Deep Dive into Manual Accessibility Testing Techniques

When it comes to accessibility testing, it’s essential to understand that it’s not just about doing the right thing morally but also about ensuring that everyone can use our app or website. In today’s digital world, where websites and apps are vital for sharing information and providing services, accessibility is more important than ever.

Incorporating Accessibility into Manual Testing

Manual testing is crucial for checking how accessible websites are. It lets testers experience the site as people with disabilities might. Testers try out screen readers, navigate with only a keyboard, or use voice recognition software. By doing this, they can spot problems that make the site hard to use and ensure it’s easy for everyone.

It’s important to know that accessibility tools aren’t only for those with permanent disabilities. Sometimes, everyone can be temporarily disabled because of issues like a broken hand or an eye infection. During that time, those people rely on accessibility tools. For instance, someone with a broken hand might use voice recognition software often, while someone with an eye infection might need a screen reader to navigate. That’s why developers should always focus on accessibility—unexpected situations can arise, and everyone should be able to use software easily.

Also, it’s good to remember that accessibility testing isn’t limited to a particular operating system. Every OS has built-in accessibility features, making manual testing on different devices possible. Moreover, many free tools, like the WAVE Evaluation Tool and Axe, make manual testing easier.

Manual Testing Techniques

Those are some of the common manual accessibility testing techniques.

• Keyboard Accessibility
  This testing technique ensures that websites are easy to navigate for users who rely on keyboard inputs. Testers check that all interactive elements, like menus and buttons, can be accessed and used without a mouse. They also verify that focus indicators show which element is selected and are clear and appropriately styled. Additionally, testers ensure that the order in which elements receive focus makes sense and that focus stays within interactive parts of the website.
• Screen Reader
  Screen readers are critical tools for users with visual impairments. Testers assess whether the website content is conveyed correctly through screen readers and if alternative text is provided for non-text elements such as images, icons, or video. They also ensure that screen reader users can seamlessly navigate different website sections.
• Form Accessibility
  Forms are a common feature on websites, and ensuring their accessibility is crucial for users with disabilities. Testers assess the accessibility of forms by checking for proper labeling, error handling, and validation messages. They ensure that form fields are programmatically associated with their labels, making it easier for screen reader users to understand the form structure and provide input accurately.
• Color Contrast
  Color contrast is vital in making content readable, especially for visually impaired users. Testers evaluate the color contrast ratio between text and background colors to ensure optimal readability. They check whether a text is legible against various background colors and whether there is sufficient contrast to distinguish between different elements on the page.

By diligently employing these techniques, developers can uncover accessibility issues and implement necessary fixes to enhance the user experience for all users.

Accessibility Testing Tools

Using external tools can make accessibility testing more thorough and efficient. Tools like WAVE Evaluation, Axe, or Pa11y help ensure websites are accessible for everyone. They check the structure of web pages, looking at things like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Then, they find any problems that might make the site hard to use for people with disabilities, following accessibility guidelines. After scanning, they give detailed reports showing what’s wrong and how to fix it. These tools are essential for ensuring everyone can access digital content without hassle. By using these tools alongside manual testing, developers can ensure their software is accessible to all users.

Including User Feedback: A Holistic Approach

Getting feedback from users with disabilities is crucial for understanding how accessible digital products are. By listening to their experiences, developers can find ways to make products better for everyone. Combining this feedback with automated and manual testing ensures a comprehensive approach to accessibility testing.

Prioritizing Accessibility: A Commitment to Inclusive Design

In conclusion, accessibility testing is a vital aspect of software development that ensures digital products are inclusive and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. While manual testing provides valuable insights into accessibility issues, automation can further streamline the testing process. Stay tuned for our upcoming post, where we’ll delve into automation techniques for accessibility testing. Let’s continue striving towards a web that’s accessible to all, leaving no user behind.