How do you test your web content for GDS accessibility standards?

2 What are the GDS accessibility standards

The GDS accessibility standards are a set of criteria that your web content must meet to comply with the UK public sector accessibility regulations. These regulations implement the EU directive on web accessibility, which applies to all public sector websites and apps. The GDS accessibility standards are based on the WCAG 2.1, which are divided into four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Each principle has several guidelines and success criteria, which are rated as A, AA, or AAA depending on their level of importance.

3 How to test your web content

To test your web content for GDS accessibility standards, you need to use a combination of automated and manual testing methods. Automated testing tools can help you identify and fix common accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, low contrast, or invalid HTML. However, automated testing tools cannot check everything, such as how your content works with assistive technologies, or how clear and consistent your language is. Therefore, you also need to perform manual testing, which involves checking your content against the WCAG success criteria, using different browsers and devices, and involving real users with disabilities in your testing process.

4 Where to find testing tools

Testing tools available online can help you check your web content for accessibility issues. WAVE is a web accessibility evaluation tool that can be used as a browser extension or a web app, providing visual feedback and suggestions for improvement. axe integrates with various developer tools and frameworks, such as Chrome DevTools, React, or WordPress, to help you find and fix accessibility issues in your code. Lighthouse is a web performance and quality tool that audits your web content for accessibility among other aspects, and can also be used as a browser extension or a web app. WebAIM Color Contrast Checker allows you to check the contrast ratio between your text and background colors and adjust them to meet the WCAG requirements.

5 How to improve your web content

Testing your web content for accessibility issues is only the first step in making it more user-friendly. To improve your web content, you should use clear and simple language that is easy to read and understand. Additionally, alternative text should be provided for images, audio, and video to convey meaningful information. Structuring your content with headings, lists, and landmarks can make it easier to navigate. Descriptive and consistent labels and instructions should be used for forms, buttons, and links. Furthermore, color, sound, or movement should not be the only way to convey information or feedback. Lastly, your content should be responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes and orientations.

6 How to keep your web content accessible

Accessibility is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process. Regularly monitoring and maintaining web content to meet GDS accessibility standards and user needs is necessary. To ensure the content is kept accessible, review and update it frequently to keep it accurate and relevant. Test the content regularly with different tools and methods, while also following the latest accessibility guidelines and best practices. Moreover, involve users with disabilities in the design and development process and collect their feedback to act on it.

7 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?