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Top Accessibility Testing Tools: Screen Readers & Audit Solutions

by Chris Adams | Feb 19, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

In today’s digital-first world, accessibility is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Accessibility testing ensures that digital platforms such as websites, applications, and eLearning tools are inclusive and usable by individuals with disabilities. By adhering to standards like WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549, organizations can create digital experiences that are functional for all users, regardless of their abilities. But accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that everyone, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, can fully interact with and benefit from digital content. This guide explores the tools, techniques, and best practices in accessibility testing.

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing is a subset of usability testing that ensures digital content can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The key goal is to ensure that content follows the POUR principles:

• Perceivable: Users must be able to recognize and use content in different ways (e.g., text alternatives for images, captions for videos).
• Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with content (e.g., keyboard accessibility, clear navigation structure).
• Understandable: Content must be clear and readable (e.g., consistent structure, easy-to-understand instructions).
• Robust: Content must be accessible via a wide range of assistive technologies (e.g., compatibility with screen readers and alternative input devices).

We can achieve this by using various accessibility testing tools that assist in identifying and resolving accessibility barriers. These tools help test screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and overall usability to ensure compliance with standards like WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549.

Key Accessibility Tools

Accessibility testing tools fall into two main categories:

1. Assistive Technologies (AT) – These are tools used directly by individuals with disabilities to interact with digital platforms, such as screen readers and alternative input devices.

2. Accessibility Audit Tools – These tools help developers and testers identify accessibility barriers and ensure compliance with standards like WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549.

Assistive Technologies for Accessibility Testing

Screen readers are assistive technologies that convert on-screen content into speech or braille output. These tools enable users with visual impairments to navigate digital platforms, read documents, and operate applications.

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

• One of the most widely used commercial screen readers.
• Supports over 30 languages with advanced synthesizers.
• Works with Microsoft Office, web browsers, PDFs, and email clients.
• JAWS provides customizable scripting support through its JAWS Scripting Language (JSL), allowing users to enhance accessibility and streamline interactions with complex applications. This feature enables users to:
• Create custom scripts to improve compatibility with applications that may not be fully accessible.
• Automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows.
• Modify keystrokes and commands for a more intuitive experience.
• Enhance the way JAWS interacts with dynamic or custom-built software.
• Includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read text from images and scanned documents.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

• Free and open-source screen reader.
• Works with major applications like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.
• Supports braille displays and advanced speech synthesizers.
• Includes ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) support for better web accessibility.

VoiceOver (Built-in for macOS & iOS)

• Integrated screen reader that works seamlessly across MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones.
• Gesture-based navigation for touchscreen devices (iPhones/iPads).
• Supports braille displays, rotor navigation, and VoiceOver gestures.
• Works with Safari, Mail, iMessage, and other macOS/iOS applications.
• Provides image recognition to describe objects and text in photos.
• Users can adjust speech rate, voice customization, and verbosity settings.

ChromeVox

• Designed for Chromebooks but can be added to Google Chrome on macOS & Windows.
• Provides voice feedback and keyboard shortcuts for web navigation.
• Works with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
• Supports ARIA attributes and HTML5 semantic elements.

TalkBack (Android’s Built-in Screen Reader)

• Android’s default gesture-based screen reader.
• Reads out buttons, links, notifications, and on-screen text.
• Supports gesture navigation, voice commands, and braille display integration.

Screen Reader Accessibility Testing Checklist

Page Structure & Navigation

✅ Verify headings (H1-H6) follow a logical order for easy navigation.
✅ Check for a functional “Skip to Content” link.
✅ Ensure landmarks (‘nav’, ‘main’, ‘aside’) are correctly identified.
✅ Confirm page titles and section headers are announced properly.

Keyboard & Focus

✅ Test if all buttons, links, and forms are fully keyboard accessible.
✅ Verify proper focus indicators and logical tab order.
✅ Check for keyboard traps in pop-ups and modal dialogs.
✅ Ensure dropdowns, modals, and expandable sections are announced correctly.

Content & Readability

✅ Ensure images and icons have meaningful alt text.
✅ Confirm link text is descriptive (avoid “Click here”).
✅ Test ARIA-live regions for announcing dynamic content updates.
✅ Verify table headers and reading order for screen reader compatibility.

Forms & Error Handling

✅ Check that all form fields have clear labels.
✅ Ensure error messages are announced properly to users.
✅ Test real-time validation messages for accessibility.
✅ Confirm dropdown options and auto-suggestions are readable.

Multimedia & Dynamic Content

✅ Verify captions for videos and transcripts for audio content.
✅ Ensure media controls (play, pause, volume) are keyboard accessible.
✅ Test ARIA roles like role=”alert” and aria-live for dynamic updates.

Accessibility Audit Tools

These tools help developers and testers detect accessibility issues by scanning websites and applications for compliance violations.

WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

• Developed by WebAIM, WAVE helps identify accessibility issues in web pages by providing a visual representation of detected errors, alerts, and features.
• Highlights WCAG 2.1 & 2.2 violations, including missing alt text, color contrast issues, and structural errors.Provides detailed reports with suggestions for improvements to enhance web accessibility.
• Offers real-time analysis without requiring code changes or external testing environments.
• Includes a contrast checker to evaluate text-background color contrast for readability.
• Supports ARIA validation, ensuring proper use of ARIA attributes for screen reader compatibility.
• Works with private and locally hosted pages when used as a browser extension.

Axe DevTools

• Detects WCAG 2.1 & 2.2 violations in web applications.
• Provides detailed issue reports with remediation guidance.
• Integrates into CI/CD pipelines for continuous accessibility testing.

Lighthouse

• Google’s open-source accessibility auditing tool.
• Checks for WCAG compliance, ARIA attributes, and semantic HTML.
• Provides an accessibility score (0-100) with suggestions for improvement.
• Works for both mobile and desktop testing.
• macOS/iOS compatibility:
• Fully functional on macOS via Chrome DevTools.
• For iOS web apps: Use Lighthouse via remote debugging on Safari.

ARC Toolkit

• Developer-friendly tool for in-depth accessibility testing.
• Provides reports on ARIA attributes, focus order, and form structure.

ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector) Tool

• Identifies missing or incorrectly labeled interactive elements.
• Checks for ARIA roles, form labels, and navigation issues.

Color Contrast Analyzer

• Evaluates text-background contrast ratios based on WCAG standards.
• Supports color blindness simulation to improve UX design choices.
• Helps designers create accessible color schemes for readability.

BrowserStack Accessibility Testing

• Enables cross-browser accessibility testing on real devices and virtual machines.
• Supports WCAG and Section 508 compliance testing for web applications.
• Integrates with automation frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright for end-to-end accessibility testing.
• Provides a Live Testing feature to manually check screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast.
• Works seamlessly with JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver for real-world accessibility validation.

Cypress + axe-core

• A JavaScript-based end-to-end testing framework that can be extended for accessibility testing.
• Supports integration with axe-core to automate WCAG compliance testing within CI/CD pipelines.
• Provides real-time DOM snapshots to inspect and debug accessibility issues.
• Offers keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility testing using Cypress plugins.
• Enables automation of ARIA role validation and interactive element testing.

