What is the best way to create an accessibility testing plan for your mobile app?

1 Define your accessibility goals

The first step in creating an accessibility testing plan is to define your accessibility goals and standards. Depending on your target market, audience, and app functionality, you may need to comply with different accessibility guidelines and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. You should also consider the specific needs and preferences of your users, and how they interact with your app using various assistive technologies, such as screen readers, voice control, or magnifiers.

2 Conduct an accessibility audit

The next step is to conduct an accessibility audit of your existing app or prototype, to identify and prioritize the accessibility issues and gaps. You can use a combination of automated and manual testing tools and methods, such as accessibility scanners, simulators, validators, checklists, and heuristic evaluations. You should also involve real users with disabilities in your testing process, to get their feedback and insights on how your app meets their expectations and requirements. You can recruit users from online platforms, communities, or organizations that specialize in accessibility testing.

3 Fix the accessibility issues

Once you have identified the accessibility issues, you should fix them as soon as possible, following the best practices and recommendations from the accessibility guidelines and standards. You should also document the changes and improvements you make, and keep track of the progress and status of each issue. You can use tools such as issue trackers, bug reports, or accessibility statements to communicate and collaborate with your team and stakeholders on the accessibility fixes.

4 Test the accessibility fixes

After you have fixed the accessibility issues, you should test the fixes to ensure that they work as intended, and that they don't introduce new problems or break other functionalities. You should use the same tools and methods that you used in the accessibility audit, and repeat the testing process until you achieve your accessibility goals and standards. You should also involve users with disabilities again, to verify that the fixes address their needs and preferences, and that they improve their user experience and satisfaction.

5 Monitor and maintain accessibility

The final step in creating an accessibility testing plan is to monitor and maintain the accessibility of your app throughout its lifecycle. You should regularly check for new or emerging accessibility issues, especially when you update or modify your app features or content. You should also keep up with the latest accessibility trends, technologies, and regulations, and adapt your app accordingly. You should also collect and analyze user feedback, data, and metrics, to measure the impact and effectiveness of your accessibility testing plan, and to identify areas for improvement or innovation.