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Accessibility testing - the key to ensuring web accessibility
Was ist Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility testing is the process of checking a website or application to ensure that it is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. Standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are taken into account. Accessibility testing identifies and documents accessibility problems and provides solutions to correct these deficiencies.
The importance of accessibility testing
Accessibility testing is crucial to ensure that digital content is accessible to all users. It helps to improve the user experience, fulfil legal requirements and increase the reach and inclusivity of the website.
Key aspects of accessibility testing
Identification of accessibility problems: Testing helps identify issues that could prevent users with disabilities from fully utilising content.
Compliance with laws and guidelines: Checking for compliance with standards such as WCAG ensures that the website meets legal requirements.
Improving the user experience: Removing accessibility barriers increases the overall user-friendliness of the website.
Carrying out accessibility testing
Preparation: Define the scope of the test, including the pages and functions to be tested.
Use of tools and expertise: Use specialised software tools and involve experts to ensure a thorough review.
Reporting and recommendations: The test should conclude with a detailed report that identifies issues and recommends specific steps to address them.
Vorteile von Accessibility Testing
Risk minimisation: Avoidance of legal risks due to non-compliance with accessibility standards.
Increased reach: More accessible websites reach a wider audience.
Brand reputation: Companies that prioritise accessibility strengthen their image as an inclusive and responsible brand.
Accessibility Testing Tools
Accessibility testing tools offer a combination of automated tests, detailed reports and user-friendly interfaces. They help developers and designers to identify and resolve accessibility issues. However, it is important to note that automated tools cannot completely replace manual testing. A combination of automated and manual testing provides the best results for comprehensive accessibility testing.
Here is a list of relevant accessibility tools:
axe (from Deque Systems)
Used by Google and Microsoft for their accessibility tests
Free Chrome extension available
Also offers paid options with advanced features
WAVE (from WebAIM)
Free browser extension for Firefox, Edge and Chrome
Visual assessment of websites with highlighting of accessibility issues
Easy to use by entering the URL on the WAVE homepage
Google Lighthouse
Integrated into Chrome DevTools
Tests accessibility, performance, SEO and security
Ideal for comprehensive website analyses
IBM Accessibility Checker
Available for Chrome and Firefox
Provides accurate results with direct references to WCAG success criteria
Categorises results into violations, warnings and recommendations
Pa11y
Open source tool collection
Provides a dashboard for automated daily testing
Visualises accessibility progress through charts and graphs1
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often should accessibility testing be carried out?
It is recommended to carry out regular tests, especially after major updates or changes to the website.
Can I carry out accessibility testing myself?
Whilst some basic checks can be carried out in-house, it is often useful to bring in experts to ensure a comprehensive and objective assessment.
What happens after accessibility testing?
After the test, the identified problems should be systematically rectified and the proposed changes implemented in order to continuously improve accessibility.
Which tools are used for accessibility testing?
There are several tools that are used for accessibility testing, including WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse. These tools help to recognise accessibility problems and provide solutions.
Why is accessibility testing important for SEO?
Search engines favour accessible websites as they offer a better user experience. Accessibility testing can therefore also improve the SEO performance of your website.
Which standards are taken into account in accessibility testing?
Accessibility testing mainly takes into account the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which define international standards for accessibility.
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