Lunch & Learn with Jobsity: Accessibility Testing Guidelines & Strategies

Welcome to April’s  Lunch & Learn, where Jobsity invited QA Engineer, Jessica Machado, to share what she knows about accessibility testing. It’s a crucial practice that allows everyone to access and use a digital solution while accommodating their needs. It's not merely a best practice; in certain regions, it's even a legal necessity.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a guide for developing accessible digital experiences. WCAG outlines three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. While A is the minimum level of accessibility, AA is the recommended goal for most projects. AAA denotes the highest level of conformity. These guidelines are built on four main principles:

1. Perceivability: Can users with different sensory abilities perceive the content? This includes proper use of color contrast, providing alternative text descriptions for images, and using clear and concise language.
2. Operability: Can users interact with the content? This means making sure the user interface is functional for everyone, regardless of input method (such as keyboard navigation or touch screen).
3. Understandability: Is the content clear and easy to understand? This requires plain language, avoiding overly complex structures, and providing clear instructions.
4. Robustness: Is the content compatible with assistive technologies? This ensures that screen readers and other assistive tools can interpret and navigate the content effectively.

Accessibility testing involves using various techniques to ensure that your digital product meets these criteria. Testers check for proper use of alt text descriptions for images and evaluate color contrast for readability. They also verify that keyboard navigation allows users to move through the interface logically.  

Compatibility with popular screen readers is also a vital aspect of accessibility testing. There are many tools available to assist with this process, some manual and some automated. 

Manual Testing Tools, including Silktide, AAArdvark, and Monsido, require testers to physically interact with the product. The goal is to assess its usability from the perspective of someone using a screen reader.

Automated Testing Tools, on the other hand, use scripts to scan the code and identify potential accessibility issues. Some examples of automated testing tools include RAMP, IBM Equal Access cypress-accessibility-checker, and QualWeb. 

Beyond the tools mentioned, accessibility testing often involves using assistive technologies themselves. This allows testers to identify real-world usability roadblocks and fine-tune the product accordingly. 

Accessibility testing should also include collaborating with user groups representing people with disabilities. Their insights provide a crucial perspective and ensure the testing process is truly user-centered.

The best way to achieve the highest possible accessibility is to incorporate best practices from the start of the development process. 

Creating accessible digital products requires the right team. You’re looking for designers, developers, and QA testers who are in it for the long haul, from the very beginning to product completion. 

After all, early consideration allows for seamless integration of accessibility features, avoiding the need for costly redesigns later in the development cycle.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it's about creating a more inclusive digital world.  Following WCAG and implementing accessibility testing strategies makes it possible for everyone to experience the full potential of digital products.  So, become an advocate for accessibility – it makes a difference!

Missed the live session? Catch the recording here:

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