What are the most effective ways to test accessibility in programming?

1 Why test accessibility?

Testing accessibility is not just a one-time task or a final check before launching your web application. It is an ongoing process that should be integrated into your development workflow, from the design stage to the deployment stage. Testing accessibility helps you identify and fix potential issues that could prevent your users from accessing or enjoying your content, functionality, or features. Testing accessibility also helps you comply with web standards and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

2 How to test accessibility?

Testing accessibility involves a variety of methods and tools that provide different perspectives and insights. Manual testing allows you to experience the usability and accessibility of your web application first-hand, while automated testing can help you save time and resources by detecting common or obvious issues. Additionally, user testing can help you gain valuable insights from your target audience and evaluate the effectiveness of your accessibility efforts. All in all, these techniques can complement each other to ensure the best user experience for everyone.

3 What tools to use?

Testing accessibility can be done with a range of tools, from free and open-source to paid and proprietary. Popular and useful tools include WebAIM WAVE, a free web accessibility evaluation tool that provides visual feedback; axe, a free and open-source accessibility testing tool; Lighthouse, a free and open-source tool that audits web pages for performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO; NVDA, a free and open-source screen reader; and VoiceOver, a built-in screen reader for macOS and iOS devices. These tools can read aloud content and elements of web pages, allowing users to navigate and interact with them using a keyboard or touch gestures. They can also help to test how web applications sound and behave for users who rely on screen readers.

4 What best practices to follow?

Testing accessibility is not only about using tools, but also following best practices and guidelines that can improve the quality and usability of your web application for all users. It is important to use semantic HTML, which means using the appropriate HTML elements and attributes that describe the meaning and structure of your content, rather than relying on presentation or style. Additionally, alternative text should be provided to give a text description for images, icons, graphs, or other non-text content that conveys information or meaning. Furthermore, keyboard accessibility should be ensured so that your web application can be fully operated and navigated using only a keyboard. Also, there should be sufficient color contrast between text and background colors or other elements so they are easily distinguishable and readable. Finally, captions and transcripts should be provided for audio or video content that include the spoken words, sounds, and actions. By following these best practices, your web application can be more accessible for all users.

5 How to learn more?

Testing accessibility is a complex and evolving topic that requires continuous learning and improvement. To learn more about it, you can explore resources such as WebAIM, WCAG, A11y Project, A11ycasts, and Accessibility Weekly. WebAIM offers comprehensive information, resources, and training on web accessibility. WCAG provides a set of web accessibility standards and guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). A11y Project is a community-driven website with practical tips, tricks, and resources. A11ycasts is a video series by Rob Dodson covering various topics of web accessibility. Accessibility Weekly is a newsletter that curates the latest articles, tools, and events on web accessibility.

6 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?