How can you ensure accessibility evaluation and testing for web applications is sustainable?

2 Integrate accessibility into your workflow

The second step to make your accessibility evaluation and testing sustainable is to integrate accessibility into your workflow. Accessibility should not be an afterthought, but a core part of your web application development process. You can use agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, to incorporate accessibility into your user stories, tasks, and acceptance criteria. You can also use tools, such as accessibility linters, checkers, and validators, to automate some aspects of accessibility testing and ensure that your code meets the standards. By integrating accessibility into your workflow, you can save time, money, and resources, and deliver more inclusive and user-friendly web products.

3 Involve users and stakeholders

The third step to make your accessibility evaluation and testing sustainable is to involve users and stakeholders. Accessibility is not only a technical issue, but also a human-centered one. You need to understand the needs, preferences, and experiences of your target users, especially those with disabilities or impairments. You can use methods, such as user research, personas, scenarios, and user testing, to gather feedback and insights from your users. You can also involve stakeholders, such as clients, managers, and sponsors, to communicate your accessibility goals, results, and challenges. By involving users and stakeholders, you can improve your accessibility quality, usability, and satisfaction.

4 Use a mix of evaluation methods

The fourth step to make your accessibility evaluation and testing sustainable is to use a mix of evaluation methods. Accessibility is a complex and multifaceted concept, and no single method can cover all aspects of it. You need to use a combination of methods, such as heuristic evaluation, expert review, automated testing, manual testing, and user testing, to identify and address accessibility issues. You can also use tools, such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, zooming, color contrast analyzers, and accessibility simulators, to emulate different user scenarios and situations. By using a mix of evaluation methods, you can increase your accessibility coverage, accuracy, and reliability.

5 Document and report your findings

The fifth step to make your accessibility evaluation and testing sustainable is to document and report your findings. Accessibility evaluation and testing is not a one-time activity, but a continuous and iterative one. You need to document and report your findings, such as accessibility issues, solutions, recommendations, and best practices, to keep track of your progress, share your knowledge, and inform your future actions. You can use tools, such as spreadsheets, dashboards, reports, and presentations, to organize and visualize your data and results. By documenting and reporting your findings, you can enhance your accessibility transparency, accountability, and learning.

6 Review and improve your practices

The sixth and final step to make your accessibility evaluation and testing sustainable is to review and improve your practices. Accessibility is not a static or fixed state, but a dynamic and evolving one. You need to review and improve your practices, such as your accessibility goals, standards, workflow, methods, tools, and findings, to adapt to changing user needs, technologies, and regulations. You can use methods, such as feedback surveys, audits, benchmarks, and metrics, to evaluate and measure your accessibility performance, impact, and value. By reviewing and improving your practices, you can ensure your accessibility sustainability, innovation, and excellence.

7 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?