Playwright + axe-core

• Supports automated accessibility testing across Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit browsers.
• Integrates with axe-core to detect and fix accessibility violations in web applications.
• Allows headless and UI-based testing for better debugging of accessibility issues.
• Enables keyboard interaction and screen reader testing to ensure operability for users with disabilities.
• Provides trace viewer and accessibility tree inspection for advanced debugging.

Best Accessibility Testing Tools Comparison

The following table provides a comparison of key accessibility testing tools across different platforms, highlighting their license model and best use cases to help teams choose the right tool for their needs.

Conclusion

Ensuring digital accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity and equal access for all users. With the right tools and testing strategies, organizations can create digital experiences that cater to users with diverse abilities. From screen readers like JAWS and NVDA to automated auditing tools like axe DevTools and Lighthouse, accessibility testing plays a crucial role in making websites and applications usable for everyone.

At Codoid, we specialize in comprehensive accessibility testing solutions. Our expertise in tools like JAWS, NVDA, axe DevTools, Cypress, Playwright, and BrowserStack allows us to identify and fix accessibility barriers effectively. Whether you need automated accessibility audits, manual testing, or assistive technology validation, Codoid ensures your website meets WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 compliance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Create a VPAT Report: Explained with Examples

by Chris Adams | Feb 14, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

The VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized format used to create an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This report lists the accessibility standards with which a product or service complies while also highlighting any potential barriers that users may encounter. The VPAT Report serves as the foundation for creating an ACR, providing a formalized methodology to assess and report on a product’s compliance with accessibility standards such as WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549. It is a vital tool for software engineers, product owners, and compliance specialists to examine, document, and improve accessibility through thorough accessibility testing. By effectively utilizing a VPAT, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to accessibility, fulfill their legal obligations, and enhance user experience. This handbook will assist you in creating a VPAT report through distinct steps and illustrations, ensuring the creation of a comprehensive and accurate ACR.

Why is a VPAT Report Important?

A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) report is important because it helps organisations assess and communicate the accessibility of their digital products, such as software, websites, and applications. Here’s why it matters:

1. Ensures Compliance with Accessibility Standards

• A VPAT evaluates a product against accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), Section 508 (U.S. law), and EN 301 549 (European standard).
• It helps businesses avoid legal risks related to non-compliance, such as lawsuits under the ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act).

2. Improves Digital Inclusion

• A VPAT ensures that people with disabilities, including those using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies, can access and use digital products effectively.
• This fosters a more inclusive digital experience for all users.

3. Boosts Marketability & Business Opportunities

• Many government agencies and large enterprises require a VPAT before purchasing software.
• Having a strong accessibility report makes a product more competitive in both public and private sector markets.

4. Identifies Accessibility Gaps

• The report pinpoints areas where a product does not fully meet accessibility guidelines, helping teams prioritize improvements.
• It serves as a roadmap for fixing accessibility issues and making informed development decisions.

5. Demonstrates Commitment to Accessibility

• A VPAT shows that a company values corporate social responsibility (CSR) and is proactive in making its products accessible.
• This can enhance brand reputation and trust among users.

Types of VPAT Report:

VPAT reports are categorized based on the accessibility standards they assess. The four main types of VPAT templates are:

• VPAT 2.4 Section 508
• VPAT 2.4 WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
• VPAT 2.4 EN 301 549 (EU Accessibility Standard)
• VPAT 2.4 INT (International Accessibility Standard)

1. VPAT 2.4 Section 508 (U.S. Federal Accessibility Standard)

The VPAT Section 508 report is primarily used by federal agencies, procurement officers, and government buyers to ensure that information and communication technology (ICT) products are accessible.

Who Needs This?

• Companies and vendors selling software, websites, or IT services to the U.S. government.
• Organisations that receive federal funding must comply with Section 508 requirements.
• Developers ensure their products are accessible to government employees and the public.

Key Features:

• When developing, acquiring, maintaining, or using ICT products, each federal department or agency (including the U.S. Postal Service) must follow the Revised Section 508 Standards.
• Covers hardware, software, websites, electronic documents, and telecommunications products.
• Helps Organisatio

2. VPAT 2.4 WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

The WCAG VPAT is designed to ensure that ICT products and services conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), specifically WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2. These are internationally recognized standards that define how digital content should be made accessible.

Who Needs This?

• Website developers, designers, and content creators.
• Software companies offering SaaS (Software as a Service) products.
• Organisations that want to ensure their digital platforms meet global accessibility standards.

Key Features:

• Provides universally accepted standards that organisations must follow to make websites, e-learning platforms, mobile applications, and other digital products accessible.
• Covers WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at Levels A, AA, and AAA.
• Applicable to websites, mobile applications, e-learning platforms, and online services.

3. VPAT 2.4 EN 301 549 (European Union ICT Accessibility Standard)

The EN 301 549 VPAT Standard is tailored to document compliance with EN 301 549, the European accessibility standard for ICT products and services. This VPAT is commonly used by companies that aim to sell their products or services within the European Union (EU).

Who Needs This?

• Companies bidding for government contracts in the EU.
• Software developers and IT service providers operating in European markets.
• Businesses that need to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Key Features:

• Covers a broad range of ICT products, including software, hardware, and assistive technologies.
• Ensures digital inclusivity for people with disabilities across European nations.
• Based on WCAG 2.1 for web accessibility, with additional EU-specific requirements.

4. VPAT 2.4 INT (International Accessibility Standard)

This comprehensive VPAT template integrates accessibility standards, including Section 508, WCAG, and EN 301 549. It is ideal for organisations that operate across different regions and need to meet various compliance requirements.

Who Needs This?

• Global companies selling software, digital content, or ICT products in multiple countries.
• Organisations looking for a single accessibility report covering U.S., EU, and international regulations.
• Businesses that prioritise accessibility as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Key Features:

• Ensures compliance with multiple accessibility laws and standards in one report.
• Useful for companies that want to expand their market reach while maintaining accessibility compliance.
• Reduces the need for separate VPAT reports for different regions, saving time and resources.

Breaking Down the VPAT Sections

A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is structured into key sections that provide a detailed assessment of an ICT product’s accessibility. Each section helps vendors, compliance officers, and procurement teams evaluate how well a product aligns with accessibility standards. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections of a VPAT report:

1. Executive Summary

This section provides a high-level overview of the product or service being evaluated. It includes:

• A brief description of the product
• The purpose of the VPAT report
• The accessibility standards covered (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
• The organisation’s approach to accessibility.

Why It Matters:

The Executive Summary helps procurement officers and decision-makers quickly understand whether a product meets accessibility requirements.

2. Scope of the Report

This section defines the boundaries of the accessibility evaluation, including:

• What specific product, service, or version is being assessed?
• Which components (e.g., software interface, web application, mobile app) are covered?
• Any limitations or exclusions.

Why It Matters:

Clarifying the scope ensures transparency about what aspects of the product have been evaluated and helps stakeholders understand any accessibility gaps.

