The Complete Guide for Accessibility Testing

Testlio

October 11th, 2024

This process is essential for inclusivity. It also improves user experience, expands market reach, and ensures legal compliance.

In this article, we will cover the basics of accessibility testing, why it matters, and the key accessibility standards you need to know, including the four WCAG principles and their three compliance levels. 

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing ensures that digital products like websites, applications, and software are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. 

It plays a crucial role in software testing. This process checks whether digital platforms meet accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). 

It also ensures compliance with legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The main purpose of accessibility testing is to remove barriers that prevent users with disabilities from fully interacting with digital products. 

It aims to create an inclusive experience for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

Accessibility testing focuses on several key areas. It checks compatibility with screen readers and ensures smooth keyboard navigation. 

It also evaluates color contrast and provides text alternatives for images and multimedia. For example, it tests whether users can navigate a website without a mouse or if videos include captions. 

This testing helps developers create accessible and user-friendly software for everyone.

Why is Accessibility Testing Important?

Legal Compliance

Accessibility testing is vital for meeting legal requirements. Many countries have laws mandating that digital content be accessible to people with disabilities. 

For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States requires websites to be accessible. 

Similarly, the Equality Act in the United Kingdom and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada enforce accessibility standards. 

Companies that fail to comply risk legal action, hefty fines, and damage to their reputation. 

Several well-known brands have faced lawsuits because their websites did not support screen readers or keyboard-only navigation. 

By performing accessibility testing, businesses can avoid these legal risks and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

Inclusivity

Accessibility testing promotes inclusivity. Around 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. 

Making websites and applications accessible helps reach a wider audience. It improves the user experience for everyone. 

For instance, adding captions to videos helps people with hearing impairments, and providing text alternatives for images supports users with visual impairments. 

By ensuring accessibility, companies create an inclusive digital environment. This allows everyone, regardless of ability, to access information and services.

Understanding Accessibility Standards

Accessibility standards ensure that digital content is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. 

These guidelines help developers and designers create inclusive and accessible digital experiences. 

The most recognized framework is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). 

Let’s explore the core WCAG principles, the levels of compliance, and how accessibility standards differ across various regions.

What are the 4 WCAG Principles?

The WCAG framework is built on four foundational principles known with the acronymknown as POUR:

Perceivable

Users must be able to perceive the information presented. This means providing content in different forms. 

For example, adding alt text to images helps users with visual impairments understand the content through screen readers. 

Using captions for videos allows people with hearing impairments to access the information.

Operable

Users must be able to interact with the interface. All functionalities should be accessible via a keyboard. 

For instance, users who cannot use a mouse should be able to navigate a website using only the keyboard. Providing sufficient time to read and use the content is also crucial.

Understandable

Users must be able to understand the content and interface. The website should use clear and simple language and be predictable in its behavior. 

For example, using clear labels and instructions for form fields helps users understand what information is required.

Robust

Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide range of devices and assistive technologies. 

This ensures that the content remains accessible as technology evolves. Properly written and utilized HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) help screen readers effectively communicate visual content to users.

The Three Levels of WCAG

WCAG has three levels of compliance, each addressing different accessibility needs:

Level A

This is the basic level of compliance. It covers the most fundamental accessibility features, such as providing alternative text for images. It ensures that content is accessible to some users but may still pose challenges for others.

Level AA

This level addresses more common barriers faced by users with disabilities. It includes requirements like sufficient color contrast and focus indicators.  Most aim for A and AA compliance as a legal requirement for most countries.

Level AAA

This is the highest level of accessibility. It includes all Level A and AA requirements, along with additional enhancements. It aims to make content accessible to the maximum number of users. However, achieving Level AAA compliance for an entire site can be challenging.

How Do Accessibility Standards Vary in Different Jurisdictions?

Accessibility standards vary across regions due to different laws and regulations. Here is an overview of key accessibility standards around the world:

Complying with these standards is crucial for organizations. It not only helps avoid legal issues but also ensures an inclusive and accessible digital experience for all users.

Who Should Perform an Accessibility Test?

A team effort is essential for effective accessibility testing. Various stakeholders should collaborate to ensure thorough results. 

Developers, UX designers, quality assurance testers, and accessibility specialists each play a crucial role.

