What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing is used to verify whether a software product is accessible to the people having disabilities (deaf, blind, mentally disabled etc.).

Accessibility testing is a type of software testing that evaluates a system’s ability to be easily accessed, understood, and used by individuals with disabilities. The goal of accessibility testing is to ensure that software, websites, or applications are inclusive and can be used by people with diverse abilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

Key aspects of accessibility testing include:

  1. Screen reader compatibility: Ensuring that the software can be effectively navigated and understood using screen reader technology for users with visual impairments.
  2. Keyboard navigation: Verifying that all functionalities and interactive elements can be accessed and operated using a keyboard alone, as some users may have difficulty using a mouse.
  3. Color contrast: Checking that the color combinations used in the software are distinguishable for users with color blindness or low vision.
  4. Text alternatives: Ensuring that non-text content, such as images or multimedia, has appropriate alternative text to convey information to users who may not be able to see the content.
  5. Adaptive technologies: Testing compatibility with assistive technologies and ensuring that the software works well with tools designed to aid users with disabilities.
  6. Readable and understandable content: Assessing the clarity and simplicity of the text, ensuring it can be easily understood by users with varying levels of literacy or cognitive abilities.

By conducting accessibility testing, organizations can make their software more inclusive, improve user experience for all, and adhere to accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).