3. Conformance Standards & Guidelines

This section outlines the accessibility standards against which the product is evaluated. It typically includes:

• Section 508 (U.S. Government Standard)
• WCAG 2.1 or WCAG 2.2 (Global Web Accessibility Standard)
• EN 301 549 (European Accessibility Standard)

European Standards Breakdown (EN 301 549)

• 9 (Web) – Focuses on web accessibility, ensuring that websites and web applications are usable by individuals with disabilities.
• 11 (Software) – Ensures software applications support assistive technologies and include built-in accessibility features.
• 12 (Documentation and Support Services) – Requires that documentation and customer support services be accessible, providing alternative formats and necessary support.

Section 508 Standards Breakdown

• 501 (Web and Software) – Ensures web content and software applications are accessible, including compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
• 504 (Authoring Tools) – Requires that tools used to create web content or software be accessible and support users in creating accessible content, including features for individuals with disabilities (e.g., keyboard shortcuts and screen reader support).
• 602 (Support Documentation) – Mandates that user manuals, help guides, and online support are accessible, offering alternative formats such as audio, braille, or screen-readable PDFs.

Why It Matters:

Listing the conformance standards ensures organisations comply with local and international accessibility laws, depending on where they operate.

4. Detailed Accessibility Conformance Report

This is the core section of the VPAT and includes a table that evaluates the product’s compliance with each accessibility criterion. The table generally contains:

Conformance Levels:

• Supports – The feature is fully accessible.
• Partially Supports – Some elements are accessible, but improvements are needed.
• Does Not Support – The feature is not accessible.
• Not Applicable (N/A) – The criterion does not apply to the product.

Why It Matters:

This section provides detailed insights into where the product meets or falls short of accessibility requirements, guiding developers on areas for improvement.

5. Remarks & Explanations

This section expands on the evaluation table by offering additional context or justifications for conformance ratings. It may include:

• Descriptions of workarounds for inaccessible features.
• Planned future accessibility improvements.
• Links to additional support documentation or accessibility statements.

Why It Matters:

Providing explanations ensures transparency and helps buyers understand potential accessibility barriers before procurement.

6. Legal Disclaimer & Contact Information

The VPAT concludes with:

• A legal disclaimer outlining the accuracy of the information provided.
• Contact details for accessibility support, including email, phone number, or website.

Why It Matters:

This section allows organisations to address any accessibility concerns directly with the vendor.

Gathering Necessary Information Before Drafting Your Report:

• Testing Environment: Use Windows 11, Chrome, NVDA, JAWS, Color Contrast Analyzer, and keyboard-only navigation for testing.
• Product Overview: Understand the product’s purpose, target users, and platforms (e.g., website, app, software).
• Accessibility Features: Check for keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alt text for images, and colour contrast.
• Conformance Levels: Record if the product supports, partially supports, does not support, or is not applicable for each feature.
• Bug Documentation: Log any issues with a description, actual vs. expected results, steps to reproduce, and WCAG guidelines violated.
• Compliance Standards: Reference WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 standards when documenting issues.
• Assistive Technology Testing: Test the product with screen readers, voice recognition tools, and magnification software.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a VPAT Report

Step 1: Choose the Correct VPAT Template

You can download the Sample VPAT templates from Codoid –Download Here

Step 2: Fill Out the VPAT Sections

• Product Information
• Evaluation Methods Used
• Applicable Standards & Guidelines

Step 3: Completing the Conformance Table

Example VPAT Table for WCAG 2.1 Compliance

Step 4: Provide a Summary and Recommendations

Example Summary:

Overall Compliance: Partially Supports WCAG 2.1 AA Key Issues Identified:

• Dropdown menus are not keyboard accessible.
• Some form labels are missing, making it difficult for screen readers.
• Improvements are planned for the next release.

Step 5: Finalize and Publish the VPAT Report

• Review the report for accuracy and completeness.
• Fix major accessibility issues before publishing.
• Provide the VPAT to customers, clients, or government agencies upon request.

Conclusion:

The VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is an important tool for ensuring that products and services meet accessibility standards, providing a transparent assessment of their compliance with Section 508, WCAG, and European accessibility requirements. This report helps organisations assess and document how their products or services meet accessibility criteria, ensuring they are usable by people with various disabilities.By following the VPAT process, organisations not only comply with legal and regulatory requirements but also make their products more inclusive and accessible, which ultimately leads to equal access for all kinds of people. Through careful documentation of testing environments, conformance levels, and success criteria, companies can identify potential barriers and address them proactively, aligning with standards such as Section 508, WCAG 2.1, and EN 301 549.

The VPAT is vital in offering transparency to buyers, particularly federal procurement officers and European Union markets, ensuring that the products they acquire meet the needs of users with disabilities. Ultimately, a well-prepared VPAT report provides the necessary insights for developers, compliance officers, and product managers to continuously improve and meet accessibility standards, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive digital world.

"Need a VPAT report? Our accessibility testing ensures compliance with WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549. Contact us today!"

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Frequently Asked Questions

ADA Compliance Checklist: Ensure Website Accessibility

by Chris Adams | Feb 12, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes standards for accessible design for both digital and non-digital environments in the USA. Being passed in 1990, it doesn’t even specify websites or digital content directly. ADA primarily focuses on places of public accommodation. With the rapid usage of digital technology, websites, mobile apps, and other online spaces have been considered places of public accommodation. Although the ADA doesn’t specify what standards websites or apps should follow, it considers WCAG as the de facto standard. So in this blog, we will be providing you with an ADA website compliance checklist that you can follow to ensure that your website is ADA compliant.

Why is it Important?

Organizations must comply with ADA regulations to avoid penalties and ensure accessibility for all users. For example, let’s say you own a pizza store. You have to ensure that the proper accessible entry points can allow people in wheelchairs to enter and eventually place the order. Similarly, for websites, a person with disabilities must also be able to access the website and place the order successfully. The reason why we chose the example of a pizza store is because Domino’s was sued for this very same reason as their website and mobile app were not compatible with screen readers.

What is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the universal standard followed to ensure digital accessibility. There are three different compliance levels under WCAG: A (basic), AA (intermediate), and AAA (advanced).

• A is a minimal level that only covers basic fixes that prevent major barriers for people with disabilities. This level doesn’t ensure accessibility but only ensures the website is not unusable.
• AA is the most widely accepted standard as it would resolve most of the major issues faced by people with disabilities. It is the level of compliance required by many countries’ accessibility laws (including the ADA in the U.S.).
• AAA is the most advanced level of accessibility and is targetted only by specialized websites where accessibility is the main focus as the checks are often impractical for all content.

ADA Website Compliance Checklist:

Based on WCAG standard 2.1, these are some of the checklists that need to be followed in the website design. To ensure you can understand it clearly, we have broken down the ADA website compliance checklist based on the segments of the websites. For example, Headings, Landmarks, Page Structure, Multimedia content, Color, and so on.

• Page Structure
• Page Navigation
• Language
• Heading Structure
• Multimedia Content
• Animation & Flashing Content
• Images
• Color & Contrast
• Keyboard Accessibility
• Link Purpose
• Error Handling
• Zoom & Text Resizing
• Form Accessibility

1. Page Structure

A well-structured webpage improves accessibility by ensuring that content is logically arranged and easy to navigate. Proper use of headings, spacing, labels, and tables helps all users, including those using assistive technologies, to understand and interact with the page effectively.

