Ensuring your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is not only the right thing to do but also essential for legal compliance and business growth. Accessibility compliance is guided by standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which outline how to make your website usable for all.
But how do you test your website for accessibility compliance? This guide will walk you through the process, highlight key tools and techniques, and show how Ability, Inc. can support your accessibility efforts.
Why Test for Accessibility Compliance?
1. Ensure Inclusivity
Testing helps you identify and remove barriers that may prevent users with disabilities from accessing your content.
2. Avoid Legal Risks
Non-compliance with accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.
3. Improve User Experience
Accessibility best practices benefit everyone. For instance, clear navigation and text alternatives improve usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.
How to Test Your Website for Accessibility Compliance
1. Start with an Accessibility Audit
An accessibility audit is a comprehensive review of your website to identify barriers to access. It evaluates your site against WCAG standards, focusing on issues like:
- Missing alt text for images.
- Poor keyboard navigation.
- Low color contrast.
How Ability Can Help:
Ability’s auditing services offer a detailed analysis of your website’s accessibility, along with actionable recommendations to close compliance gaps.
2. Use Automated Accessibility Testing Tools
Automated tools can scan your website for common issues and provide a quick snapshot of its compliance status. These tools check for things like:
- Missing ARIA labels.
- Improper heading structures.
- Color contrast problems.
Max Access by Ability, Inc. is a powerful solution that provides automated fixes, compliance monitoring, and ongoing accessibility insights. Its “free forever” tier makes it easy for businesses of any size to get started.
3. Conduct Manual Testing
Automated tools are valuable but not perfect—they can’t catch everything. Manual testing ensures a more thorough evaluation, focusing on:
- Usability for screen reader users.
- Keyboard-only navigation tests.
- Reviewing content for clear and simple language.
For instance, try navigating your website using only the keyboard. Can you access all menus, forms, and interactive elements? If not, these are areas to address.
4. Test with Assistive Technologies
Testing your website with real assistive technologies ensures compatibility for users with disabilities. Tools to test with include:
- Screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
- Magnification software for users with low vision.
- Voice navigation tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
5. Validate Code and Structure
Accessible websites rely on clean and semantic code. Use tools like the W3C Markup Validation Service to check for errors in your HTML and CSS.
Common Accessibility Issues to Watch For
When testing for accessibility compliance, be on the lookout for these common issues:
- Missing or improper alt text for images.
- Forms without labels or clear instructions.
- Buttons and links without descriptive names.
- Low contrast between text and background colors.
- Non-responsive design that doesn’t adapt well to different devices.
The Role of Accessibility Experts
While tools and techniques can identify many issues, working with accessibility experts ensures comprehensive testing and compliance.
Why Partner with Ability, Inc.?
- Comprehensive Auditing: Learn more about our in-depth audits, tailored to your website’s needs.
- Automated Accessibility Tools: Use Max Access for quick fixes and ongoing monitoring.
- Expert Guidance: Our team provides hands-on support and resources like the Ally Toolbox to help your team build accessible digital experiences.
Continuous Monitoring: Accessibility is Ongoing
Accessibility isn’t a one-time task. As you update your website with new content and features, continue testing and improving accessibility. Use tools like Max Access to monitor compliance over time and identify areas needing attention. Also if you’d rather, Ability has an Ongoing Compliance Management service.
Take the First Step Toward Accessibility Compliance
Testing your website for accessibility compliance is critical for inclusivity, legal protection, and business success. By combining automated tools, manual reviews, and expert support, you can create a digital experience that works for everyone.
Let Ability, Inc. help you achieve your accessibility goals. Start with a free accessibility analysis or explore Max Access to see how our tools can transform your website.Comprehensive Audi