Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a must.
You need to make sure your digital content is accessible. And that means you have to break down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully using your products.
Whether it’s a website, mobile app, or software platform, prioritizing accessibility improves user experience and helps you stay on the right side of the law.
With the rise of global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and regulations like the European Accessibility Act 2025, more and more businesses are getting serious about accessibility testing.
However, despite its importance, many teams still struggle to test for accessibility effectively, leaving issues unresolved and users frustrated.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about accessibility testing – from the basics to advanced techniques.
You’ll learn about manual and automated testing approaches, get practical tips for carrying out audits, and discover how to make your digital products more inclusive.
Let’s dive in!
Accessibility testing guarantees that everyone – including people with disabilities – can access and enjoy your digital content.
It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance, it’s about making sure no one is left out.
Simply, skipping accessibility testing can cause big problems.
The most obvious one? Legal issues. With the European Accessibility Act 2025 coming into effect on June 28, 2025, companies are under pressure to make their digital content accessible. Ignoring it could mean lawsuits and damage to your brand’s reputation.
There is also the user experience factor. Imagine a visually impaired person trying to navigate your website that lacks alt text or uses poor color contrast. Not only do they struggle, but they’re also highly likely to leave your site and never come back.
Accessibility is about more than just avoiding lawsuits. It’s about putting users first. Incorporating human-centered design and testing with assistive technologies, like screen readers or the Android Accessibility Suite, makes your content usable for everyone.
Plus, making your site more accessible benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Think keyboard navigation and clear text contrast. These are good for users with slow internet, mobile users, and anyone who appreciates a streamlined experience.
Taking accessibility seriously sets your brand apart. It shows you’re proactive, responsible, and committed to inclusion.
It’s also a competitive advantage – customers appreciate brands that prioritize their needs.
Let’s talk about standards.
Accessibility testing is rooted in established standards and guidelines that define how digital products and services should be made accessible. Understanding these standards is crucial for effective testing and compliance.
Let’s look at the most widely recognized frameworks and regulations that guide accessibility practices.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the most widely adopted set of guidelines for web accessibility. Managed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG provides a comprehensive framework organized into four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (often abbreviated as POUR).
WCAG is structured into three conformance levels:
Adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA is typically considered the industry standard for web accessibility.
The ADA is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. While it initially targeted physical spaces, it has since been interpreted to cover digital environments, especially websites.
Guaranteeing compliance with ADA standards is vital for U.S.-based businesses to avoid legal challenges and public backlash.
This regulation mandates that all federal agencies’ electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 compliance is essential for government websites and any businesses that contract with federal agencies.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets out comprehensive requirements for products and services to be accessible to people with disabilities. It covers websites, mobile apps, e-commerce, and more, making it essential for businesses operating within the EU.
Remember, different countries have their own accessibility requirements, so it’s important to check that you’re covered everywhere you operate.
Here are a few examples:
By aligning your testing practices with these standards, you ensure that your digital content meets legal requirements and provides an inclusive user experience.
Accessibility testing can be conducted through various methods, each serving a unique purpose in identifying and addressing accessibility barriers.
The most effective approach often involves combining multiple testing methods to cover both technical and user-centered aspects.
Let’s take a look:
Manual testing involves human evaluators interacting directly with the website or application to identify accessibility barriers. While it can be time-consuming, it offers nuanced insights that automated tools may miss, such as contextual issues or nuanced usability challenges.
Automated testing tools quickly scan digital content to identify common accessibility issues. While they are efficient at detecting technical problems, they cannot replace the thoroughness of manual testing.
As a result, automation should complement manual efforts rather than replace them.
Testing with actual users who have disabilities is a critical component of a comprehensive accessibility strategy.
Automated and manual methods often miss real-world challenges that users face, such as navigating complex forms or interpreting content with screen readers.
Relying on just one method of testing can leave significant gaps. By combining manual, automated, and user testing, organizations can achieve more comprehensive and accurate results. This multi-faceted approach ensures that both technical compliance and real-world usability are addressed, delivering a fully inclusive digital experience.
Next, we’ll dive into some of the most common accessibility barriers that are uncovered during testing and how to address them effectively.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues you’ll run into during accessibility testing:
Fixing these issues not only makes your content accessible but also improves the overall user experience.
Conducting an accessibility audit is a systematic way to find and fix accessibility issues. You need to follow these steps to make sure your digital product meets current standards:
Once you’ve identified issues during your audit, it’s time to fix them.
As we know, a workperson is only as good as their tools. Make sure you’re working out what’s best for you and your users.
You can try:
Accessibility testing isn’t just about compliance – it’s about making your digital spaces welcoming and usable for everyone. By combining manual testing, automated tools, and user feedback, you can make sure your content is accessible to all.
Take action now to make your site more inclusive. Start testing today and make your digital products better for everyone!