1.1 Information & Relationships

• ‘strong’ and ’em’ tags must be used instead of ‘b’ and ‘i’.
• Proper HTML list structures (‘ol’, ‘ul’, and ‘dl’>) should be implemented.
• Labels must be correctly associated with form fields using ‘label’ tags.
• Data tables should include proper column and row headers.

1.2 Text Spacing

• The line height should be at least 1.5 times the font size.
• Paragraph spacing must be at least 2 times the font size.
• Letter and word spacing should be set for readability.

1.3 Bypass Blocks

• “Skip to content” links should be provided to allow users to bypass navigation menus.

1.4 Page Titles

• Unique and descriptive page titles must be included.

2. Page Navigation

A well-structured navigation system helps users quickly find information and move between pages. Consistency and multiple navigation methods improve usability and accessibility for all users, including those with assistive technologies.

2.1 Consistency

• The navigation structure should remain the same across all pages.
• The position of menus, search bars, and key navigation elements should not change.
• Common elements like logos, headers, footers, and sidebars should appear consistently.
• Labels and functions of navigation buttons should be identical on every page (e.g., a “Buy Now” button should not be labeled differently on other pages).

2.2 Multiple Navigation Methods

• Users should have at least two or more ways to navigate content. These may include:
• A homepage with links to all pages
• Search functionality
• A site map
• A table of contents
• Primary and secondary navigation menus
• Repetition of important links in the footer
• Breadcrumb navigation
• Skip links should be available to jump directly to the main content.

3. Language

Defining the correct language settings on a webpage helps screen readers and other assistive technologies interpret and pronounce text correctly. Without proper language attributes, users relying on these tools may struggle to understand the content.

3.1 Language of the Page

• The correct language should be set for the entire webpage using the lang attribute (e.g., ‘html lang=”en”‘).
• The declared language should match the primary language of the content.
• Screen readers should be able to detect and read the content in the correct language.
• If the page contains multiple languages, the primary language should still be properly defined.

3.2 Language of Parts

• The correct language should be assigned to any section of text that differs from the main language using the lang attribute (e.g.,[span lang=”fr” Bonjour/span]).
• Each language change should be marked properly to ensure correct pronunciation by screen readers.
• Language codes should be accurately applied according to international standards (e.g., lang=”es” for Spanish).

4. Heading Structure

Headings provide structure to web pages, making them easier to navigate for users and assistive technologies. A logical heading hierarchy ensures clarity and improves readability.

• The presence of a single ‘h1’ tag must be ensured.
• A logical heading hierarchy from ‘h1’ to ‘h6’ should be followed.
• Headings must be descriptive and should not be abbreviated.

5. Multimedia Content

Multimedia elements like audio and video must be accessible to all users, including those with hearing or visual impairments. Providing transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions ensures inclusivity.

5.1 Audio & Video

• Text alternatives must be provided for audio and video content.
• Transcripts should be included for audio-only content.
• Video content must have transcripts, subtitles, captions, and audio descriptions.

5.2 Captions

• Pre-recorded video content must include captions that are synchronized and accurate.
• Non-speech sounds, such as background noise and speaker identification, should be conveyed in captions.
• Live content must be accompanied by real-time captions.

5.3 Audio Control

• If audio plays automatically for more than three seconds, controls for pause, play, and stop must be provided.

6. Animation & Flashing Content

Animations and flashing elements can enhance user engagement, but they must be implemented carefully to avoid distractions and health risks for users with disabilities, including those with photosensitivity or motion sensitivities.

6.1 Controls for Moving Content

• A pause, stop, or hide option must be available for any moving or auto-updating content.
• The control must be keyboard accessible within three tab stops.
• The movement should not restart automatically after being paused or stopped by the user.
• Auto-playing content should not last longer than five seconds unless user-controlled.

6.2 Flashing Content Restrictions

• Content must not flash more than three times per second to prevent seizures (photosensitive epilepsy).
• If flashing content is necessary, it must pass a photosensitive epilepsy analysis tool test.
• Flashing or blinking elements should be avoided unless absolutely required.

7. Images

Images are a vital part of web design, but they must be accessible to users with visual impairments. Screen readers rely on alternative text (alt text) to describe images, ensuring that all users can understand their purpose.

7.1 Alternative Text

• Informative images must have descriptive alt text.
• Decorative images should use alt=”” to be ignored by screen readers.
• Complex images should include detailed descriptions in surrounding text.
• Functional images, such as buttons, must have meaningful alt text (e.g., “Search” instead of “Magnifying glass”).

7.2 Avoiding Text in Images

• Text should be provided as actual HTML text rather than embedded in images.

8. Color & Contrast

Proper use of color and contrast is essential for users with low vision or color blindness. Relying solely on color to convey meaning can make content inaccessible, while poor contrast can make text difficult to read.

8.1 Use of Color

• Color should not be the sole method of conveying meaning.
• Graphs and charts must include labels instead of relying on color alone.

8.2 Contrast Requirements

• A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text must be maintained.

9. Keyboard Accessibility

Keyboard accessibility is essential for users who rely on keyboard-only navigation due to mobility impairments. All interactive elements must be fully accessible using the Tab, Arrow, and Enter keys.

9.1 Keyboard Navigation

• All interactive elements must be accessible via keyboard navigation.

9.2 No Keyboard Trap

• Users must be able to navigate out of any element without getting stuck.

9.3 Focus Management

• Focus indicators must be visible.
• The focus order should follow the logical reading sequence.

10. Link Purpose

Links play a crucial role in website navigation, helping users move between pages and access relevant information. However, vague or generic link text like “Click here” or “Read more” can be confusing, especially for users relying on screen readers.

• Link text should be clearly written to describe the destination (generic phrases like “Click here” or “Read more” should be avoided).
• Similar links should be distinguished with unique text or additional context.
• Redundant links pointing to the same destination should be removed.
• Links should be visually identifiable with underlines or sufficient color contrast.
• ARIA labels should be used when extra context is needed for assistive technologies.

11. Error Handling

Proper error handling ensures that users can easily identify and resolve issues when interacting with a website. Descriptive error messages and preventive measures help users avoid frustration and mistakes, improving overall accessibility.

11.1 Error Identification

• Errors must be clearly indicated when a required field is left blank or filled incorrectly.
• Error messages should be text-based and not rely on color alone.
• The error message should appear near the field where the issue occurs.

11.2 Error Prevention for Important Data

• Before submitting legal, financial, or sensitive data, users must be given the chance to:
• Review entered information.
• Confirm details before final submission.
• Correct any mistakes detected.
• A confirmation message should be displayed before finalizing critical transactions.

12. Zoom & Text Resizing

Users with visual impairments often rely on zooming and text resizing to read content comfortably. A well-designed website should maintain readability and functionality when text size is increased without causing layout issues.

12.1 Text Resize

• Text must be resizable up to 200% without loss of content or functionality.
• No horizontal scrolling should occur unless necessary for complex content (e.g., tables, graphs).

12.2 Reflow

• Content must remain readable and usable when zoomed to 400%.
• No truncation, overlap, or missing content should occur.
• When zooming to 400%, a single-column layout should be used where possible.
• Browser zoom should be tested by adjusting the display resolution to 1280×1080.

