Everything You Need to Know About Accessibility Testing

With a growing digital world, accessibility is quickly becoming a necessity, not an option. Imagine using a smartphone with a broken screen or a website when reaching and clicking with a mouse is not an option because of some physical limitation. These types of experiences happen daily for millions of people with disabilities.

When we consider the fact that well over 1.3 billion people on the planet live with some level of disability, it is much more than a small population that is often thought of, it is a worldwide population that is often overlooked. When we make products accessible through the design process, we are creating digital products that are usable, equitable, and accessible for all users, whether they have a disability or not.

Accessibility should be more than just a regulatory approach; when a product is designed with accessibility, it is: human-centered designed, digitally inclusive, and great for all users’ experiences.

Did you know? More than 70% of websites do not conform to the most basic accessibility standards, and many of the product teams or project teams do not realize they are not built to be accessible.

1. Table of Content
Introduction: Understanding the Need for Accessibility
Why Accessibility Matters in Modern Digital Products
Real-World Impact and User Diversity
What is Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility vs. Usability vs. Inclusive Design
Examples of Accessibility Testing
Why Focus on Accessibility Testing?
Social Responsibility: Inclusion Is Everyone’s Job
Legal and Compliance Pressure: The Rules Are Getting
Stricter
Brand Reputation & Audience Expansion: Accessibility
Everything You Need to Know About
Accessibility Testing

2. Pays Off
Digital Accessibility Standards
WCAG, ADA, Section 508 – What They Really Mean
Accessibility Laws by Region 
Who Should Be Responsible for Accessibility Testing?
Roles and Responsibilities
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Types of Accessibility Testing
Manual Accessibility Testing
Automated Accessibility Testing
Best Practice: Combine Both Approaches
Components & Metrics of Accessibility
Key Elements:
Metrics for Accessibility Testing:
How to Perform Accessibility Testing
Conclusion: Accessibility is a Non-Negotiable in Modern QA
Introduction: Understanding the Need
for Accessibility
Why Accessibility Matters in Modern
Digital Products
With a growing digital world, accessibility is quickly becoming a
necessity, not an option. Imagine using a smartphone with a broken
screen or a website when reaching and clicking with a mouse is not
an option because of some physical limitation. These types of
experiences happen daily for millions of people with disabilities.
When we consider the fact that well over 1.3 billion people on the
planet live with some level of disability, it is much more than a small
population that is often thought of, it is a worldwide population that is
often overlooked. When we make products accessible through the

3. design process, we are creating digital products that are usable,
equitable, and accessible for all users, whether they have a disability
or not.
Accessibility should be more than just a regulatory approach; when a
product is designed with accessibility, it is: human-centered
designed, digitally inclusive, and great for all users’ experiences.
Did you know? More than 70% of websites do not conform to the
most basic accessibility standards, and many of the product teams or
project teams do not realize they are not built to be accessible.
Real-World Impact and User Diversity
Accessibility isn’t just for permanent disabilities. It’s for everyday
scenarios we all face:
Using your phone in bright sunlight
Trying to watch a video with no headphones in public
Recovering from an injury
When we talk about accessibility, we’re also talking about usability in
the real world. Accessibility helps a student using a screen reader, an
older adult navigating a mobile app, or someone accessing a service
with one hand while holding a baby.
Example: Ever tried using a website with slow internet? Accessibility
best practices – like optimized loading, simple navigation, and
readable content- make the experience smoother for everyone.
What is Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility testing ensures your websites, apps, and digital content
can be used by people with a range of disabilities – visual, auditory,

4. motor, cognitive, and more. 
The goal? Make your product Perceivable, Operable,
Understandable, and Robust (POUR) for everyone.
The POUR Principles:
At the heart of accessibility are the POUR principles, defqned by the
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines):
Perceivable –  Information and UI components must be
presented in ways users can perceive.
Example: Text alternatives (alt text) for images, captions for
videos.
Operable –  Interface elements Bst be functional using a
keyboard or assistive devices.
Example: All buttons and links should be accessible via
tab/enter, not just mouse clicks.
Understandable – Content and operation should be easy to
comprehend.
Example: Clear labels on form fqelds, consistent navigation
across pages.
Robust –  Content Bst be compatible with current and future
assistive technologies.
Example: Use semantic HTML so screen readers can
interpret it correctly.

