Introduction
Let’s be honest, web accessibility isn’t something that should just be checked off your to-do list. It’s a must. And here’s why: We all use technology for just about everything in our lives, and the last thing you want is to exclude a whole group of people from being able to access your website or app. That’s where an Accessibility Testing Checklist comes into play. It ensures that everyone, no matter their ability, has access to your digital content.
Did you know that over a billion people worldwide have some form of disability? That’s about 15% of the global population. So, if your website isn’t accessible, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential users, and that’s not just bad ethics, it’s bad business. At BetterQA, we see web accessibility as a fundamental part of quality assurance. And trust us, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about making sure your platform is inclusive, helping you reach more people and improve your user experience for everyone.
The Importance of Web Accessibility
Legal Requirements
Let’s start with the obvious: legal requirements. If your website isn’t accessible, you might find yourself in hot water. In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is being interpreted more and more to include websites and mobile apps. And if you get slapped with a lawsuit, it’s not just about paying fines. There’s also the reputation damage. Think about it: nothing kills a brand faster than negative press. Protect your brand, stay compliant, and build a positive image..
Broader Audience
But there’s more to it than just staying out of legal trouble. Web accessibility opens your platform up to a larger audience. Did you know that almost 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have some form of disability? That’s a huge market, and if your website isn’t accessible, you’re leaving it on the table. Accessible websites mean more customers, and that translates to more revenue and a bigger audience for your business.
Enhanced SEO
Here’s another surprise: accessibility can actually boost your SEO. Google and other search engines prioritize websites that provide a better user experience, and accessibility is a huge part of that. Things like semantic HTML and alt text not only make your site more accessible but also more machine-readable, which helps search engines index your content better. More visibility, more traffic—what’s not to love?
Better User Experience
And finally, accessibility is just plain good design. Good design is all about making things easy for users, whether they have disabilities or not. Simple navigation, clear text, and a well-organized layout make for a better user experience overall. And here’s the kicker: when you make a website accessible, it’s usually more user-friendly for everyone, not just people with disabilities. Win-win!
Before we dive into the checklist, let’s take a moment to think about why web accessibility isn’t just an optional feature; it’s a must-have for today’s digital world.
The 7 Essential Steps in Your Accessibility Testing Checklist
Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
You wouldn’t start a road trip without a map, right? The same goes for accessibility testing. Before you dive deep into an audit, it’s a good idea to start with a preliminary assessment. This helps you identify the obvious accessibility issues that can be fixed right away. Use tools like Axe or WAVE to quickly scan your website for things like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and misused HTML semantics.
BetterQA Insight
We’re big fans of a hybrid approach at BetterQA. While automated tools are great for spotting issues quickly, nothing beats the thoroughness of manual testing. It’s all about combining speed with depth.
Step 2: WCAG Compliance Check
Here’s the thing: WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the standards that most people follow when it comes to accessibility. You’ll want to ensure your website meets the latest WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, which cover everything from text alternatives for images to keyboard accessibility. And the best part? These guidelines help make your website not just compliant, but truly inclusive.
BetterQA Insight
Compliance isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a process. At BetterQA, we stay on top of updates to the WCAG guidelines so your website isn’t just compliant today, but ready for tomorrow’s standards. Want more details? Check out our blog post on 4 Best Steps to Comply with WCAG Guidelines.
Step 3: Keyboard Accessibility
You’d be surprised how often keyboard accessibility gets overlooked. But it’s vital for users with mobility impairments who rely on keyboard navigation. Make sure everything that’s clickable with a mouse is also navigable with a keyboard. That includes buttons, forms, dropdowns, and other interactive elements.
BetterQA Insight
At BetterQA, we dig deeper than just basic navigation. We also check for keyboard shortcuts and tabbing sequences to ensure users can navigate smoothly and efficiently.
Step 4: Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen readers are life-changers for visually impaired users. These tools convert text into speech, but they only work properly if the website’s HTML is structured correctly. It’s crucial to test your site’s compatibility with popular screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
BetterQA Insight
With our background in medical software testing, we know how important screen reader compatibility is. We don’t just perform standard tests; we simulate real-world usage to ensure your content is understandable and useful when read aloud.
Step 5: Color Contrast and Text Readability
Let’s talk about color contrast. Low contrast between text and background can make it hard for users to read, especially those with low vision or color blindness. Tools like the Color Contrast Analyzer can help you check if your site meets WCAG 2.1 contrast guidelines.
BetterQA Insight
We don’t stop at basic contrast checks. We also consider different types of color blindness to make sure your website is truly inclusive to all users, not just those with perfect vision.
Step 6: Form and Input Fields
Forms are a huge part of user interaction, whether it’s signing up for an account or making a purchase. Make sure your form fields are properly labeled and error messages are clear and actionable.
BetterQA Insight
At BetterQA, we know forms are a make-or-break moment for users. We make sure the entire process is smooth, intuitive, and accessible, delivering a top-notch user experience at every step.
Step 7: Multimedia Accessibility
Multimedia content like images and videos should be accessible, too. For images, make sure you provide alt text that can be read by screen readers. For videos, include captions and maybe a transcript for users with hearing impairments.
BetterQA Insight
Multimedia elements are meant to engage users, but they need to be accessible too. We test multimedia for both usability and accessibility to make sure it works for everyone.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is so much more than a checkbox on a QA checklist; it’s a vital part of your digital strategy. The 7-step Accessibility Testing Checklist we’ve shared here is designed to help you create a site that’s not only compliant but truly inclusive for all users.
At BetterQA, we bring years of experience across industries like healthcare and fintech to ensure your website provides a seamless, inclusive experience for everyone.
In today’s digital world, web accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. It’s about making the web a place for everyone. That’s the future we’re working toward at BetterQA, and we’d love for you to join us in making it a reality.
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