13. Form Accessibility

Forms are a critical part of user interaction on websites, whether for sign-ups, payments, or data submissions. Ensuring that forms are accessible, easy to navigate, and user-friendly helps people with disabilities complete them without confusion or frustration.

13.1 Labels & Instructions

• Each form field must have a clear, descriptive label (e.g., “Email Address” instead of “Email”).
• Labels must be programmatically associated with input fields for screen readers.
• Required fields should be marked with an asterisk (*) or explicitly stated (e.g., “This field is required”).
• Error messages should be clear and specific (e.g., “Please enter a valid phone number in the format +1-123-456-7890”).

13.2 Input Assistance

• Auto-fill attributes should be enabled for common fields (e.g., name, email, phone number).
• Auto-complete suggestions should be provided where applicable.
• Form fields should support input hints or tooltips for better guidance.
• Icons or visual indicators should be used where necessary (e.g., a calendar icon for date selection).
• Dropdowns, radio buttons, and checkboxes should be clearly labeled to help users make selections easily.

Conclusion: ADA website compliance checklist

Ensuring ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) website compliance is essential for providing an accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly digital experience for all users, including those with disabilities. This checklist covers key accessibility principles, ensuring that web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

By following this ADA website compliance checklist, websites can become more accessible to people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Ensuring compliance not only avoids legal risks but also improves usability for all users, leading to better engagement, inclusivity, and user satisfaction.

Codoid is well experienced in this type of testing, ensuring that websites meet ADA, WCAG, and other accessibility standards effectively. Accessibility is not just a requirement—it’s a responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

European Accessibility Act : What You Need to Know

by Hannah Rivera | Jan 23, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

The European Union has made an important move with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This law affects several areas, such as banking services, e-commerce, and transportation. The main goal of the EAA is to make the online space easier for people with disabilities to use. It does this by creating a single set of accessibility standards for products and services that are available in the EU market.

Key Highlights

• The European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to create one set of accessibility rules for all products and services in the European Union.
• The EAA includes both private and public sector groups that create or sell these products and services in the EU. This also covers companies outside the EU.
• Organizations must follow these rules by June 28, 2025. They have to meet accessibility standards, provide accessibility statements, and check their progress regularly.
• If they do not comply with the EAA, they could face serious problems. This may include large fines, removal of their products from the market, and legal action.
• Key products and services covered by the EAA include e-commerce, banking, computers, smartphones, ticketing machines, and electronic books.

Understanding the Scope of the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) creates rules to make many products and services easier for everyone to use. This includes banking services, digital products, and public transport services. The EAA requires certain technical rules, like those in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, to be followed. Every member state in the European Union needs to make sure they follow the EAA. The Act also recognizes that some groups might struggle with certain rules. The main goal of the Act is to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and to make different areas easier to access for all.

Key Objectives and Timeline for Implementation

• Encourage inclusion: Make it easier for people with disabilities and older adults to use products and services.
• Make accessibility requirements equal for all EU member countries.
• Set the same accessibility standards throughout the EU.
• Improve new ideas.
• Help businesses to come up with fresh concepts.
• Offer simple solutions.
• Create chances in the accessibility market.
• Reduce Fragmentation: Make national accessibility laws uniform. This helps businesses to follow the rules more easily when operating in different countries.

The EAA was accepted in June 2019. EU countries had to update their national laws by June 28, 2022. Now, businesses and service providers must meet the new accessibility requirements by June 28, 2025. This gives organizations extra time to improve their products and services.

Who Is Affected? Identifying Entities Under the EAA Umbrella

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) impacts several groups in the EU. It is vital for makers and service providers who sell products or services in the EU market. This includes both physical goods and online services.

Each EU country must turn the EAA into its own laws. This act makes sure that everyone follows the rules in all countries. It is also important to know that the EAA covers companies that are not inside the EU.

Businesses outside the EU must follow these rules if they want to sell in Europe. This ensures that people with disabilities can access the goods and services they need. It does not matter where the business is based.

Deciphering Compliance: What the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Means for Your Business

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is important for all businesses in the EU. Every business must follow its rules. It is crucial for them to understand what the EAA requires and the possible consequences of ignoring it. This understanding helps them adjust to the new regulations effectively.

The EAA will greatly affect businesses that make, develop, and sell digital products and services. Because the EAA covers many areas, companies should check how they work now. They may need to change their processes and take steps to be more accessible. This will help them reduce risks and make sure they are following the law.

Essential Requirements for Products and Services

The requirements of the EAA address several important areas. They aim to make digital products and services user-friendly for people with disabilities. A main point is to think about accessibility when creating these products. Businesses need to follow accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), especially the AA level.

National laws that support the EAA could create more rules. This might help make customer service easier to access. It may also require places like bank branches or stores to follow accessibility standards.

The EAA wants to be open and help users feel confident. Businesses must offer clear details about how easy it is to use their products and services. They need to create accessibility statements that explain how they meet the EAA’s rules. This helps users make good choices and find crucial information easily.

Digital Services and E-Commerce: Adapting to New Standards

The EAA affects digital services and e-commerce a lot. To follow EAA rules, businesses must create a complete plan. This plan should not only focus on technology. It must also cover user experience and accessibility on all digital platforms.

Public sector websites and digital services already had rules for accessibility based on the Web Accessibility Directive. The EAA makes these rules stricter. Now, it also includes private sector companies that provide similar digital services. This change ensures that all users have a fair and inclusive experience.

Businesses in the digital sector should pay attention to these important areas for EAA compliance:

Products:

• Computers and their operating systems
• ATMs, ticket machines, and check-in kiosks
• Smartphones
• E-readers

Services:

• Websites for shopping
• Services for banking
• Phone and internet plans
• Public transport options (like ticket buying and real-time travel alerts)
• Media services such as videos and radio

Practical Steps Towards Achieving European Accessibility Act (EAA) Compliance

For businesses that follow the European Accessibility Act (EAA), it’s important to take action to meet the rules. This can reduce legal risks and boost inclusiveness. It can also open up new market opportunities. A strong focus on accessibility is essential for success.

The first step is to look at all current websites, mobile applications, and other digital products. This review will help businesses find accessibility issues. It will also make it easier to fix them. Hiring experts in accessibility and using testing tools can help meet the standards.

Conducting Accessibility Audits: A Starting Point

Conducting detailed accessibility audits is a key first step for organizations to follow the European Accessibility Act (EAA). These audits look at websites, mobile applications, and other digital products. They check if these items meet standards, like the WCAG for accessibility.

The Web Accessibility Directive was created before the EAA. It highlighted how important it is for the public sector to have accessible websites. The EAA builds on this idea. It extends these principles to more digital products and services. Now, accessibility audits are crucial for all businesses affected by this law.

A thorough accessibility audit checks several key points. It sees how easy it is to use the keyboard. It looks at the color contrast, and whether images have alternative text. The audit also reviews how headings and ARIA attributes are set up. It should test how well digital products work with various assistive technologies, like screen readers for people with visual impairments. Finally, it must make sure that any needed accessibility features are available.

Implementing Remedial Actions for Identified Gaps

After the accessibility audit is done, the next important step is to make a clear plan. This plan will help fix the gaps found during the audit. The fixing part is very important for private sector and public organizations. It allows them to meet EAA compliance.

