Introduction
Have you ever struggled to read light gray text on a white background? Or have you tried navigating a website without a mouse?
For millions of users, these aren’t minor inconveniences—they’re full stop barriers.
At BetterQA, we believe that if a product isn’t accessible, it isn’t high quality. That’s why accessibility testing is embedded into every phase of development—not just tacked on before launch.
Let’s explore the biggest accessibility failures and, more importantly, how to prevent them before they cost you users, revenue, and compliance risks.
Why Accessibility Matters (Beyond Compliance)
Ignoring accessibility isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a business risk.
- Legal & Financial Exposure – Non-compliance with WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 can result in lawsuits.
- SEO & Discoverability – Google favors accessible websites in search rankings.
- Larger Customer Base – 15% of the global population lives with a disability—excluding them means losing revenue.
- Better UX for Everyone – Accessibility isn’t just for users with disabilities—it improves usability for all.
The smartest companies bake accessibility into development, not scramble to fix it later.
The Most Common Accessibility Issues & How to Prevent Them
1. Poor Color Contrast
Users with low vision struggle to read text that blends into the background.
✔ BetterQA’s Fix:
- Test contrast early using tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse.
- Stick to WCAG’s 4.5:1 contrast ratio for readability in all lighting conditions.
2. Missing Alternative Text for Images
Without alt text, screen reader users have no idea what an image represents.
✔ BetterQA’s Fix:
- Ensure all meaningful images have clear, descriptive alt text.
- Use ARIA labels for functional icons like buttons.
3. Broken Keyboard Navigation
If a site can’t be navigated using only a keyboard, many users can’t use it at all.
✔ BetterQA’s Fix:
- Make sure all interactive elements (buttons, modals, forms) work with Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Spacebar.
- Test for keyboard traps—users should never get stuck in popups or dropdowns.
4. Forms Without Labels or Clear Errors
Users get stuck when forms have missing labels or unclear error messages.
✔ BetterQA’s Fix:
- Every input field must have a visible <label> (e.g., <label for=”email”>Email</label>).
- Use real-time error validation that clearly explains the issue.
5. Videos Without Captions or Transcripts
Without captions, deaf and hard-of-hearing users are excluded.
✔ BetterQA’s Fix:
- Always include captions and transcripts for video content.
- Use audio descriptions for key visual elements.
How BetterQA Catches Accessibility Bugs Before They Become Expensive
Most companies wait too long to test accessibility, leading to costly, last-minute fixes.
At BetterQA, we take a shift-left approach—testing for accessibility early and continuously to prevent problems before they happen.
BQA Approach:
- Automated + Manual Testing
- We use various tools, such as Lighthouse, to detect common issues.
- Our testers manually validate accessibility with real screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Shift-Left Accessibility Testing
- We test accessibility during design, development, and QA—not just before launch.
- Finding issues early saves time and money.
- Continuous Accessibility Audits
- Accessibility is not a one-time fix—we monitor and improve software over time.
- We work with teams to train them on accessibility best practices.
Recently, we helped a fintech company detect 50+ accessibility issues before launch, preventing compliance risks and improving overall user experience.
BetterQA: Your Accessibility Testing Partner
We’re not just another QA company—we’re an independent testing partner focused on prevention, not just detection.
Why Companies Choose BetterQA:
✔ 100% Independent QA – No hidden development agenda.
✔ Proactive, Not Reactive – We help prevent accessibility issues before they become costly.
✔ Actionable, Practical Fixes – No vague reports—just clear solutions.
✔ Beyond Compliance – We focus on real usability improvements, not just legal checkboxes.
Quick Accessibility Self-Check
Want to know if your product is accessible? Start with this 5-point checklist:
- Is your text contrast ratio at least 4.5:1?
- Do all images have descriptive alt text?
- Can you navigate your site using only a keyboard?
- Do all form fields have clear labels and error messages?
- Are all videos captioned and transcribed?
If you answered no to any of these, your product isn’t as accessible as it should be.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t just a requirement—it’s a competitive advantage.
Companies that prioritize accessibility early avoid legal risks, improve UX, and expand their customer base.
At BetterQA, we make accessibility practical, testable, and built-in from the start.
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