ADA Testing
When it comes to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) testing for websites, there are several common areas that need to be evaluated to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines. Here are some of the most common types of ADA testing for websites:
Keyboard Accessibility:
Verify that all functionality on the website can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard, without relying on a mouse or other pointing device.
Mostly known as navigation using the tab button, the navigation should follow the order from top to bottom, from left to right, as you usually read.
Screen Reader Compatibility:
Test the website using screen reader software, such as JAWS or NVDA, to ensure that the content is properly read out and navigable by users who are visually impaired.
Alt Text for Images:
Check that all images on the website have appropriate alternative text (alt text) assigned to them, which provides a description of the image for screen readers or in case the image fails to load.
Color Contrast:
Evaluate the color contrast between foreground and background elements to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. The website should meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements for color contrast.
Heading Structure:
Confirm that the headings and subheadings on the website are properly structured and hierarchical, using heading tags (H1, H2, etc.) in the correct order.
Form Accessibility:
Test the forms on the website to ensure they are accessible to users with disabilities. This includes checking for proper labeling of form fields, clear instructions, and appropriate error messages.
Audio and Video Content:
Ensure that any audio or video content on the website is accessible to users with hearing impairments, by providing captions or transcripts for videos and transcripts or descriptions for audio content.
Keyboard Focus Indicator:
Verify that there is a visible focus indicator when navigating through interactive elements using a keyboard, allowing users to understand where they are on the page.
Link and Button Descriptions:
Confirm that all links and buttons have descriptive and meaningful labels, so that screen reader users can understand their purpose without relying solely on visual cues.
Navigation and Site Structure:
Evaluate the overall website navigation and structure to ensure that it is logical, consistent, and easy to navigate for users with disabilities.
