Accessibility testing is a crucial aspect of creating an inclusive digital environment. It ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with web content effectively. This testing is not only important for inclusivity but also for compliance with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 provide a comprehensive framework for making web content more accessible. These guidelines help identify and address accessibility issues, ensuring that websites are usable by everyone. Understanding the different types of disabilities—visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor—can help in designing content that meets the diverse needs of users.

Accessibility testing offers numerous benefits, including improved user experience, broader audience reach, and enhanced search engine optimization (SEO). By prioritizing accessibility, universities can create a welcoming digital space for all students, staff, and visitors, fostering a more inclusive community.

Testing Tools and Resources

WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

WAVE is a suite of tools designed to help authors make their web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities. It can identify many accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) errors, facilitating human evaluation of web content. WAVE offers several features:

  • Browser Extensions: Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, these extensions allow you to evaluate web content directly within your browser. This is useful for checking password-protected, locally stored, or highly dynamic pages.
  • Online Tool: You can enter a web page address (URL) to evaluate its accessibility online.
  • API and Testing Engine: These tools can be integrated into your infrastructure for testing intranet, non-public, and secure pages, including in continuous integration processes.

Manual Testing Methods

Manual testing is essential for catching accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. Here are some key methods:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements can be accessed and operated using a keyboard. Test navigation using the Tab key, Shift + Tab to navigate backwards, Spacebar to activate checkboxes and buttons, Enter to activate links and buttons, and Arrow keys for radio buttons, drop-down menus, sliders, etc.
  • Screen Reader Testing: Use screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver (iOS), and TalkBack (Android) to test the reading order and functionality of digital content. This helps ensure that content is accessible to users who rely on screen readers.
  • Color Contrast Checks: Use tools like the WCAG Color Contrast Checker to ensure text is readable against its background. This is crucial for users with visual impairments.
  • Content Review: Manually review content to ensure it follows accessibility best practices. Check for proper heading structures, descriptive link text, and appropriate alt text for images.