For mobile applications, this means making changes to the design of the user interface. This is helpful for users who have trouble moving around. It may also include adding text to describe images.

For websites, this could mean changing color contrasts to meet WCAG standards. It is important to make sure that every function works with just a keyboard. Adding captions and text for videos is key, too. Just remember, making things accessible is an ongoing task. It is not something you do only once.

• Regular testing and maintenance are very important.
• This ensures that all new content and features work well for everyone.
• If any new issues arise, they should be fixed immediately.

The Legal Landscape: Penalties and Enforcement of the EAA

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) provides clear rules to protect the rights of people with disabilities. It outlines how to make sure these rules are followed. There are also penalties for anyone who does not follow them.

The punishments for not following these rules can vary in each member state. They may include large fines, legal problems, and harm to your reputation. Usually, the national authorities in charge of consumer protection and accessibility will ensure that the EAA is followed.

Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance

Not following the EAA’s rules can create serious legal and money problems for businesses. They might have to pay large fines. The amount of the fine depends on how severe the violation is and how long it lasts. For instance, if a website does not provide alternative text for images or does not have a good font size for easy reading, it can lead to penalties.

Businesses that don’t follow the rules might have to pay fines. They could also face lawsuits from people or advocacy groups. This can cause extra financial stress because of legal fees and settlement payments. Moreover, not fixing accessibility issues can damage a business’s brand image. It can also reduce trust from customers.

In today’s digital world, a good user experience is very important. If digital experiences are hard to access, many people will feel left out.

Case Studies: Lessons Learned from EAA Audits

As the EAA starts to function, we will see real case studies and examples of enforcement actions. These examples will help us understand what the law means in real life. For instance, there is a made-up e-commerce company that has an annual turnover higher than the EAA’s limit.

During an audit by national authorities, many accessibility issues were found. The website lacked alternative text for product images. The checkout process was tough for users with motor impairments because it needed hard mouse movements. The company also did not have a good accessibility statement. This statement should show how its services follow the EAA’s rules.

This situation shows that managing EAA compliance takes several steps. First, we need to conduct accessibility audits. We should also address issues before they arise. Good communication with users about accessibility is important as well.

Benefits of the European Accessibility Act

• Better Life for Everyone: The EAA aims to create a society where all people, especially those with disabilities, can take part. They work on removing barriers.
• Business Growth Made Easy: Common accessibility standards support businesses to expand in different EU countries.
• Encouraging Innovation: This rule motivates companies to put money into technologies that are easy to use. This leads to new ideas in design and technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important for businesses to understand the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This knowledge helps them follow the rules and support a more inclusive society. Businesses need to adjust their products and services to meet accessibility standards. They should set goals and meet deadlines. Doing audits and making necessary changes is crucial to comply with the EAA. If they do not follow these rules, they could face large fines. This illustrates how essential it is to adhere to the regulations. Checking case studies can provide useful advice for EAA audits. Stay updated and make an effort to understand the laws better and improve accessibility for all. If you have questions about the EAA, check our FAQ section for more details.

Stay ahead of the curve—ensure your products and services meet the European Accessibility Act requirements by 2025!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cypress Accessibility Testing: Tips for Success

by Hannah Rivera | Jan 13, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

In our world today, it’s very important to create web applications that everyone can use. Accessibility testing plays a big role in this. It makes sure that people with disabilities can see, use, and engage with digital content easily. This blog post will focus on Cypress accessibility testing, particularly using the Cypress Cloud platform. This method is a smart way to add automated accessibility checks into your development process. We will go over the basics of accessibility testing, the benefits of using Cypress, and some helpful tips on how to do it, along with the advantages of an Accessibility testing service.

By using automation for accessibility checks, development teams can find and fix problems early. This saves time and resources. It also makes a web application more inclusive. Let’s take a look at how Cypress can help you reach this goal.

Key Highlights

• Cypress accessibility testing helps find and fix issues in web applications automatically.
• It makes your app easier to use for people with disabilities, following WCAG guidelines.
• Using Cypress with axe-core helps to spot and solve common violations.
• Adding these tests to your development workflow, especially with CI/CD pipelines, helps catch problems early.
• Focusing on accessibility testing improves how users feel about your app and includes everyone.

Understanding the Basics of Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing checks how simple it is for people with disabilities to use a website or web application. This testing looks at many kinds of challenges. These challenges can be related to sight, hearing, movement, and thinking.

Think about someone using your website with only a keyboard or a screen reader. Accessibility testing helps find problems that could stop these users from easily reading or using features. You need to check several things. First, look at the color contrast. Next, make sure all images have text descriptions. It’s also important to use proper HTML to organize your content. Lastly, ensure users can navigate the site using only a keyboard.

Defining Accessibility in the Digital World

Cypress accessibility testing” in the digital world means making websites, apps, and online content easy for all people to use. This includes everyone, whether they have different abilities or disabilities. It focuses on the needs of users. It understands that people use the internet in different ways. The goal is to remove barriers so everyone can access information and use features equally.

A key part of this idea is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines set the global standard for accessibility. They give clear advice on how to make web content easy to see and use. This helps people with disabilities to understand and interact with online content. By following these guidelines, we can create online experiences that are good for all users. This helps meet their different needs.

The Significance of Accessibility Testing for Web Applications

Accessibility testing is very important for web applications that serve many types of users. Problems like missing alt text for images, poor color contrast, or a lack of keyboard navigation can make it hard for users with disabilities. This can stop them from getting information or finishing tasks.

Think about a person who needs a screen reader to use the internet. If important information is not labeled or arranged well, it can be hard for them to read or understand. By doing accessibility testing, developers can check different user actions and views. This helps them find and fix problems before real users experience them. This not only helps people with disabilities but also makes the web application easier for everyone.

Introduction to Cypress for Accessibility Testing

Cypress is a popular tool for testing from start to finish. It is also great for test automation and checking accessibility. Cypress works well with well-known tools like axe-core. This allows developers to automate accessibility checks inside their Cypress test suites. You can test the functions and accessibility of your web application at the same time. This makes testing easier without needing extra tools or steps.

Cypress is easy to use because it has a simple API. It offers commands and checks to assist you in working with elements on a page. You can also check how accessible these features are.

What Makes Cypress a Preferred Choice for Accessibility Testing?

Cypress is popular because it is simple to use. It enables tests to run in real-time and comes with great debugging tools. When combined with accessibility tools, it is a good choice for checking accessibility scores. Here are some key reasons to pick Cypress for accessibility testing:

• Automation: Carry out accessibility checks in CI/CD pipelines.
• Integration: It connects easily with tools for accessibility testing like axe-core.
• Ease of Use: Developers find it simple to write, debug, and manage tests in Cypress.

Prerequisites for Cypress Accessibility Testing

Before writing your first Cypress accessibility test, you need to make sure that you have a few key elements in place. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to get started:

1. Node.js and npm

Cypress requires Node.js to run, which also includes npm (Node Package Manager). Make sure you have both installed on your system.

2. Cypress Installed

You will need to install Cypress in your project. This is the testing framework that will run your tests.

