How can you make functional testing accessible for everyone?

1 Understand accessibility standards

The first step to make functional testing accessible is to familiarize yourself with the relevant accessibility standards and guidelines that apply to your software product. These standards provide a framework for designing, developing and testing software that meets the needs and preferences of people with different abilities and disabilities. Some of the most common and widely adopted standards are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the ISO/IEC 40500:2012. By following these standards, you can ensure that your software is compliant with the legal and ethical requirements of accessibility.

2 Use accessibility tools and techniques

The second step to make functional testing accessible is to use the appropriate tools and techniques that can help you identify and fix accessibility issues in your software product. There are many options available, such as manual testing, automated testing, user testing, heuristic evaluation, and accessibility audits. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the ones that suit your project scope, budget and timeline. For instance, manual testing involves testing the software product manually by using the keyboard, mouse, screen reader, or other assistive technologies. This can check the functionality, usability and compatibility of your software product from the perspective of different users. Automated testing is another option which involves scanning, analyzing and reporting accessibility issues in your code, design and content. This can help save time and reduce errors. Additionally, user testing with real users who have different abilities and disabilities can provide valuable feedback on how to improve the accessibility and user experience of your software product. Heuristic evaluation is also a great tool for evaluating the accessibility and usability of your software product by using a set of predefined criteria or heuristics. Finally, an accessibility audit with a professional service or expert can assess and certify the compliance and quality of your functional testing process.

3 Involve accessibility experts and advocates

The third step to make functional testing accessible is to involve accessibility experts and advocates in your process. These individuals have the knowledge, experience, and passion for making software products accessible for everyone. They can guide you on implementing accessibility best practices, as well as help you raise awareness and educate your team and stakeholders on the importance of accessibility. To involve accessibility experts and advocates in your functional testing process, consider hiring or consulting with specialists or agencies, joining or collaborating with accessibility communities or organizations, and participating or hosting accessibility events, workshops, or webinars. This will offer you professional services, peer support, mentoring and learning opportunities, exposure, inspiration, and recognition on functional testing and accessibility.

4 Review and improve your functional testing process

Making functional testing accessible involves reviewing and improving your process on an ongoing basis. To do this, you should set and measure accessibility goals, objectives, and metrics. You should also collect and analyze data, feedback, and results to identify and prioritize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your process. Additionally, you should implement and test accessibility improvements, changes, and solutions to address any issues or gaps. Finally, it's important to document and communicate accessibility outcomes, achievements, and lessons learned to share the success of your process. By following these steps, you can make functional testing more effective, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?