5. Accessibility vs. Usability vs. Inclusive
Design
Accessibility: Accessibility is about accomodating people with
disabilities.
Usability: Usability is ensuring that everyone can use something
and get something done.
Inclusive Design: Inclusive Design is about thinking about
diversity from the outset, not as an add-on. 
Quick Insight: Inclusive design isn’t just accessibility; it
improves things for everyone.

6. Examples of Accessibility Testing
Common Scenarios
Screen Reader Compatibility
Ensure users can navigate your app or site using screen readers
like NVDA (Windows), JAWS, or VoiceOver (Mac/iOS). This
includes checking if all buttons, links, and headings are properly
labeled and read out loud in the right order.
Keyboard-Only Navigation
Many users can’t use a mouse. Test whether all interactive
elements (menus, forms, modals, etc.) are accessible and
operable via the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys. The experience
should be smooth and logical.
Color Contrast for Low Vision
Text should be readable against backgrounds, particularly for
users with color blindness or low vision. Use tools such as
WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure you have the miniBm
contrast ratio (which is at least 4.5:1 for body text).
Zoom and Font Resize
Try zooming your browser to 200% or increasing font size via
settings. Your layout should remain usable and not break. This is
especially helpful for older users or those with visual
impairments.
Pro Tip: Try navigating your site without a mouse. You’ll
spot accessibility issues instantly.
Real-Life Testing Examples
E-Commerce Sites: Ensuring users can complete purchases
with screen readers and access product descriptions with ARIA
labels.
Educational Platforms: Verifying all videos have captions,

7. transcripts for audio content, and accessible quiz forms.
Banking Apps: Testing color contrast, error messaging, and
correct labeling for form fqelds to support users with visual or
cognitive impairments.
Streaming Platforms: Checking for audio descriptions for
videos and accessible controls for volume, playback, and
captions.
Government Services: Making sure important forms (e.g., tax,
voting registration) can be fqlled out and submitted via keyboard
with screen reader compatibility.
Mobile Apps: Verifying gestures, touch targets, and voice
control work for users with motor disabilities.
Did you know that even high-profqle platforms like LinkedIn
and YouTube have faced accessibility lawsuits due to
missing captions or poor navigation?
Why Focus on Accessibility Testing?
Social Responsibility: Inclusion Is
Everyone’s Job
Accessibility isn’t an act of charity- it’s about equal opportunity and
inclusive design. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves access to
digital tools, services, and experiences. When you build accessible
products, you’re empowering people to apply for jobs, order groceries,
book appointments, or simply enjoy content like everyone else.
Reminder: Accessible design supports real people in real situations.
It’s not just good design – it’s the right thing to do.
Legal and Compliance Pressure: The

8. Rules Are Getting Stricter
Across the globe, digital accessibility is becoming legally
enforceable. More countries are introducing laws that mandate
inclusive design, and failing to comply can have serious
consequences, from lawsuits and fqnes to being pulled from the
market.
Fact: Major organizations likeHarvard, Domino’s, and Beyoncé’s
company have faced lawsuits due to inaccessible websites.
Brand Reputation & Audience
Expansion: Accessibility Pays Off
Accessible products aren’t just easier to use – they’re also more
trustworthy. When people see that your platform considers everyone,
they’re more likely to stick around, recommend it, and stay loyal to
your brand.
Stat Check: Studies show that improving accessibility can increase
your audience by up to 15%, especially among users with temporary
or age-related impairments.
Digital Accessibility Standards
WCAG, ADA, Section 508 – What They Really Mean
Digital accessibility doesn’t just happen by chance – it’s established
by global standards and legal regulations that provide inclusive
access for all users.
WCAG(Web Content Accessibility Guidelines):
WCAG is a global standard for accessibility in digital content,

