A government form that only works for sighted users on fast phones isn't a form, it's a filter. Public systems serve everyone, which makes accessibility a requirement, not a polish pass.
The basics carry most of the weight: real `<label>` elements tied to inputs, error messages that say what to fix, focus states you can see, and a tab order that follows the visual order. None of this is exotic.
The failures I see most: placeholder text used as labels, errors that only appear in red, and required fields marked with an asterisk nobody explains. Each one quietly excludes someone.
The test is cheap: fill the form out with a keyboard only, then with a screen reader. If either experience is broken, the form isn't done.
