Accessibility testing is a type of software testing that ensures digital products can be used by people with disabilities. This includes users with vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
What is Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility testing is a type of software testing that checks whether the product is easy to use by people with disabilities. Such disabilities include hearing, visual, and cognitive impairments.
Testing for accessibility often involves checking if a website or app supports such tools as:
- Screen readers
- Keyboard-only navigation
- Text alternatives for images
It should also have a proper color contrast that makes it easier for people with vision problems to decipher the text.
Why Should Companies Focus on Accessibility Testing?
Focusing on accessibility testing is both a smart business decision and a legal requirement in many countries. Making products accessible opens them up to a wider audience, including millions of users who rely on assistive technologies. It improves user satisfaction and can lead to stronger brand loyalty.
Many organizations must comply with accessibility regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Failing to meet these standards could result in lawsuits, fines, or reputational damage.
Key Features of Accessibility Testing
- Screen reader support: Ensures all content can be read by screen readers.
- Keyboard navigation: Confirms users can navigate without a mouse.
- Color contrast checks: Verifies that text and background colors are readable.
- Alt text for images: Makes sure images have descriptive text alternatives.
- Semantic HTML: Uses proper structure to help assistive tech interpret content.
- Focus management: Ensures users know where they are when using keyboard navigation.
When to Implement Accessibility Testing
Accessibility testing should be an integral part of your product development lifecycle. Here are the key stages when it should be considered:
During design
Start with accessible design principles. Ensure wireframes and mockups account for contrast, font size, and logical navigation structures. Involving accessibility experts early reduces costly fixes later.
During development:
As components are built, developers should use semantic HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes properly. Integrating automated accessibility checks into your CI/CD pipeline helps flag issues quickly.
During the QA/testing phase
In addition to functional testing, QA teams should perform both automated and manual accessibility tests. This includes screen reader tests, keyboard-only navigation, and validation against WCAG criteria.
Before release
Conduct a final accessibility audit to ensure that the product is usable by all users. Any critical issues should be addressed before the product goes live.
After updates or redesigns:
Any change in design or functionality may introduce new accessibility barriers. Re-test each time your site or app is updated to maintain compliance and usability.
Integrate accessibility testing into your CI/CD pipeline with Incredibuild. Learn more.
FAQs about Accessibility Testing
What tools are used for accessibility testing?
Popular tools include Axe, Lighthouse, WAVE, NVDA, and VoiceOver. These help detect issues and simulate real user experiences.
Can accessibility testing be automated?
Some parts can, like detecting missing alt text or low contrast. However, manual testing is still needed for tasks like screen reader navigation.
Why is keyboard testing important?
Many users can’t use a mouse. Ensuring full keyboard navigation helps them access the product.