9. issued by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG, an
internationally recognized standard for accessible digital
content, is established with principles to ensure that websites,
apps, and documents are usable by individuals with a variety of
disabilities.
Key focus areas include:
Text alternatives for non-text content
Color contrast
Keyboard navigability
Responsive and mobile-friendly design
Update: The latest version, WCAG 2.2, was released in October 2023.
It introduces new criteria focused on users with low vision, cognitive
disabilities, and mobile usability.
WCAG Conformance Levels
Level Meaning Example Requirement
A
Minimum level of
accessibility
Text alternatives for non-
text content
AA
Widely accepted
standard for legal
compliance
Suffqcient contrast
between text and
background
AAA
Highest level; rarely
required by law
Sign language
interpretation for audio
content
Note: Most organizations aim for Level AA compliance to meet legal
and usability expectations.
Accessibility Laws by Region 
United States
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Applies to public

10. and private sector websites.
The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a US civil
rights law that bans discrimination against people with
disabilities. It used to be mainly about physical places,
but now it also covers digital spaces, especially for
businesses, schools, and public services. Both public
and private sector websites need to follow it. You can
fqnd more info on the offqcial website, ADA.gov.
Offqcial ADA Website (ADA.gov).
Section 508: Federal agencies Bst make digital content
accessible.
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act requires
federal agencies to ensure that their websites,
documents, and software are usable by people with
disabilities. They often use WCAG Level AA standards to
check if they’re meeting this requirement. Federal
agencies Bst make their digital content accessible to
everyone.
Section 508 Standards (Section508.gov)
European Union
European Accessibility Act (EAA): This act applies to
websites, mobile apps, and digital services across the EU.
This applies to all sorts of digital stuff like websites,
mobile apps, online stores, e-books, and digital
services throughout the European Union. It’s all about
making sure everything lines up with the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA.
 European Accessibility Act – Offqcial EU Page
Follows EN 301 549, which aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
United Kingdom
Equality Act 2010: Requires reasonable accomodations
for people with disabilities.
This means that both public and private digital services
need to make reasonable adjustments to

11. accomodate people with disabilities. Specifqcally,
public sector websites have to adhere to the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
Equality-act-2010-guidance
The public sector Bst meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Canada
Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and AODA (Ontario): Set
digital accessibility requirements for government and
businesses.
Require federal agencies and businesses to make their
digital services accessible. In Ontario, the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) mandates
adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
ACA Offqcial Link
AODA Offqcial Link
Australia
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA): Websites Bst be
accessible; WCAG 2.1 Level AA is recommended.
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA):
The DDA mandates that websites and digital services
Bst be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Though it doesn’t provide specifqc guidelines, WCAG 2.1
Level AA is the suggested standard for ensuring
compliance. This rule covers websites in both the
public and private sectors.
DDA Offqcial Link
India
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Encourages
adherence to accessibility standards; WCAG 2.1 is
suggested.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:
This law champions equal rights and accessibility for
individuals with disabilities. It advocates for all public
digital content and services, particularly those

12. provided by government websites, to align with WCAG
2.1 Level AA standards.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities Link
Who Should Be Responsible for
Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility is not the job of one team – it’s a shared responsibility
across Bltiple roles in the development cycle. Each team member
has a vital part to play in creating an inclusive digital experience.

