How to Test Your Website for ADA Compliance

Introduction

Ensuring your website is ADA compliant is crucial for creating an inclusive experience and avoiding legal risks. Testing your site for compliance can help identify and resolve accessibility barriers, ensuring your content is usable for everyone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and tools you need to test your website for ADA compliance effectively.

Step 1: Understand the Accessibility Guidelines

Before testing, it’s essential to understand the standards your website needs to meet. ADA compliance is often evaluated using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Focus on achieving WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which addresses a wide range of accessibility needs.

 
• Level A: Basic accessibility requirements.
 
• Level AA: Addresses broader usability and accessibility issues.
 
• Level AAA: The highest standard, but not always practical for all content.

Step 2: Conduct an Automated Accessibility Audit

Automated tools are a great starting point for identifying common accessibility issues. These tools scan your website and generate reports highlighting errors and potential improvements.

Recommended Tools

 
• Wave: A free tool that evaluates web accessibility and provides visual feedback on issues.
 
• Axe: A browser extension that integrates with Chrome and Firefox to identify accessibility barriers.
 
• Lighthouse: A tool built into Chrome’s developer tools that audits performance and accessibility.
 
• Siteimprove: A paid platform offering detailed accessibility insights and ongoing monitoring.

While automated tools are helpful, they can’t detect every issue. Combine automation with manual testing for a comprehensive assessment.

Step 3: Test for Keyboard Accessibility

Many users rely on keyboards or assistive devices to navigate websites. To test for keyboard accessibility, ensure the following:

 
• All interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and forms, are accessible via the Tab key.
 
• The focus indicator (usually a visible outline) moves logically from one element to the next.
 
• Keyboard navigation works without requiring a mouse.

Step 4: Evaluate Visual Accessibility

Visual accessibility ensures users with visual impairments can perceive and interact with your content effectively. Key considerations include:

Color Contrast

Use tools like Contrast Checker to ensure text has sufficient contrast against its background.

Alt Text for Images

Review all images on your site to ensure they include descriptive alternative text (alt text).

Step 5: Test with a Screen Reader

Screen readers are essential for users who are blind or visually impaired. Testing your website with a screen reader helps ensure content is accessible:

 
• NVDA (Windows): A free, widely used screen reader.
 
• VoiceOver (Mac): Built into macOS devices.

Focus on navigation, form inputs, and image descriptions to ensure the site works seamlessly with assistive technologies.

Step 6: Involve Real Users

No testing method is more effective than involving real users with disabilities. Their feedback can uncover barriers that automated tools and manual testing may miss.

Consider organizing a usability testing session with individuals who use screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive devices.

Step 7: Review Your Forms and Interactive Elements

Forms and interactive elements often pose challenges for accessibility. Check for:

 
• Clear Labels: Ensure all form fields have descriptive labels.
 
• Error Notifications: Provide clear error messages and instructions for correcting mistakes.
 
• Keyboard Compatibility: Verify that users can complete forms without a mouse.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility testing isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. As you update your website with new content or features, regularly test for compliance to ensure you maintain an inclusive experience.

Tools for Ongoing Monitoring

 
• Siteimprove: Offers continuous monitoring and detailed reporting on accessibility issues.
 
• Accessibility Insights: Provides actionable recommendations for maintaining compliance over time.

The Bottom Line

Testing your website for ADA compliance is essential for providing an inclusive experience, meeting legal requirements, and enhancing your brand’s reputation. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can identify and resolve accessibility barriers, ensuring your website is usable for all visitors.