Testing for Accessibility

Testing for Accessibility: Catching Barriers Before They Hurt Users

Creating accessible content is essential—but it’s not enough to assume your content is accessible just because it “looks fine.” Accessibility testing ensures that your site works for everyone, including people with disabilities who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.

There are many ways to test accessibility—from manual keyboard walkthroughs to automated tools. One of the most user-friendly and powerful tools for content editors and site admins is Siteimprove.

Why Accessibility Testing Matters

Accessibility errors can:

• Block screen readers from reading content
• Make navigation confusing or impossible
• Prevent users from submitting forms
• Lead to legal risk and non-compliance

Even small mistakes—like missing alt text or incorrect heading structure—can create major obstacles for real users. Testing helps you identify and fix these issues before your audience encounters them.

General Accessibility Testing Techniques

1. Keyboard Navigation Check

Can you navigate your page using only the Tab, Shift + Tab, Enter, and arrow keys?

✅ All links and form elements are reachable
✅ Focus order is logical
✅ No traps (can exit all components)
✅ Visible focus indicator (outline or highlight)

2. Screen Reader Basics

Test your content using a free screen reader like:

• NVDA (Windows)
• VoiceOver (macOS)
• TalkBack (Android)

✅ Headings are announced in correct order
✅ Alt text is read properly
✅ Links make sense out of context
✅ Forms announce labels and errors

3. Color & Contrast Check

Use tools like:

• WebAIM Contrast Checker
• Chrome DevTools > Rendering > Emulate Vision Deficiencies

✅ Text has sufficient contrast
✅ No color-only cues
✅ Images with text are readable

Siteimprove: Automated Testing Made Easy

Siteimprove Accessibility Checker is a browser extension and cloud-based tool that scans pages for accessibility issues. It’s ideal for content creators, editors, and site admins who want to spot problems quickly—without deep coding knowledge.

How to Use the Siteimprove Browser Extension

Step 1: Install the Extension

• Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
  Download Siteimprove Accessibility Checker

Step 2: Open Any Page You Want to Test

• Click the Siteimprove icon in your browser toolbar
• The extension scans the current page instantly

Step 3: Review Results

The extension highlights:

• Errors (high-impact issues)
• Warnings (potential problems)
• Features (non-errors that should be reviewed)

Each issue is linked to:

• A visual outline on the page
• A WCAG reference for context
• A how-to-fix explanation in plain language

Step 4: Fix the Issues

• Address errors directly in your CMS or HTML
• Re-scan the page to confirm fixes

Common Issues Detected by Siteimprove

Limitations of Siteimprove (and All Automated Tools)

While Siteimprove is incredibly helpful, no automated tool can catch everything.

⚠️ It can’t tell:

• Whether your alt text is meaningful
• If your link text makes sense in context
• If your form instructions are understandable
• Whether reading order makes sense to a screen reader

Manual testing is still essential, especially for:

• Content clarity
• User experience
• Keyboard flow and screen reader behavior

Best Practices for Ongoing Testing

✅ Scan each page before publishing
✅ Re-test when content or design changes
✅ Use both automated and manual testing
✅ Document common issues and build a checklist for your team
✅ Include accessibility review in your content approval workflow

Quick Checklist

✅ Use Siteimprove to scan each page before launch
✅ Review each issue and follow recommendations
✅ Perform manual keyboard and screen reader testing
✅ Keep accessibility top-of-mind during edits and redesigns
✅ Don’t rely on automation alone—test like a user!