13. Roles and Responsibilities
Developers: Write semantic code and use ARIA roles to ensure
screen reader compatibility.
QA Engineers: Test accessibility features using real users,
assistive tools (e.g., NVDA, Axe), and manual checks.
Designers: Create visually accessible designs with proper color
contrast, font choices, and intuitive navigation.
Product Owners: Ensure accessibility is a priority from planning
to delivery.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Accessibility works best when the whole team takes responsibility.
From design to testing, make accessibility a core part of every phase
of development. This ensures it’s not an afterthought, but an integral
part of your product.
Types of Accessibility Testing
Accessibility testing ensures that your digital product is usable by
everyone, including people with disabilities. There are two main
approaches to conducting accessibility testing: manual and
automated. Each has its strengths, and together they provide
comprehensive coverage.
Manual Accessibility Testing
What it is
Manual accessibility testing involves human evaluators interacting
with the application using assistive technologies and techniques. It
focuses on real-world usability scenarios that automated tools might
miss.

14. When to use it
To test user flows from the perspective of someone using a
screen reader or keyboard only
When assessing cognitive load, readability, or intuitive navigation
When verifying the intent and clarity of ARIA labels, alt text, or
error messaging
Tools commonly used
Screen Readers: NVDA (Windows), Wave, Axe, Pa11y, VoiceOver
(Mac), TalkBack (Android)
Keyboard Navigation: Testing tab orders, focus visibility, and
skip links
Color Contrast Tools: Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA)
Browser Extensions: aXe DevTools, WAVE, Accessibility Insights
Simulators: No Coffee (for siBlating various visual
impairments)
Automated Accessibility Testing
What it is
Automated testing uses scripts or tools to scan codebases and
identify potential accessibility violations based on WCAG guidelines.
Pros
Quick identifqcation of comon issues
Easy integration with CI/CD pipelines
Good for regression testing and large-scale audits
Cons
Can’t catch context-based issues like proper alt text meaning or
logical tab order

15. Doesn’t replace human judgment or empathy
Can produce false positives or miss certain types of violations
Popular tools
Lighthouse: Google’s built-in Chrome tool for performance and
accessibility audits
axe-core / axe DevTools: Widely used engine that powers many
accessibility testing tools
Pa11y: Comand-line tool for automated audits
Tenon, WAVE API, Deque, and AccessLint
Best Practice: Combine Both
Approaches
While automated tools are great for speed and consistency, manual
testing ensures your application is truly usable by people with
disabilities. The best results come from a hybrid approach – start
with automated scans to catch basic issues, and follow up with
manual testing for usability, empathy, and edge cases.
Components & Metrics of Accessibility
Key Elements:
U. Contrast Ratio: Ensure text has suffqcient contrast with the
background. MiniBm 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text.
2. ARIA Attributes: Use ARIA labels and roles to improve screen
reader interpretation (e.g., aria-label, aria-live).
3. Semantic HTML: Use proper HTML tags like <button>, <nav>, and
<header> for better structure and accessibility.
4. Focus Order: Ensure logical and intuitive tab navigation. Check
the tab order using the Tab key.

16. Metrics for Accessibility Testing:
U. Accessibility Score (Lighthouse/Axe): Aim for a 90+ score.
Lighthouse and Axe tools flag accessibility issues like missing alt
text and improper ARIA use.
2. Tools:
Lighthouse: Built-in tool for accessibility audits.
Axe: Browser extension for quick accessibility scans.
How to Perform Accessibility Testing
Conclusion: Accessibility is a Non-
Negotiable in Modern QA
Accessibility testing isn’t a checkbox -it’s a mindset. It’s about
weaving inclusion into every step of the development process, not
just meeting standards but exceeding expectations. When you

17. prioritize accessibility, you’re not just improving your product – you’re
opening it up to a wider audience and making a real difference in
people’s lives.
Let’s build digital experiences that are usable, enjoyable, and
empowering for everyone. Because inclusive design isn’t just good
practice – it’s the right thing to do.
We hope you found this part insightful and engaging. But this is just
the beginning! In the next part, we’ll dive even deeper into “How to
Do Accessibility Testing: A Complete Guide for QA Professionals“.
Witness how our meticulous approach and cutting-edge
solutions elevated quality and performance to new heights.
Begin your journey into the world of software testing excellence.
To know more refer to Tools & Technologies & QA Services.
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provide,  be sure to reach out.
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