How can you improve web accessibility in your QA testing?

Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring that websites and web applications are usable and accessible for people with disabilities, such as visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. Web accessibility is not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a business opportunity, as it can increase user satisfaction, retention, and conversion rates. As a quality assurance (QA) tester, you have a key role in verifying and improving web accessibility in your projects. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively.

1 Understand the standards

The first step to improve web accessibility in your QA testing is to familiarize yourself with the relevant standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Section 508 Standards, and the WAI-ARIA specifications. These documents provide a comprehensive framework for web accessibility, covering principles, criteria, techniques, and best practices. You should also learn about the different levels of conformance (A, AA, and AAA) and the success criteria for each one.

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Promise Charles

Cybersecurity Analyst & Penetration Tester | Expert in Vulnerability Assessment & Web App Security | Passionate about Innovative Problem-Solving and Proactive Threat Hunting | Certified Ethical Hacker & QA Specialist
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Plan User-Centric Testing Scenarios Involve Users with Disabilities Use Assistive Technologies and Tools Consider Multiple Browsers and Devices Evaluate Keyboard Navigation and Focus Management Test Color Contrast and Visual Design Validate Forms and Input Fields Document and Prioritize Accessibility Issues Seek User Feedback and Iteratively Improve Engage in Usability Testing Conclusion

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Vikas Dhall

LinkedIn Top Voice | Intrapreneur | Digital Transformation Leader
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Before understanding standards lets understand what Digital Accessibility is - Digital accessibility is the degree to which a product - website, mobile application or electronic document is perceivable, operable and understandable to as many people as possible irrespective of whether they have an impairment or use Assistive Technology (AT) such as a screen reader. Then we have to understand the 3 common standards and guidelines - the ADA - Americans with Disabilities act, Section 508, an amendment to the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and WCAG - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines . WCAG compliance ensures that your website is accessible by everyone, irrespective of disabilities and age

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2 Use the right tools

The second step to improve web accessibility in your QA testing is to use the appropriate tools and methods for evaluating and testing web accessibility. There are various types of tools available, such as automated checkers, manual checkers, screen readers, keyboard navigation, color contrast analyzers, and browser extensions. You should use a combination of tools to cover different aspects of web accessibility, such as structure, content, functionality, and design. You should also test your web pages and applications on different devices, browsers, and platforms.

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Vikas Dhall

LinkedIn Top Voice | Intrapreneur | Digital Transformation Leader
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Then we need to understand the guidelines A, AA, and AAA. AA is the ideal. WCAG 2.1 guidelines are organized into three levels (A, AA, AAA) with similar types of accessibility features addressed in each, but AA having more, and AAA having most criteria to meet that level of accessibility standard. The common tools are JAWS, NVDA as screen readers CCA - color contrast Analysers AXE and WAVE ANDI

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3 Follow the user perspective

The third step to improve web accessibility in your QA testing is to follow the user perspective and experience. You should not rely solely on technical compliance, but also on usability and inclusivity. You should try to empathize with the needs and preferences of different users, such as those who use assistive technologies, those who have low vision or color blindness, those who have hearing loss or deafness, those who have cognitive or learning disabilities, and those who have limited mobility or dexterity. You should also involve real users with disabilities in your testing process, either through user testing sessions, surveys, or feedback.

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Vikas Dhall

LinkedIn Top Voice | Intrapreneur | Digital Transformation Leader
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I have see many companies deploying disabled people as team members helping in the accessibility testing to meet compliance. One could explore that

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4 Report and fix issues

The fourth step to improve web accessibility in your QA testing is to report and fix any issues or defects that you find during your testing process. You should document and communicate your findings clearly and accurately, using screenshots, videos, code snippets, or other evidence. You should also prioritize and categorize the issues based on their severity, impact, and frequency. You should work closely with the developers, designers, and content writers to resolve the issues and implement the necessary changes or improvements.

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5 Keep learning and improving

The fifth step to improve web accessibility in your QA testing is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. Web accessibility is a dynamic and evolving field, with new standards, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. You should stay updated and informed about the latest developments and best practices in web accessibility, by reading blogs, newsletters, podcasts, books, or courses. You should also seek feedback and guidance from other experts or communities in web accessibility, such as forums, groups, or events.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Mehdi Bouzayeni

QA Tester | ISTQB ® Certified | Administrative Assistant
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Improving web accessibility in QA testing is vital for an inclusive online experience. Understanding standards like WCAG and using tools such as Axe or Wave helps identify potential issues automatically. Manual testing, especially with assistive technologies, is crucial. Including individuals with disabilities in user testing provides valuable feedback. Testing keyboard navigation, color contrast, and providing descriptive alternative text for images contribute to accessibility. Semantic HTML, focus management, and form accessibility are key. Ensuring responsive design and conducting regular audits maintain accessibility. Ongoing education and a commitment to inclusivity contribute to an accessible and user-friendly web environment.

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Vikas Dhall

LinkedIn Top Voice | Intrapreneur | Digital Transformation Leader
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There are tools which can help us automate the accessibility testing process and we must explore that. Tools like AXE come in as browser plugins

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How can you improve web accessibility in your QA testing?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the standards

2 Use the right tools

3 Follow the user perspective

4 Report and fix issues

5 Keep learning and improving

6 Here’s what else to consider

Quality Assurance

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How can you improve web accessibility in your QA testing?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the standards

2 Use the right tools

3 Follow the user perspective

4 Report and fix issues

5 Keep learning and improving

6 Here’s what else to consider

Quality Assurance

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