What is Accessibility testing | Why accessibility testing is important | Accessibility testing tools | Software testing interview question #21

 What is accessibility testing?:

What is Accessibility Testing?

Let's dive into accessibility testing!

In this article, we’re gonna explore a common question in software testing interviews: What is accessibility testing? We can also talk about its importance, tools used, examples, & even checklists.

So, let’s begin.

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing checks if individuals with disabilities can use a system. This could be software or hardware. Some disabilities include issues with hearing, color vision, & even aging.

It falls under usability testing. The goal here is to ensure that applications are easy to use for everyone—especially those with disabilities like hearing loss or poor eyesight.

People often use assistive technology to help them navigate software. Here are a few examples:

• Speech Recognition Software: This turns spoken words into text, which acts as input for the computer.
• Screen Reader Software: It reads text displayed on screen aloud.
• Screen Magnification Software: It enlarges content on the monitor, helping those who struggle with vision.

Why Should We Care About Accessibility Testing?

Here are some reasons:

1. Reach a Wider Audience: About 20% of people have some form of disability. Think about it—1 in 10 folks has a severe disability! Many older adults (1 out of 2 over 65) also face challenges. So, creating software that’s friendly to disabled users opens up a big market.
2. Follow the Law: Governments around the globe have laws ensuring that IT products are accessible to everyone, including disabled individuals. For example:

• In the U.S., there's the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• In the UK, there’s the Disability Discrimination Act from 1995.
• Australia has similar laws from 1992.
• Ireland's Disability Act came out in 2005.

1. Avoid Legal Issues: Companies have faced lawsuits for not being accessible. To dodge these problems, it’s better to make inclusive products from the start.

Which Disabilities Should We Support?

Applications need to be friendly for various disabilities such as:

• Vision disabilities
• Physical challenges
• Cognitive issues
• Literacy difficulties
• Hearing impairments

How Can We Do Accessibility Testing?

There are two main ways to conduct accessibility testing:

1. Manual Testing
2. Automation Testing

The method often depends on the specific disability being addressed. For instance:

• Vision Disabilities: We can use screen readers to narrate all content on a webpage—text, links, images, etc. One popular screen reader is JAWS (Job Access With Speech).
• Color Blindness and Poor Vision: Developers should select color combinations carefully. For example, if a button is red, outlining it in black makes it easier for everyone to see.

If someone has poor vision, small text isn’t helpful! Websites need to be created so they still look good when zoomed in.

When it comes to hearing disabilities, deaf individuals can read what's on screen but might miss audio content. Adding alt text for videos helps by providing crucial information through text.

Checkpoints for Accessibility Testing:

Here are some key items to check for:

• Are there keyboard shortcuts for all mouse actions?
• Is user documentation clear and easy?
• Are tabs ordered logically for navigation?
• Do menu shortcut keys exist?
• Is the application compatible with all operating systems?
• Does it specify response times on screens?
• Are all labels appropriate and understandable?
• Is color flexibility considered for everyone?
• Are images and icons used effectively?
• Does the application have audio alerts?
• Can users manage CSS settings easily?
• Does zooming function properly?
• Is there an option to skip navigation?

Automation Tools for Accessibility Testing:

Some popular automation tools include:

• Hera
• Wave
• Accessibility Valet
• TAW
• aDesigner
• WebAnywhere
• Web Accessibility Toolbar

Thanks,

Rajat Bhatti

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