Everything You Need to Know About Accessibility Testing

Introduction: Understanding the Need for Accessibility

Why Accessibility Matters in Modern Digital Products

With a growing digital world, accessibility is quickly becoming a necessity, not an option. Imagine using a smartphone with a broken screen or a website when reaching and clicking with a mouse is not an option because of some physical limitation. These types of experiences happen daily for millions of people with disabilities.

When we consider the fact that well over 1.3 billion people on the planet live with some level of disability, it is much more than a small population that is often thought of, it is a worldwide population that is often overlooked. When we make products accessible through the design process, we are creating digital products that are usable, equitable, and accessible for all users, whether they have a disability or not.

Accessibility should be more than just a regulatory approach; when a product is designed with accessibility, it is: human-centered designed, digitally inclusive, and great for all users’ experiences.

Did you know? More than 70% of websites do not conform to the most basic accessibility standards, and many of the product teams or project teams do not realize they are not built to be accessible.

Real-World Impact and User Diversity

Accessibility isn’t just for permanent disabilities. It’s for everyday scenarios we all face:

• Using your phone in bright sunlight
• Trying to watch a video with no headphones in public
• Recovering from an injury

When we talk about accessibility, we’re also talking about usability in the real world. Accessibility helps a student using a screen reader, an older adult navigating a mobile app, or someone accessing a service with one hand while holding a baby.

Example: Ever tried using a website with slow internet? Accessibility best practices – like optimized loading, simple navigation, and readable content- make the experience smoother for everyone.

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing ensures your websites, apps, and digital content can be used by people with a range of disabilities – visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and more.

The goal? Make your product Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) for everyone.

The POUR Principles:

At the heart of accessibility are the POUR principles, defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines):

At the heart of accessibility are the POUR principles, defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines):

• Perceivable – Information and UI components must be presented in ways users can perceive.
  Example: Text alternatives (alt text) for images, captions for videos.

• Operable – Interface elements must be functional using a keyboard or assistive devices.
  Example: All buttons and links should be accessible via tab/enter, not just mouse clicks.

• Understandable – Content and operation should be easy to comprehend.
  Example: Clear labels on form fields, consistent navigation across pages.

• Robust – Content must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
  Example: Use semantic HTML so screen readers can interpret it correctly.

Accessibility vs. Usability vs. Inclusive Design

• Accessibility: Accessibility is about accommodating people with disabilities.
• Usability: Usability is ensuring that everyone can use something and get something done.
• Inclusive Design: Inclusive Design is about thinking about diversity from the outset, not as an add-on.
• Quick Insight: Inclusive design isn’t just accessibility; it improves things for everyone.

Examples of Accessibility Testing

Common Scenarios

• Screen Reader Compatibility
  Ensure users can navigate your app or site using screen readers like NVDA (Windows), JAWS, or VoiceOver (Mac/iOS). This includes checking if all buttons, links, and headings are properly labeled and read out loud in the right order.

• Keyboard-Only Navigation
  Many users can’t use a mouse. Test whether all interactive elements (menus, forms, modals, etc.) are accessible and operable via the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys. The experience should be smooth and logical.

• Color Contrast for Low Vision
  Text should be readable against backgrounds, particularly for users with color blindness or low vision. Use tools such as WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure you have the minimum contrast ratio (which is at least 4.5:1 for body text).

• Zoom and Font Resize
  Try zooming your browser to 200% or increasing font size via settings. Your layout should remain usable and not break. This is especially helpful for older users or those with visual impairments.
  Pro Tip: Try navigating your site without a mouse. You’ll spot accessibility issues instantly.

Real-Life Testing Examples

• E-Commerce Sites: Ensuring users can complete purchases with screen readers and access product descriptions with ARIA labels.
  Educational Platforms: Verifying all videos have captions, transcripts for audio content, and accessible quiz forms.

• Banking Apps: Testing color contrast, error messaging, and correct labeling for form fields to support users with visual or cognitive impairments.

• Streaming Platforms: Checking for audio descriptions for videos and accessible controls for volume, playback, and captions.

• Government Services: Making sure important forms (e.g., tax, voting registration) can be filled out and submitted via keyboard with screen reader compatibility.

• Mobile Apps: Verifying gestures, touch targets, and voice control work for users with motor disabilities.

Did you know that even high-profile platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube have faced accessibility lawsuits due to missing captions or poor navigation?

Why Focus on Accessibility Testing?

Social Responsibility: Inclusion Is Everyone’s Job

Accessibility isn’t an act of charity- it’s about equal opportunity and inclusive design. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves access to digital tools, services, and experiences. When you build accessible products, you’re empowering people to apply for jobs, order groceries, book appointments, or simply enjoy content like everyone else.

Reminder: Accessible design supports real people in real situations. It’s not just good design – it’s the right thing to do.

Legal and Compliance Pressure: The Rules Are Getting Stricter
Across the globe, digital accessibility is becoming legally enforceable. More countries are introducing laws that mandate inclusive design, and failing to comply can have serious consequences, from lawsuits and fines to being pulled from the market.

Fact: Major organizations like Harvard, Domino’s, and Beyoncé’s company have faced lawsuits due to inaccessible websites.

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