Making sure your website works for everyone, including people with disabilities, isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential. Accessibility testing helps you find and fix issues that could make your site tough to use for people with visual, hearing, cognitive, or mobility impairments. Whether you’re a web developer, IT pro, or content creator, knowing how to test for accessibility can save you headaches—and money—later.

In this guide, we’ll cover some simple, effective ways to check your site’s accessibility. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an expert to get started. Let’s dive in!

Why Website Accessibility Testing Matters

Accessibility testing ensures your website is welcoming to everyone, regardless of their abilities. It also helps you stay in line with important standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

But it’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating a better experience for all your users. For example:

• Clear, organized content helps screen readers and makes reading easier for everyone.
• Good color contrast improves visibility, whether you’re in bright sunlight or a dim room.
• Keyboard-friendly navigation benefits people who can’t use a mouse and even power users who prefer shortcuts.

Accessibility doesn’t just check a box—it enhances your site for everyone.

Quick Accessibility Testing Methods

You don’t need a deep dive into the world of accessibility to start testing your website. There are three main ways to test:

1. Automated Testing
2. Manual Testing
3. Assistive Technology Testing

Each method offers unique insights. Using them together? That’s your golden ticket to a more accessible site.

Automated Accessibility Testing

Automated tools are perfect for a quick scan. They flag common issues like missing alt text, messy headings, or poor color contrast. Think of them as a helpful starting point, not the end-all solution.

Here are a few tools to get you started:

• WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): This browser extension highlights issues like missing alt text and improper ARIA attributes. Bonus: It’s free and super easy to use.
• Google Lighthouse: Built right into Chrome’s DevTools, it gives your site an accessibility score and helpful feedback.
• WebAIM’s Contrast Checker: This tool ensures your text and background colors meet WCAG’s contrast requirements.

Pro Tip: Automated tools are great, but they’re not perfect. They might miss subtler issues or flag things that aren’t actually problems. Treat them as step one, not the whole process.

Manual Accessibility Testing

Sometimes, you need a human touch. Manual testing simulates real-world user experiences to catch what tools can’t.

Try These Tests:

• Keyboard Navigation Test:
  • Use the Tab key to move around your site. Can you access every link, button, and form?
  • Is there a visible focus indicator (like a highlight) on selected elements?
  • Does the navigation flow make sense?
  • If you can’t complete tasks like filling out a form or navigating menus, there’s work to do.
• Color Contrast Test:
  • Use WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to make sure your text is easy to read against its background.
  • Aim for a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18px or larger).
• Alt Text for Images:
  • Check your images. Does the alt text describe their content or purpose?
  • Decorative images? They should have empty alt text (e.g., alt=””).
• Forms and Error Messages:
  • Are form labels clear?
  • Do error messages explain what went wrong and how to fix it?

For further details on manual testing, please read our article “The Human Touch: Manual Testing for Web Accessibility.”

Testing with Assistive Technologies

If you want the real deal, test your site with the tools your users rely on. Screen readers like NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) offer invaluable insights into how accessible your site really is.

What to Check:

• Is the content reading in a logical order?
• Are links clear and descriptive?
• Does alt text accurately describe images?

Testing with assistive tech gives you a firsthand look at your site’s usability.

Common Accessibility Issues to Watch For

As you test, keep an eye out for these usual suspects:

• Missing or unhelpful alt text.
• Low color contrast.
• Skipped heading levels (like jumping from H2 to H4).
• Keyboard traps where navigation gets stuck.
• Forms without labels or clear error messages.
• No visible focus indicators for buttons or links.

The Limitations of Quick Tests

Quick tests are awesome for a first pass, but they won’t catch everything. For example:

• They might miss problems with interactive elements or dynamic content.
• They don’t always account for users with cognitive disabilities.

For a deeper dive, consider a professional audit. Experts can evaluate your site with advanced tools, manual reviews, and assistive tech to ensure you’re fully WCAG-compliant.

Why Overlays Aren’t the Solution

You might’ve seen tools promising quick fixes with overlays or widgets. Sounds tempting, right? But these “solutions” often create more problems than they solve.

Here’s Why Overlays Fall Short:

• They don’t address underlying code issues.
• They can clash with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• They frustrate users instead of helping them.

Real accessibility starts with your site’s design and development, not a temporary patch.

Wrapping It Up: A Holistic Approach to Accessibility

Testing your website for accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with automated tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse and layering in manual checks for keyboard navigation, color contrast, and assistive technology testing, you can create a more inclusive experience for all users.

But remember, quick tests are just the beginning. Regular testing and professional audits ensure your website meets accessibility standards and provides the best possible user experience.

If you’re ready to take your accessibility efforts to the next level, 216digital can help. Our team specializes in comprehensive accessibility solutions that go beyond surface fixes. Schedule an ADA briefing with us today by using the contact form below. Let’s work together to make your website accessible to everyone.