The Definitive Accessibility Testing Checklist for Your Software Products and Services

Reading Time: 9 minutes

A product that stands out is trivial. A product that genuinely cares about its users is sensational.

Over the years, we’ve seen many projects create exceptional features and spectacular UX. But with time, the novelty wears out. The competitors implement similar traits. And people continue to look for something else.

And we know what they want – to feel valued. We’ve already discussed how user-centricity and quality culture can help you capture people’s hearts. Yet, there’s one more thing – accessibility.

So, we’ve created the ultimate accessibility testing checklist to make your product feel like a true friend and bring users joy. Read on for a:

Basic manual accessibility testing checklist.
Website accessibility testing checklist.
Mobile accessibility testing checklist.
Device-specific accessibility testing checklist, and more.

All You Need to Know About Accessibility Testing

The POUR Framework Is Your Guide

We’re sure you’re familiar with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). But let’s recap them. They define how a digital product needs to operate to offer pleasant UX to any audience. And for that, you need to follow WCAG’s four core principles, called the POUR framework. It tells us that a product needs to be:

Perceivable – offer features and info that any user can understand and navigate.

Alternative text for multimedia.
Captions and transcripts for audio/video.
Easily graspable fonts.

Operable – provide interaction options that anyone can access.

Clear and consistent navigation.
No triggering aspects that can cause a physical reaction.
Functions like landmarks or skip links.

Understandable – present any element in a way a person can decipher.

Informative and descriptive headings, labels, instructions, etc.
Error messages are precise and explanatory.
Predictable layouts, navigation, and functions.

Robust – support assistive technologies (AT) and specialized interaction methods.

Compatibility with screen readers, voice recognition software, etc.
Consistency across browsers, devices, and AT platforms.
Fallback options for features unsupported by certain environments.

But remember one thing: following accessibility guidelines will only get you this far. What you actually need to do is to care about the people who’ll use your product. As yes, you can carry our decent accessibility testing. Cross some points off your list. Yet, what really matters is how you implement solutions that make a person’s life a bit brighter.

As they say, happiness is about the little things. So is the difference between a good and a phenomenal project.

Now, let’s get to the checklists.

Website Accessibility Testing Checklist Your Team Should Know by Heart

Basic Accessibility Testing Checklist

This one is perfectly suited for projects with limited timelines. Perhaps your SDLC was too cluttered. Or you couldn’t find people to run proper accessibility checks. We know software development can get chaotic.

Yet, compromising quality is never a solution. So, try to cover accessibility basics, at least.

All images have descriptive alt text.
Links and buttons are easily accessible and operable with a keyboard.
Sufficient color contrast between text and background.
Headings and labels are clear and informative.
Proper semantic structure using HTML elements.
Form fields have appropriate labeling and error handling.
Multimedia content offers captions or transcripts.
Navigation is consistent and easy to understand.
Eliminated keyboard traps.
Users can navigate away from elements easily.
No aspects that can set off a negative reaction (flashing lights, overly bright colors, etc).

The good news is that once you’ve secured these aspects in your software, you have a good base to go further. We’d recommend not to stop here. Since, as our experience has proven, companies that strive for greater levels of accessibility also have greater success.

Expanded audience reach.
Improved user experience.
Strong legal compliance.
Enhanced reputation.
Optimized SEO.

These and more benefits come with refined accessibility. So, you indeed should come back to this testing during a calmer period and run ampler checks.

And one more thing. No matter how intricate your testing is, strive to work with expert accessibility testing services. Because regardless of what you aim to do, desaturate bright colors or apply an advanced gesture recognition technology, everything needs to be done with grace.

Accessibility isn’t about making good products. It’s about making any person enjoy their stay. And for that, you’ll need QA engineers who are:

Well-versed in compliance rules.
Have rich experience and creative minds.
And are adaptive and proactive.

Without a doubt, true specialists can find one more thing to improve. A better solution to apply. A tiny detail to fix that will make all the difference. Valuable software testing services won’t treat your product as a bunch of checkboxes to cross. They’ll treat it as something special for someone special. They’ll increase your profit and user love.