Developers should check code compliance with accessibility standards. They need to verify that semantic HTML is used correctly. 

UX designers should focus on user experience. They should test features like keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.

Quality assurance testers should validate that all functionalities work as expected. They can use tools like NVDA, a popular screen reader, to test accessibility for visually impaired users. 

Accessibility specialists bring in-depth expertise. They help identify complex issues and interpret results accurately.

End-users with disabilities should also participate in testing. Their feedback is invaluable. For example, a person with mobility issues can provide insights into navigation challenges that automated tests might overlook. 

What is the Accessibility Testing Process?

Accessibility testing ensures that people with various disabilities can access websites and web applications. 

Different disabilities present unique challenges when interacting with digital content. Therefore, the testing process must account for these diverse user experiences. 

Most accessibility testing agencies classify disabilities into five main categories.

Low Vision/Blindness

This category includes conditions such as complete blindness, low vision, color blindness, and poor eyesight. To make websites accessible for these users, testers should check a few key elements:

• Ensure compatibility with screen readers.
• Verify sufficient color contrast between text and background.
• Confirm that text can be resized up to 200% without losing content or functionality.

These are just a few aspects to consider. The full list of action items is much longer.

Physical Disabilities

Some physical disabilities, both permanent and temporary, can make it difficult to use a computer mouse. 

To make websites accessible, testers should ensure they support keyboard-only navigation. They need to verify that all functionalities can be accessed using just the keyboard.

Again, these are only some of the factors to examine. The complete list is much more extensive.

Neurodiverse Conditions

This group of users is often the most complex because there are several variations and types of issues to consider.

• For memory-challenged users, repetition, indicators of current progress, and reminders can help them use a website.
• For problem-solving deficit users, forms and errors should be as informative as possible to prevent frustration.
• For attention-deficit users, visual highlights should be provided for important information; if possible, adverts should be reduced.  Ideally, remove auto-playing content without audio unless the user chooses to play it.
• For users who find reading or any communication difficult, provide a recognized structure: headings, lists, and indentations.  Add white space to improve readability and keep wording simple and concise.
• For users with math or visual comprehension deficits, ensure that math is shown clearly and automatically. When visual elements, like images, are used, there is a text alternative.
• For users prone to seizures, make sure there are no flashes used on the page, and if they are used, limit to no more than 3 in 1 second.

To improve accessibility, testers should focus on several key areas:

• Use simple, clear language without unnecessary jargon.
• Organize content straightforwardly and intuitively.
• Design web pages to avoid clutter and confusion.

Like every other disability we mention here, the above list is a great starting point. Still, it doesn’t include every aspect of testing that must be completed to ensure inclusivity.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can range from total loss to difficulty hearing certain sounds. To accommodate these users, testers should check a few critical elements:

• Ensure that videos include captions.
• Provide visual alternatives for audible alerts, such as chat notifications.

These are just basic requirements. The actual testing process involves many more steps.

Use Cases for Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing is crucial for ensuring that digital products are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Here are some common use cases:

• Test educational websites to ensure students are not restricted by the content.
• Check e-commerce websites to confirm users can navigate, search, and complete purchases using screen readers or keyboard-only navigation.
• Verify that government and public sector websites meet legal accessibility standards. This ensures equal access to public information and services.
• Test mobile applications for compatibility with assistive technologies like VoiceOver or TalkBack. This helps users of screen readers to navigate the application easily.
• Review multimedia content to ensure videos and podcasts have captions, transcripts and audio descriptions. This supports users with hearing and vision loss.
• Evaluate corporate websites and internal tools to make sure they are accessible to all employees. This promotes an inclusive work environment for everyone.

Test Case Examples for Accessibility Testing

Keyboard Navigation

Check that all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, are accessible using only the keyboard. Make sure users can navigate through the website using the keyboard alone.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Test the website with screen readers like NVDA. Ensure that all visual context and content, including headings, lists, and links, are read out correctly. Verify that images have descriptive alt text. Also, confirm that screen readers can navigate the website in a logical order.

Color Contrast

Use tools like the Contrast Checker to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors. This helps users with low vision or color blindness read content more easily.

