse audience
Government or enterprise applications
Educational and healthcare apps
Apps following WCAG compliance

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Always provide meaningful accessibility labels
Test your app with screen readers enabled
Avoid relying on color alone to convey information
Ensure sufficient touch target size (min 44x44 points)

? Try It Yourself

Create a form with accessible inputs and buttons
Add accessibilityRole to all interactive elements
Test using TalkBack or VoiceOver