Web Accessibility Testing Checklist

There’re over 200 million active websites available right now. That’s a lot of competition. And, according to WHO, 16% of the population have a disability. So, for you, that’s around 1.3 billion potential users. Users who’d be happy to stay and support your project if you create a space where they can feel safe and cozy.

Secure easily accessible and keyboard-operated interactive components, such as menus and modal dialogs.
Ensure proper focus management and that keyboard users don’t get trapped in certain areas.
Have appropriate labels and error messages for form inputs.
Check for suitable ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and attributes.
Offer fitting landmarks and headings that aid in navigation.
Provide alternative visual indicators for users with color vision deficiencies.
Make drag-and-drop functionality accessible via keyboard commands.
Present adequate time limits and an option to adjust or disable them.
Make sure notifications or alerts don’t disrupt users’ workflow.

This website accessibility audit checklist, of course, will expand. Because when you start refining your product, it’s often hard to stop. For our team, at least. And this gentle obsession with quality and not wanting to stay satisfied with what you have is a trait you should cultivate in your team.

That’s how unforgettable apps are made.

Mobile App Accessibility Checklist

Smartphones are the most popular devices in the world. People rely on their compact size, strong performance, and overall convenience. And if their expectations are broken, users won’t proceed with a service that doesn’t offer optimized UX.

So, before you settle on “our product is done”, think about how you can make it a bit better. That little bit means a lot.

Test for proper touch target sizes and spacing.
Ensure that any swipe gestures or multi-touch interactions are complemented with alternative navigation options.
Verify proper handling of screen rotations.
Check for adequate support for accessibility features built into the mobile operating system, like dynamic text sizing, color inversion, and reduced motion options.
Make sure screen reader users are notified of content changes in real-time without needing to manually refresh the screen.
Test for compatibility with mobile assistive technologies like switch control and voice recognition.
Validate that the app’s navigation patterns, such as swiping between screens or using tabs, are consistent and intuitive.

You might have noticed that this mobile app accessibility testing checklist somewhat overlaps with the previous website accessibility checklist. They do cover the same things. Just for different environments. And that is the major point. To create targeted, productive, and resource-efficient tests, you need to know:

The specific of your software (web, mobile, desktop, etc).
The unique features of your product.

Because WCAG are just that – guidelines. Yet, to get the most out of any web accessibility checklist, or mobile accessibility checklist, or any checklist, best practice, or advice… you need to think about how to better apply any of it to your situation, your resources, and your expertise.

So, first, focus on what you have. Then you’ll be able to elegantly get better and better.

Device-Specific Accessibility Testing Checklist

Imagine a cup. But without a handle. With a triangular shape. Or with a crack. Technically, it still does its job – holding in the liquid. Yet, it wouldn’t be quite as comfortable. So, your device, a wearable, for example, can have an impeccable exterior design and a decent number of features.

But is it welcoming enough for people to use every day and actually enjoy it? Well, here’re the things to check to make it such.

Ensure that the device’s interface and feedback mechanisms, such as vibrations or auditory cues, are perceivable by users with sensory impairments.
Test for compatibility with assistive technologies commonly used with wearables.
Validate that companion mobile apps or interfaces are accessible and usable for people with disabilities.
Check for compatibility with alternative input methods, such as gesture controls or speech recognition.
Offer customization for displays and visuals to accommodate users with varying visual preferences or impairments.
Validate that the device’s notifications and alerts are delivered in multiple formats.
Test for proper integration with other IoT devices and platforms.
Verify that the device’s battery life and power management features are accessible and configurable.
Ensure that the setup and configuration process is accessible and intuitive.
Test for compatibility with third-party accessibility apps or tools that users may rely on.

Disability-Specific Accessibility Testing Checklist

This list is a good starting point for software that either targets people with disabilities or seeks to accommodate a particular audience. So, say you found out that people with Asperger’s syndrome are a decent portion of your product’s users. You’d want to tailor the app to their needs for better UX and retainment.

Or, for example, you’re working on an application that helps blind people navigate via sensory cues. Naturally, you’d want to focus your accessibility testing efforts on this particular group.

