TECHME
Published on

Testing Your Website for Accessibility: A Step-by-Step Guide

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    John Mwendwa
    Github
    John

Understanding Accessibility

Before we dive into testing, it's important to understand what accessibility means. It encompasses a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Your website should be usable by people with these disabilities without requiring assistive technologies.

Step-by-Step Accessibility Testing

1. Use Accessibility Evaluation Tools:

  • Automated Tools: These tools can quickly scan your website for common accessibility issues. Popular options include:
  • Manual Testing: While automated tools are helpful, they can't catch everything. Manual testing involves using assistive technologies and simulating different disabilities to evaluate your website's usability.

2. Check for Keyboard Navigation:

Ensure that users can navigate your website entirely using a keyboard. Test keyboard focus indicators and tab order. Verify that all interactive elements can be activated with the keyboard. Example: Test if you can navigate through your website's main menu, buttons, and links using only the Tab key.

3. Evaluate Alternative Text:

Provide descriptive alternative text for images, videos, and other non-text content. Use clear and concise language in alternative text. Avoid using "image of" or "description of" at the beginning of alternative text. Example:

1<img src="image.jpg" alt="A smiling person in a wheelchair using a computer">

4. Verify Color Contrast:

Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background. Use a color contrast checker tool to test different color combinations. Provide alternative ways to identify content, such as icons or labels. Example: Use a tool like WebAIM's Color Contrast Checker to test the contrast of your text and background colors.

5. Test Screen Reader Compatibility:

Use a screen reader to navigate your website. Check if headings, links, and other elements are properly labeled. Verify that content is structured logically and easy to understand. Example: Use a screen reader like NVDA or JAWS to test how your website is experienced by users who rely on screen readers.

6. Evaluate Form Accessibility:

Provide clear and descriptive labels for form fields. Use appropriate input types (e.g., email, date). Offer error messages that are clear and helpful. Example:

1<label for="email">Email Address:</label>
2<input type="email" id="email" name="email" required>

7. Test Mobile Accessibility:

Ensure your website is responsive and accessible on different screen sizes. Test touch interactions and zoom functionality.

8. Get User Feedback:

Involve people with disabilities in the testing process. Collect feedback on their experience using your website.

Additional Tips

  • Follow Accessibility Standards: Adhere to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) for best practices.
  • Create Accessible PDFs: If you use PDFs, make sure they are accessible to screen reader users.
  • Provide Audio and Video Transcripts: Include transcripts for audio and video content.
  • Test Regularly: Accessibility should be an ongoing process. Test your website regularly for updates and changes.

By following these steps and continuously improving your website's accessibility, you'll create a more inclusive online experience for everyone. Remember, accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it's a matter of good design and user experience.