3. Accessibility Plugin

To integrate accessibility testing into Cypress, you’ll need to install an additional plugin called cypress-axe. This plugin works with axe-core, a widely used accessibility testing tool.

4. Project Setup

You’ll need to initialize a Node.js project (if you haven’t already) to manage your dependencies and configurations.

5. Configuration of Cypress Support File

Cypress provides a support file where you will import the necessary plugins and define custom commands for accessibility testing.

Writing Your First Accessibility Test with Cypress

Here is an easy Cypress accessibility testing test for checking accessibility using Cypress:

describe('Accessibility Testing', () => {
beforeEach(() => {
// Load the page you want to test
cy.visit('https://example.com');

// Inject axe-core script into the page
cy.injectAxe();
});

it('should have no detectable accessibility violations on load', () => {
// Run the accessibility check
cy.checkA11y();
});

it('should test specific sections of the page', () => {
// Check accessibility for a specific element
cy.checkA11y('#main-content');
});
});

Advanced Techniques in Cypress Accessibility Testing

As you get better at accessibility testing with Cypress, try using some advanced techniques. These will make your tests stronger and faster. Cypress is very flexible. It helps you focus on specific parts of a login page for accessibility checks.
You can use custom Cypress commands. This helps make your testing easier. It is good for when you write the same accessibility checks often.

Leveraging Cypress for Dynamic Content Testing

Cypress is a useful tool for handling changing content. This is important because it keeps your app working well, even when content loads at different times or changes because of user actions. If you do not manage dynamic content correctly, it can cause flaky tests. You can use Cypress commands like cy.wait() or cy.intercept() to control these delays in actions.

When you see a modal dialog box on the screen, make sure it is fully loaded and can be seen by the testing tool before checking its accessibility. Also, keep in mind that accessibility testing should cover the entire test run. This includes testing how everything interacts to get a full understanding of your application’s accessibility.

Strategies for Dealing with Common Accessibility Issues

1. Test for Missing or Inadequate Alternative Text

Use cypress-axe to check if images have the right alt text. This is key to following accessibility rules.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('Image Accessibility Test', () => {
it('should ensure all images have appropriate alt attributes', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com');
cy.injectAxe();

// Run accessibility check
cy.checkA11y(null, {
rules: {
'image-alt': { enabled: true },
},
});
});
});

2. Validate Color Contrast

Check if the text color and background color follow WCAG standards with Cypress accessibility testing.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('Color Contrast Accessibility Test', () => {
it('should ensure sufficient color contrast', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com');
cy.injectAxe();

// Run accessibility check for color contrast issues
cy.checkA11y(null, {
rules: {
'color-contrast': { enabled: true },
},
});
});
});

3. Ensure Accessible Forms

• Check that test forms have the right labels.
• Ensure that error messages are easy to read.
• Verify that the input attributes are correct.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('Form Accessibility Test', () => {
it('should ensure all form inputs have associated labels', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com/form');
cy.injectAxe();

// Check accessibility issues with form elements
cy.checkA11y(null, {
rules: {
'label': { enabled: true }, // Ensure form fields have labels
'aria-required-children': { enabled: true }, // Check ARIA-required children
},
});
});
});

4. Verify ARIA Roles and Attributes

• Make sure ARIA roles are used correctly.
• Check if attributes are set up to support users who use assistive technology with Cypress accessibility testing.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('ARIA Roles and Attributes Test', () => {
it('should ensure proper use of ARIA roles and attributes', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com');
cy.injectAxe();

// Validate ARIA roles and attributes
cy.checkA11y(null, {
rules: {
'aria-roles': { enabled: true }, // Validate ARIA roles
'aria-valid-attr': { enabled: true }, // Validate ARIA attributes
},
});
});
});

5. Detect Keyboard Navigation Issues

• See if people can go through items using only the keyboard.
• Ensure that users do not need a mouse to move around.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('Keyboard Navigation Accessibility Test', () => {
it('should ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com');
cy.injectAxe();

// Run accessibility check
cy.checkA11y(null, {
rules: {
'focusable-content': { enabled: true }, // Ensure all interactive elements are focusable
'keyboard-navigation': { enabled: true }, // Validate keyboard navigation
},
});

// Additional manual test: Verify tab order
cy.get('button').first().focus().tab();
cy.focused().should('have.attr', 'id', 'expected-element-id');
});
});

6. Ensure Accessible Dynamic Content

• Test the moving parts like modals or dropdowns.
• Check if screen readers read them out loud.

Cypress Code Example:

describe('Dynamic Content Accessibility Test', () => {
it('should ensure modals and popups are accessible', () => {
cy.visit('https://example.com');
cy.injectAxe();

// Simulate opening a modal
cy.get('#open-modal-button').click();

// Check modal accessibility
cy.checkA11y('#modal', {
rules: {
'aria-modal': { enabled: true }, // Ensure modals have ARIA attributes
'focus-trap': { enabled: true }, // Check focus trap inside modal
},
});
});
});

7. Test Semantic HTML Structure

Ensure your page uses proper HTML semantics like

Accessibility Testing with Playwright: Expert Guide

by Guest Admin | Jan 11, 2025 | Accessibility Testing, Blog, Latest Post | 0 comments

In today’s online world, making web content easy for everyone is very important. This includes people with disabilities. It is key to use accessibility testing tools, manual accessibility assessments, and professional Accessibility Testing services during development. A good way to do this is by using an open-source dev tool like Accessibility Testing with Playwright. These tests check if web content is easy to use for all. They find accessibility issues and help fix them. Doing this work makes for a better user experience for everyone.

Key Highlights

• This guide helps you learn accessibility testing with Playwright.
• You will write your first accessibility test and find better ways to test.
• Discover how to automate keyboard accessibility tests for all users.
• The guide answers common questions about accessibility testing.
• The blog covers everything, from setup to fitting tests for specific accessibility standards.

Understanding the Basics of Playwright for Accessibility Testing

Playwright Test is a great tool for testing web apps completely. It has many features that support accessibility testing. This makes it a good choice for both developers and testers. When you add accessibility checks to your Playwright tests, you can spot problems early.

If we overlook these types of accessibility issues, it can lead to problems for people with disabilities. This might make it hard for them to see and use your web application. Playwright provides a helpful API that supports developers and testers in checking various aspects of accessibility.

What Makes Playwright Ideal for Accessibility Testing?

Playwright is a great tool. It can mimic how people use a web page. This is really helpful for accessibility testing. It shows how users feel when they work with a web application, especially those using assistive technologies. By simulating these interactions, Playwright can find problems that might be missed by just doing a regular check.

Playwright helps you with automated testing. It makes it simple to run accessibility checks quickly and consistently. This step is important to make sure your web application is accessible to everyone.
Using Playwright for accessibility testing helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the web. This approach helps you reach more people and create apps that everyone can use.

Key Features of Playwright for Comprehensive Testing

Playwright is a helpful tool for developers and testers. It helps make web apps easier to access. The tool offers great support for accessibility testing. This support makes testing simple and effective. A major benefit of using Playwright is that it can find and show different types of accessibility rules. This feature makes it a fantastic choice for meeting web accessibility standards.

With Playwright, developers and testers can make test cases that give detailed information about their web apps. This helps them write focused tests in the Playwright framework, enhancing their test execution process. These tests target different aspects of accessibility.
By adding accessibility checks at the start, developers can find and fix possible problems while they create their code.