As a QA company with over a decade of experience, we’d want to recommend a few things for visionary results:

Work directly with individuals with disabilities. You can seek input from QA engineers with certain conditions. Involve people for their authentic input. Or carry out an in-depth research. Their feedback will optimize your testing processes and help your product become even better.
Know how to productively combine manual testing services and automated testing services. Because, while many strive to automate as much as possible, accessibility is something very different. You need human experiences and judgment. So, be prepared to engage manual testing experts and adjust your QA process ahead to not disrupt the workflow.

Learning & Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & Brain Injuries

Present content in multiple formats (text, audio, video).
Provide clear instructions and explanations for tasks and activities.
Validate that interactive elements are easy to grasp.
Offer tools or features to help with organization and time management.
Test for compatibility with assistive technologies.
Provide clear and consistent navigation.
Minimize sensory overload by avoiding unnecessary animations or distractions.
Offer options for customization and personalization.

Emotional Disturbance

Provide a supportive and non-threatening environment.
Offer options for privacy and confidentiality.
Present resources and support for managing stress and anxiety.
Test for compatibility with specific AT, such as mindfulness apps or relaxation tools.
Ensure that content and interactions are designed to promote emotional well-being and resilience.

Speech & Language Impairment

Provide options for alternative communication methods, such as text-based chat or voice-to-text input.
Test for compatibility with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
Ensure that all important information can be accessed and understood without relying solely on spoken language.
Validate that interactive elements are easy to navigate and operate.
Offer tools or features to support language development and communication skills.

Visual Impairment & Blindness

Ensure that all images have descriptive alt text.
Test for compatibility with screen readers and other AT used by blind or visually impaired users.
Provide options for adjusting display settings, such as text size and color contrast.
Validate that all important information is presented in multiple formats, including text and audio.
Ensure that interactive elements are easily navigable and operable using keyboard shortcuts.

Deafness & Hearing Impairment

Provide visual alternatives to auditory cues, such as flashing alerts or visual notifications.
Ensure that all multimedia content is accompanied by captions or subtitles.
Test for compatibility with AT, such as vibrating alerts or visual signaling devices.
Validate that all important information can be accessed and understood without relying solely on sound.
Offer options for alternative communication methods, such as text-based chat or video conferencing with sign language interpreters.
Test for compatibility with assistive listening devices (ALDs) such as hearing loops or FM systems.
Offer options for adjusting volume levels and sound settings to accommodate users with varying degrees of hearing loss.

Orthopedic Impairment

Ensure that all interactive elements are accessible and operable via switches or voice commands.
Provide options for adjusting input settings, such as sensitivity or dwell time.
Test for compatibility with adaptive keyboards or pointing devices.
Validate that all important information can be accessed and interacted with without relying solely on fine motor skills.
Offer options for customizing the interface layout and controls.

Benefits of Embedding Accessibility Into Your Project from the Start

As you’ve gathered from all these accessibility testing checklists, implementing even one adjustment is often quite a lot of work. That’s why it’s better to apply accessibility principles at all stages of SDLC (from planning to maintenance). As by doing so, you:

Create the foundation for inclusivity. Thus your team has an easier time tailoring development and QA to diverse user needs, securing superior results.
Avoid clunky retrofitting. In other words, you mitigate the risk of overlooking critical accessibility requirements and avert extensive rework later on.
Adopt a design-centric approach to development. It prompts designers and developers to incorporate accessibility features seamlessly into the overall design rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Enhance collaboration between your teams. This means that accessibility considerations are integrated holistically into the project’s workflow.
Save expenses. By avoiding costly redesigns and redevelopments, you not only save resources but also minimize the risk of project delays and potential legal liabilities.
Embrace and promote industry best practices. By adhering to these standards from the start, you establish a solid framework for creating accessible digital experiences.

And last but not least, you make a big difference. You uplift people. You redefine what a great product is. You change the digital world for the better.

To Sum Up

It’s okay if you feel overwhelmed by so many checklists and how much they cover. But do believe us when we say that your efforts here are worth it. They matter for users and your product’s future. Plus, there’s a simple solution. If you are concerned about the intricacy of accessibility testing, you only need to work with reliable and skilled QA services.

They know what to do. How to do it. And can apply accessibility best practices to your project in a way that genuinely refines it.

Daria Halynska