How to Test the Accessibility of Your Website

Website accessibility testing is a crucial but often overlooked step in modern web development. Neglecting accessibility can lead to serious issues — from legal penalties under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to user frustration and lost conversions.

Beyond compliance, accessibility embodies inclusivity and usability for all users, including those relying on assistive technology such as screen readers or voice navigation. At Websults®, we believe that building an accessible website isn’t just about meeting regulations — it’s about creating a digital environment that works for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll explain why website accessibility matters, highlight current WCAG 2.2 updates, recommend testing tools and beginner plugins, and outline steps to ensure your site passes accessibility standards confidently.

Understanding Website Accessibility

When developing a site, accessibility influences not just aesthetics but functionality and experience. Simple decisions — like colour contrast, keyboard navigation, or clear form labels — determine whether your content is usable by everyone.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline four core principles, remembered as POUR:

• Perceivable: Information must be available to the user’s senses.
• Operable: Navigation and controls must be usable with a mouse, keyboard, or assistive devices.
• Understandable: Content and interactions must be clear and predictable.
• Robust: Websites should remain compatible with evolving browsers and assistive technologies.

Ignoring accessibility can lead to poor UX, lower SEO visibility, and even legal action — all avoidable with proper testing and awareness.

The Benefits of Website Accessibility

Accessibility is both a legal requirement and a business advantage.

Accessible websites also perform better across devices and demographics. As Google Search Central confirms, accessibility improves usability for all users — which naturally aligns with SEO best practices.

Key Accessibility Standards

The WCAG 2.2 guidelines introduce new success criteria focused on mobile and cognitive accessibility:

• Focus Appearance (2.4.13) – Keyboard focus must remain visible.
• Dragging Movements (2.5.7) – Actions requiring drag gestures need alternatives.
• Target Size (2.5.8) – Buttons and touch targets must be large enough to tap easily.
• Accessible Authentication (3.3.8) – Logins shouldn’t rely on cognitive challenges like remembering complex passwords alone.

Most organisations aim for Level AA compliance, balancing usability and practicality.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 508 requires federal websites and contractors to provide equal digital access to all users. Private businesses increasingly follow these standards to align with procurement requirements and public-sector partnerships.

Tools and Resources for Accessibility Testing

Before your site launches, test it thoroughly with free and professional tools that highlight compliance gaps.

Recommended Automated Tools

Automated scans catch about 30–40 % of WCAG issues. Pair them with manual testing for complete coverage.

Manual Accessibility Testing Checklist

Manual testing ensures your site performs well for real users:

• Keyboard Navigation: Verify all menus and forms work without a mouse.
• Alt Text: Confirm all images include descriptive, purposeful alt attributes.
• Semantic HTML: Use proper headings (<h1>–<h6>), lists, and landmarks.
• Forms: Attach <label> elements to inputs; ensure error messages are clear.
• Focus Indicators: Every interactive element should have visible focus styling.
• Colour Contrast: Maintain at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio for text.
• Transcripts & Captions: Provide transcripts for audio/video content.

For a detailed reference, review the WebAIM WCAG Checklist.

Mobile Accessibility Testing

Accessibility doesn’t end with desktop design. With over 58 % of traffic coming from mobile devices (Statista, 2024), mobile usability is crucial.

Key considerations:

• Ensure touch targets ≥ 44 × 44 px.
• Provide gesture alternatives for drag/swipe features.
• Support pinch-to-zoom up to 200 %.
• Avoid inaccessible pop-ups or hidden navigation.
• Test with mobile screen readers (VoiceOver, TalkBack).

Mobile accessibility directly influences SEO since Google indexes primarily by mobile performance.

Accessibility for Beginners: Plugins & Quick Setup

If your website runs on WordPress, several plugins simplify accessibility improvements — no coding required.

Top WordPress Accessibility Plugins

1. WP Accessibility – Adds skip links, enforces alt text, and improves contrast.
2. Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital – Runs continuous WCAG scans inside your dashboard.
3. One Click Accessibility – Adds toolbar controls for font size, contrast, and keyboard navigation.
4. UserWay Accessibility Widget – Provides automated toolbar and compliance reporting.
5. Website Lighthouse Plugin – Integrates Google Lighthouse audits directly into WordPress.

How to Get Started (For Beginners)

1. Install WP Accessibility via Plugins → Add New.
2. Run a scan using Accessibility Checker to identify issues.
3. Fix flagged problems (alt text, headings, colour contrast).
4. Enable keyboard navigation and skip links.
5. Test your site with a free screen reader like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac).
6. Re-test monthly — accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time task.

Pro Tip: Pair these plugins with expert web design services to ensure long-term compliance and performance.

How to Start a Full Accessibility Audit

1. Define your target standard — WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA.
2. Run automated scans using tools such as WAVE or axe.
3. Conduct manual keyboard and screen-reader testing.
4. Prioritise issues by severity and user impact.
5. Document changes and create a long-term maintenance checklist.
6. Retest quarterly and after major design or content updates.

Partner with Websults®

For more than 20 years, Websults® has delivered accessible, performance-driven websites tailored to every client’s goals. Our team combines inclusive design, rigorous accessibility testing, and SEO services to ensure your site reaches every audience while ranking strongly in search results.

Whether you need a new site or an audit of your current one, our digital marketing and web-development specialists can help you align design, usability, and compliance seamlessly.

Contact Websults® today for a free consultation and accessibility assessment.

People Also Ask

1. What is the purpose of website accessibility?

Website accessibility ensures equal access for all users, including those with disabilities or impairments. According to the W3C WAI, accessibility supports perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust design principles, making your website inclusive, ethical, and easier to navigate for everyone.

2. How does accessibility improve SEO?

Accessible websites are naturally SEO-friendly. Using alt text, clear heading structures, and mobile-friendly layouts helps search engines understand your content. Google Search Central notes that accessible pages improve discoverability and user engagement — both critical ranking factors.

3. What are the most common accessibility issues?

The most common problems include missing image alt text, low colour contrast, inaccessible forms, poor keyboard navigation, and missing captions. Tools such as axe DevTools or WAVE can quickly identify many of these, but manual testing is still essential for complete compliance.