Automated Testing Tools for accessibility work by analysing the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code of a digital product and simulating interactions to identify potential accessibility issues. These tools are designed to quickly scan and evaluate various elements of a website or application, providing insights into compliance with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Here's how these tools generally work.
Automated testing tools begin by analyzing the underlying code of a web page or application. This includes examining HTML for structure and semantics, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for dynamic behavior.
The tools reference established accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG, to assess whether the code adheres to the specified standards. WCAG provides criteria for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
Automated tools use predefined rule sets that correspond to different WCAG success criteria. Each rule checks a specific aspect of accessibility, such as the presence of alternative text for images, proper form labeling, sufficient color contrast, and more.
Some tools simulate user interactions to assess how elements respond to different input methods. For example, they can simulate keyboard navigation, screen reader interactions, or voice commands to identify potential issues.
Issues detected by automated tools are often categorised by severity levels, indicating the impact on accessibility. This helps prioritize which issues to address first.
The tools generate detailed reports outlining the accessibility issues found, including the location of the issues within the code, a description of the problem, and recommendations for remediation.
Many automated testing tools can be integrated into development workflows, allowing developers to run accessibility checks during the development process. This integration helps to catch and address issues early in the development lifecycle.
Some tools offer features for continuous monitoring, allowing teams to regularly check for new accessibility issues as the digital product evolves.
While automated testing tools are valuable for quickly identifying common accessibility issues, they have limitations. They may not catch all types of accessibility barriers, and their results should be complemented by manual testing and user feedback. It's important to interpret automated tool results critically and understand the context of the issues identified.
Manual testing in accessibility involves human testers actively interacting with a digital product to evaluate its usability and identify potential barriers that automated tools might overlook. Unlike automated testing, which relies on predefined algorithms, manual testing brings a nuanced, contextual, and user-centric approach to accessibility evaluation.
Manual testing excels in capturing the subjective aspect of user experience. Testers can assess the feeling of interactions, the clarity of content, and the intuitiveness of navigation, aspects often tied to individual preferences and diverse user contexts. This human touch provides insights into the emotional and practical dimensions of accessibility, enriching the evaluation with real-world context.
Automated tools struggle with dynamic and interactive content, such as complex forms, dynamic menus, or content loaded asynchronously. Manual testers can navigate through these elements, exploring how they respond to different assistive technologies and uncovering potential challenges in real time.
Accessibility guidelines are crucial, but they often require human interpretation based on specific contexts. Manual testers bring their expertise to interpret these guidelines in the context of the digital product, considering factors such as content relevance, semantic structure, and the overall user journey.
Digital products increasingly offer personalized experiences. Manual testing allows for a personalized assessment, considering how the product accommodates various user preferences, settings, and assistive technology configurations. This adaptability is vital in addressing the diverse needs of users.
Multimedia content, such as images, videos, and audio, requires a nuanced evaluation. Manual testers can analyse alternative text descriptions, captions, and other accessibility features, ensuring that each element conveys its intended information to users with different abilities.
Manual testing excels in exploring complex scenarios and edge cases that might not be covered by automated tools. Testers can simulate challenging situations, such as abrupt changes in content, to measure how well the digital product responds in adverse conditions.
While automated tools provide valuable insights, they lack the ability to interpret user feedback comprehensively. Manual testers can gather qualitative feedback, understanding the user's emotions, frustrations, and suggestions, contributing to a holistic understanding of accessibility.
Essentially, manual testing complements automated tools by adding a layer of human insight, adaptability, and empathy to the accessibility evaluation process. It ensures that digital products are not just technically compliant, but also provide a genuinely inclusive and delightful user experience.
Professional accessibility audits often involve a combination of automated testing, manual testing, and user testing to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Once you receive the results from the accessibility audit, the subsequent steps involve addressing the identified issues and implementing improvements to enhance your digital product's accessibility. Here's a general guide on what to do next:
Treat accessibility as a continuous improvement effort. Regularly monitor and conduct periodic audits to ensure ongoing accessibility compliance. Providing a training and raising awareness among development and design teams about accessibility best practices and standards shall be incorporated into company’s basis. Consider establishing or updating an accessibility policy, outlining your commitment and steps for inclusivity. You can also document changes for future reference and organisational transparency. Accessibility is a continuous journey, requiring sustained efforts to create an inclusive digital experience for all users.
At Accessibility House, our mission is to seamlessly guide businesses on the path of continuous accessibility compliance. That's why we go beyond just making changes in the code – we provide documentation on accessibility-sensitive areas that require the utmost attention from your development team. For fast-paced companies, we're more than a service; we're your ally in the software-building journey. Together, we ensure that everyone excels in their roles with the highest efficiency in order to bring inclusive and friendly products.