Crafting Your First Accessibility Test with Playwright

Let’s learn how to make your first accessibility test using Playwright with TypeScript and JavaScript. This easy guide will teach you the basics. It will also help you make web apps that everyone can use. We will begin by setting up the Playwright environment for accessibility testing. This means you need to install some important packages and dependencies.

Next, we will talk about how to write simple accessibility tests using Playwright’s easy API and assertions, incorporating a new fixture for improved functionality. We will also explain how to make separate test cases. This guide will help you feel sure about adding accessibility testing to your development workflow.

Understanding Common Accessibility Issues

Accessibility issues can cover many different problems. They include several types but are not limited to:

• Missing ARIA roles/labels: This is important for screen readers.
• Contrasting colors: Make sure the text is easy to read against the background.
• Keyboard accessibility: Verify that you can use all interactive parts with the keyboard.
• Alt text for images: Images should have alt text for those using screen readers.
• Focusable elements: Ensure that buttons, inputs, and links can be focused on.

Setting Up Your Playwright Environment

To start, make sure you have Node.js and a package manager like npm or yarn on your computer. Then, you can install Playwright using the package manager you chose. Just run the right command in your terminal to add Playwright to your project. This will give you the libraries and tools you need to run your Playwright tests.

Next, you should install an accessibility testing engine. A great choice is the axe-core accessibility engine, which you can use withTags to check your web pages for problems and gives you reports on the scan results. You can set it up using a configuration file or directly in your test code. For more help, look at the section of the axe API documentation.

After you finish these steps, your Playwright environment is ready for accessibility testing. You can now begin writing your test code. This will help make sure your web application is accessible.

1. Set up Playwright for Testing

• First, you must install Playwright.
• Then, you need to set up a test environment.

npm install playwright

• You can install Playwright to help with some browsers:

npm install playwright-chromium # For Chromium-based testing
npm install playwright-firefox # For Firefox testing
npm install playwright-webkit # For Safari testing

2. Integrate Axe-Core with Playwright

One popular way to test accessibility is using axe-core and the AxeBuilder class. It is a well-known tool for checking accessibility. You can also connect it with Playwright. This allows you to test web pages easily.

To use axe-core in Playwright:

Install axe-playwright:

npm install axe-playwright

Use it in your test code:

const { test, expect } = require('@playwright/test');
const { injectAxe, checkA11y } = require('axe-playwright');

test('should have no accessibility violations', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://example.com');

// Inject axe-core library
await injectAxe(page);

// Run accessibility tests
const violations = await checkA11y(page);

// Assert that no violations are found
expect(violations.violations).toEqual([]);
});
injectAxe(page): This adds the axe tool for accessibility to the page.
checkA11y(page): This performs accessibility tests on the page.

3. Test for Specific Accessibility Violations

You can use the checkA11y function to find some accessibility issues. You just need to give it an options object. This lets you pick which rules to check or you can skip some rules.

test('should have no a11y violations excluding some rules', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://example.com');
await injectAxe(page);

const violations = await checkA11y(page, {
runOnly: {
type: 'rules',
values: ['color-contrast', 'image-alt'], // Only check color contrast and image alt
},
});

expect(violations.violations).toEqual([]);
});

4. Running Accessibility Tests on Multiple Pages

You can run accessibility tests on many pages in your app. You can do this by visiting different routes or by using various test cases.

test('should have no accessibility violations across pages', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://example.com/page1');
await injectAxe(page);
let violations = await checkA11y(page);
expect(violations.violations).toEqual([]);

await page.goto('https://example.com/page2');
await injectAxe(page);
violations = await checkA11y(page);
expect(violations.violations).toEqual([]);
});

5. CI Integration

To simplify accessibility testing, you can link Playwright tests to your continuous integration (CI) pipeline. This can be done using tools such as GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or GitLab CI.

Example GitHub Actions setup:

name: Playwright Accessibility Test

on: [push]

jobs:
test:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest

steps:
- name: Check out repository
uses: actions/checkout@v2

- name: Install dependencies
run: npm install

- name: Run accessibility tests
run: npm test

6. Handling Accessibility Violation Reports

Playwright with axe-core provides violation reports in JSON format. These reports show violations of a specific rule. By reading these reports, you can see when tests fail because of these violations and allow for a more granular set of individual rules for testing. You can also turn off individual rules for testing. Plus, you can set it up to show results in a more readable format.

test('should not have any violations', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://example.com');
await injectAxe(page);

const { violations } = await checkA11y(page);
if (violations.length > 0) {
console.log(violations);
expect(violations.length).toBe(0); // Fail the test if there are violations
}
});

7. Customizing Axe Rules

You can change axe’s rules to match what you need. For example, you can turn off some checks or change the limits.

const violations = await checkA11y(page, {
rules: {
'color-contrast': { enabled: false }, // Disable color contrast check
},
});

Advanced Techniques in Playwright Accessibility Testing

As you learn about basic accessibility testing in Playwright, you can try some more advanced methods. One way is to practice keyboard navigation. This practice makes sure that everyone can use your web application, even if they can’t use a mouse.

It is key to customize your accessibility tests to examine certain issues with inclusivity in mind. You should follow guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These clear methods aid in enhancing your accessibility testing. This approach lets you concentrate on what your web application requires and what your audience wants.

Automating Keyboard Accessibility Tests

Imagine a person using your web application with just a keyboard. Can they move around different parts easily? Can they access all the functions? Thinking about these questions matters a lot. Doing this will make your app better for people with motor impairments and those who like using a keyboard for navigation. A good way to do this is by using Playwright to help with accessibility tests.

Playwright helps you automatically copy keyboard actions and interactions. This lets you create tests that show how a person would use your website using only a keyboard. By doing this, you can find and fix accessibility issues related to keyboard use.

These issues can come from parts that are hard to reach with the keyboard. They might also include focus indicators that are difficult to see or functions that need a mouse. Some elements could have poor color contrast. Fixing these problems will make your app better for all users.

Customizing Tests for Specific Accessibility Standards

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide helpful tips to make web content easy for everyone to use. They cover a wide variety of accessibility rules related to accessibility. These guidelines are known worldwide and set a standard for web accessibility. If you use Playwright to test for accessibility, you can focus on certain criteria from the WCAG. This helps you make sure your web application meets high accessibility standards.

Playwright helps you set up your accessibility tests. You can pay attention to the specific success criteria that matter most to you. For instance, you may want to check the color contrast in your CSS styles. You might also want to make sure that images include alternative text. Furthermore, you can confirm that keyboard navigation works well.

This clear approach helps you tackle specific accessibility issues. It also makes your app simpler to use for people with various disabilities.

Conclusion

Accessibility testing is important for making sure everyone can use digital experiences. Playwright is a great option for this testing. It has smart features that let you do keyboard testing and change settings for better tests. Start accessibility testing early in the development process. This way, you can catch and fix any accessibility problems before they get bigger. Playwright is a powerful tool for UI testing and has several benefits over Selenium. Use Playwright for thorough accessibility testing that meets industry standards. This helps you create digital products that everyone can access.

Frequently Asked Questions