Form Field Labels

Verify that all form fields have visible labels. Check that each label is associated with its respective input. Ensure that error messages are clear and informative, guiding users on how to correct mistakes.

Video Captions

Check that all videos include accurate captions and confirm that transcripts are available for multimedia content. This will help users with hearing loss understand the content fully.

Types of Accessibility Testing

Manual vs. Automated Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing can be performed manually, using automated tools, or through a combination of both methods. Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s compare manual and automated accessibility testing.

Manual testing offers detailed insights and addresses complex interactions. Automated testing, on the other hand, provides speed and efficiency in identifying basic issues. Combining both methods often delivers the most comprehensive results.

Fundamental Elements of Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing includes several essential elements to ensure digital content is usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. 

First, check compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software. This ensures that users can access all content, including images, links, and forms, through these tools.

Next, verify keyboard accessibility. All functionalities should work using only a keyboard, which is crucial for users with dexterity issues who cannot use a mouse.

Additionally, assess color contrast. Make sure the text and background colors have sufficient contrast. This helps users with visual impairments read the content more easily.

Provide alternative text for non-text content, such as images and multimedia. This allows users with visual impairments to understand the content through screen readers.

Finally, ensure clear and consistent navigation. Users, especially those with cognitive disabilities, should be able to find and access information easily. Focusing on these fundamental elements helps create an inclusive and user-friendly digital experience.

Fundamental Accessibility Testing Metrics

Accessibility testing metrics help evaluate how well digital content meets accessibility standards. 

One essential metric is the Keyboard Navigation Success Rate. This measures whether users can navigate and interact with the website using only the keyboard without encountering obstacles.

Another important metric is Screen Reader Compatibility. It checks how effectively screen readers convey content, ensuring that elements like headings, links, and buttons are correctly announced.

Next, consider the Color Contrast Ratio. This metric verifies that text and background colors have sufficient contrast, helping users with visual impairments read the content clearly.

The Alt Text Coverage metric assesses how many images and non-text elements have descriptive alternative text. This ensures that users with visual impairments can understand visual content through screen readers.

Finally, the error identification and recovery rate will be monitored. This metric evaluates how well error messages help users correct input mistakes. 

Tracking these metrics allows you to identify and resolve accessibility issues, creating a more inclusive user experience.

How to Perform Accessibility Testing?

You can perform accessibility testing manually, using automated tools, or through a hybrid approach that combines both methods.

Manual

Manual Testing requires human testers to check the website or application for accessibility issues. They navigate through all interactive elements using only the keyboard. 

They also use screen readers like  NVDA to verify that content is read correctly. Additionally, they manually check color contrast and ensure that images have appropriate alt text. 

Manual testing is effective for finding complex, context-specific issues.

Automated

Automated Testing uses tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse. These tools quickly scan the website for common accessibility problems, such as missing alt text or incorrect heading structures. 

They also check for insufficient color contrast. Automated testing is fast and efficient, but it may miss more nuanced issues.

Fused

Fused Software Testing combines both methods. Automated tools quickly identify basic issues, while manual testing addresses user experience and more complex scenarios. 

This approach provides a comprehensive view of accessibility, making it the most effective strategy.

Accessibility Testing Checklist

• Verify that all interactive elements, such as buttons, links, and forms, are accessible only by using the keyboard. 
• Ensure that all visual content, including headings, lists, and images, is read aloud correctly by screen readers.
• Check that text and background colors have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG guidelines. 
• Confirm that all images, icons, and multimedia elements have descriptive alt text. This information allows screen readers to convey visual content to users.
• Ensure that all form fields have clear labels and instructions. 
• Test error messages to verify they are descriptive and guide users on how to correct mistakes. 
• Check that videos include captions, audio descriptions and transcripts as required. 

This checklist helps identify and resolve common accessibility issues, creating a more inclusive user experience.

How Testlio Can Help

Testlio provides comprehensive testing solutions to elevate software quality across 600,000+ devices and 800+ payment methods. 

With operations in over 150 countries and across 100+ languages, Testlio’s comprehensive and customizable solutions offer Testlio’s services the flexibility and speed you need to deliver best-in-class digital experiences.

Testlio helps retail and commerce businesses all over the world ensure great product experiences. Schedule a free demo today.