I still remember the first time someone told me they couldn’t access a website I helped build. It was a freelance project, and I thought I’d done everything right, clean code, mobile-friendly, even SEO-optimized. But my client’s friend, who was blind, tried to use a screen reader and gave up in frustration.
That moment changed how I viewed the web. It wasn’t just about what looked good. It was about who could actually use it.
That’s where accessibility testing comes in. And no, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
This article is your real-world, no-fluff guide to making accessibility testing something you can do- even if you're not an expert. Whether you’re a developer, designer, QA tester, or product manager, this playbook walks you through the steps, tools, and mindset shifts needed to build websites and apps that everyone can use.
Why Accessibility Testing Matters More Than Ever
Accessibility isn't just a legal checkbox or a “nice-to-have.” It’s a core part of ethical, user-first design.
According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability. That’s about 1 in 6 people who might be relying on assistive technologies to access your content.
Still, most digital products launch without ever being tested for accessibility. That’s like building a bridge without checking if the road connects on both sides.
Before You Test: Build the Right Mindset
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let's get honest. Accessibility testing isn't about perfection. It’s about progress. You won’t catch every single issue on your first go, and that’s okay.
Start here:
- Think beyond visual impairments. Accessibility includes hearing, mobility, cognitive, and neurological differences.
- Use empathy as a tool. Ask: “Could my grandmother navigate this?” or “What if I couldn't use a mouse today?”
- Realize you're not the user. Even if something feels usable to you, it might not be for someone else.
Let’s get into the playbook.
Step-by-Step Accessibility Testing Playbook
Step 1: Start with Automated Scanning
It’s the fastest way to catch low-hanging fruit.
What to do:
Use automated tools like:
- axe DevTools (by Deque)
- Lighthouse (built into Chrome DevTools)
- WAVE (WebAIM)
- TestEvolve Accessibility Scanner
These tools check for:
- Missing alt text
- Low color contrast
- Improper heading structures
- Form label issues
Pro tip: Run the scanner as you build, not just at the end. It’s easier (and cheaper) to fix issues early.
"Automated testing typically catches about 25–30% of accessibility issues," says a report by Deque Systems. That’s a great start- but we’ve got more to do.
Step 2: Navigate Without a Mouse
Keyboard accessibility is crucial for users with motor impairments.
Try this:
Use only the Tab key to navigate your site or app.
Make sure:
- Every interactive element is reachable.
- Focus states are visible.
- There's a logical tab order.
If you can't reach a button without a mouse, imagine how frustrating that is for someone using assistive tech every day.
Step 3: Use a Screen Reader (Yes, You!)
You don’t have to be a pro, just try it.
Try one of these:
- NVDA (Windows)
- VoiceOver (built into Mac)
- TalkBack (Android)
Turn it on and try to:
- Navigate your homepage.
- Fill out a form.
- Use your site’s main navigation.
Listen closely. Are all elements announced properly? Are icons or buttons labeled clearly? If you’re lost within 10 seconds, imagine what it’s like for someone using that tool daily.
Step 4: Check Color and Contrast
Designers, this one’s for you.
Color contrast is more than aesthetics- it’s functionality.
Use contrast checkers like:
- WebAIM Contrast Checker
- Stark (Figma/Sketch plugin)
Make sure all text has a contrast ratio of at least:
- 4.5:1 for regular text
- 3:1 for large text
Avoid relying on color alone to convey information. Use icons, underlines, or patterns to differentiate required fields, warnings, etc.
Step 5: Review for ARIA Misuse
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) can enhance accessibility, if used correctly. Misusing it can make things worse.
Check:
- Are ARIA roles and labels necessary?
- Are they accurately describing what’s happening?
- Are you using native HTML elements first?
Sometimes, using a is better than building a custom role-labeled from scratch.
Step 6: Include Real Users in Testing
This is where your product goes from “technically accessible” to truly usable.
If your team can, include people with disabilities in user testing or reach out to accessibility advocacy groups for feedback. Their insights are invaluable, and often highlight what automated tools can’t detect.
Step 7: Make It a Team Responsibility
Accessibility isn’t just on developers. It’s a team effort.
- Designers should plan for color contrast and keyboard focus.
- Developers should use semantic HTML and test early.
- QAs should include accessibility tests in their regression cycles.
- Product managers should allocate time and budget for accessibility work.
Make accessibility part of your Definition of Done.
Real-Life Wins from Accessible Design
Let’s take an example: A major grocery chain launched an updated mobile app. After accessibility testing, they added clear labeling for screen readers, improved color contrast, and ensured keyboard navigation worked across the checkout process.
The result? A 17% increase in order completions from users over 50, and glowing reviews from customers using assistive tech.
Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business.
Final Thoughts
I get it. Accessibility can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re up against tight deadlines or limited resources. But every step counts.
Start with one page. One user flow. One tool.
Because here's the truth: when you design with accessibility in mind, you’re building a better experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
And thanks to tools like screen readers, contrast checkers, and yes, automated accessibility testing, making your site inclusive is more doable than ever.
If you're not sure where to begin, start simple. Use an automated test. Fix what you find. Then build on that.
Little by little, you'll make the web a better place for everyone.
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