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WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a set of internationally recognized standards for web accessibility. Following WCAG ensures your website is usable by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. It's important not just for accessibility, but also for legal compliance, SEO, and reaching a wider audience.

Alt text is specifically for describing images to screen reader users, while ARIA labels (aria-label, aria-labelledby) can describe any element on a page. Alt text is HTML's native way to provide alternative text for images, while ARIA labels are part of the ARIA specification that helps make dynamic content and advanced UI controls more accessible.

Keyboard navigation is essential for users who can't use a mouse, including people with motor disabilities, visual impairments, or those who simply prefer keyboard controls. A website should be fully operable using only a keyboard, with visible focus indicators and logical tab order. This includes being able to access all interactive elements and navigate through content efficiently.

According to WCAG 2.2 AA standards, text should have a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against its background for regular text, and 3:1 for large text (18pt or 14pt bold). For non-text elements like icons or buttons, a minimum ratio of 3:1 is required. This ensures content is readable for users with visual impairments or color blindness.

To make custom components accessible, focus on these key aspects: use semantic HTML where possible, implement proper keyboard support, add appropriate ARIA attributes, manage focus when needed, and ensure adequate color contrast. Always test with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Consider using established design patterns from the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide.