What is ADA Compliance Testing?
- Keyboard accessibility
- Compatibility with screen readers
- Providing alternative text for images
- Ensuring sufficient color contrast
- Implementation of ARIA tags
- Compatibility with assistive technologies for improved usability
Which Industries Need to Comply with the ADA?
- Does my business fall under the category of public accommodation?
- Is my website accessible to the general public?
- Do I have an e-commerce platform for online transactions?
- Do I offer services through my website?
How to Test a Website for ADA Compliance?
-
Manual Testing
Manual accessibility testing involves inspecting digital content manually to identify accessibility barriers that automated tools might overlook. This involves checking that interactive elements are accessible and correctly arranged for keyboard navigation.
Below are the assistive technologies and tools required to conduct this type of ADA testing:
- Screen Readers: Tools like JAWS and NVDA function as virtual assistants for users with visual impairment. Downloading their free trials lets you experience your website from their perspective, uncovering navigation challenges they might face.
- Screen Magnifiers: Tools like ZoomText magnify screen elements, allowing you to test how your website appears for users with visual impairments. Many operating systems even have built-in magnification options for your convenience.
- Keyboard: Navigate your entire website using only the keyboard. This simple exercise reveals keyboard accessibility issues, which are crucial for users who rely on keyboard navigation.
Also Read: Keyboard Accessibility: A Guide To Navigating Websites With Ease
-
Automated Testing
This method uses automated accessibility testing tools to audit your website according to accessibility standards. These tools and solutions check digital content for accessibility issues like missing image descriptions, improper headings, color contrast problems, and navigation difficulties.
This method of testing complements the manual testing method to achieve more efficient results. Below are some tools and resources that help you with automated testing for ADA compliance:
- WAVE Evaluation Tool: This free online gem from WebAIM scans your web pages against WCAG guidelines, highlighting potential accessibility roadblocks.
- aXe (Accessibility Engine): This popular browser extension by Deque Systems acts as your accessibility inspector. It offers a free plan for basic checks and upgrades for more in-depth analysis, providing detailed reports to pinpoint problem areas.
- Lighthouse: Built right into Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse is a handy auditor for web page performance, accessibility, and best practices. It is a great starting point to identify basic accessibility concerns.
Make ADA testing a breeze with Continual Engine’s AI-powered website accessibility solution!
-
User Testing
The main aim of user testing is to help find any issues that other tests might have missed. The process includes getting feedback from people with disabilities to see if digital content is easy to use and accessible.
User testing helps you collect qualitative and quantitative data that you can use to improve the user experience based on the observations drawn from real users. With this interaction, you can identify the potential accessibility problems and work on different solutions to tackle them.
Also Read: What is Usability Testing and Why is it Important?
Addressing Problems During Accessibility Testing for ADA Compliance
- Inadequate Color Contrast: According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular body text is recommended. For headings and larger text, the ideal ratio is 3:1. These standards help make digital content more inclusive and easier to navigate for everyone. Also Read: The Importance of Color Contrast for Accessibility
- Absence of Alt Text in Images: When conducting ADA compliance tests, another common issue is missing alt text. An image that communicates important information should include this text to clearly describe its content for people who rely on assistive tools such as screen readers to grasp the image’s meaning and relevance within the context of the page. Also Read: Alt Text on Images: What It Is and How to Write It?
- No Video Captions: Videos should feature precise captions to support viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. These captions need to faithfully represent the spoken dialogue as well as significant non-verbal sounds, such as music or sound effects. This enhances accessibility and aligns with the requirements set by the WCAG. Also Read: What’s The Difference Between Closed Captions And Audio Descriptions?
Best Practices for ADA Testing
- Master the Rules: Begin by thoroughly understanding ADA guidelines and WCAG standards.
- Automate the Easy Stuff: Leverage automated testing tools to quickly identify common accessibility issues.
- Deep Dive with Manual Testing: Follow up with manual inspections to uncover subtle accessibility problems.
- Test Across Everything: Make sure your product works on various devices and browsers.
- Include the Users: Involve users with disabilities throughout the process for valuable insights.
- Document for Efficiency: Clearly document findings to streamline issue resolution and future maintenance.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly monitor accessibility, update as needed, and stay informed about evolving standards.
- Empower Your Team: Provide training on accessibility best practices to empower your team.
- Seek Expert Help: Consider expert guidance for a comprehensive evaluation, especially for complex projects.
- Clear Workflows: Establish clear, easy-to-follow workflows for efficient ADA testing.
- Usable Navigation: Design an intuitive and user-friendly navigation for all users.
Importance and Benefits of ADA Compliance Testing
-
Increased Audience Reach
Around 13.5% of the U.S. population reported having some form of disability in 2021, with a higher prevalence among older demographics. Given that 75% of individuals with disabilities in America use the internet, adhering to ADA compliance for web accessibility is crucial for websites to cater to this sizable demographic.
-
Reduced Legal Risks
Failure to meet web accessibility standards can lead to legal consequences under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensuring compliance not only protects your organization from costly lawsuits and fines but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.
-
Established Brand Identity
Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility not only builds trust with users but also reinforces brand recognition. In an era where consumers prioritize inclusive practices, investing in ADA testing signals that your brand values the needs of all users. This proactive approach can bolster your brand’s reputation and foster positive perceptions among customers and the wider public.
-
Enhanced User Experience
Making things accessible through ADA testing often benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities. Optimizing digital content for accessibility can improve usability, navigation, and overall satisfaction across a diverse user base.
Make Your Website Truly Inclusive with Continual Engine
- Comprehensive accessibility audit aligned with WCAG 2.2 standards
- Customized solutions tailored to your website’s unique needs
- Ongoing monitoring and updates to keep your site accessibility-ready
- User-focused enhancements like adjustable text sizes and intuitive navigation
Ready to build a more inclusive online presence? Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
When to test your website for ADA compliance?
Regular testing of your website for ADA compliance is necessary to avoid lawsuits against your organization. Make sure your website complies with ADA standards during development, before major updates, and regularly after launch.
-
Who performs ADA testing?
ADA testing should be performed by developers, designers, QA teams, content creators, project managers, and compliance officers to ensure accessibility is built into every stage, right from design to launch.
-
What is the difference between automated and manual ADA compliance testing methods?
Automated ADA compliance testing uses software tools to quickly identify common accessibility issues in digital content, while manual testing involves human evaluation to assess usability and compliance with ADA standards. Manual testing is essential for detecting complex issues that automated tools may miss.
-
How do I know whether my website is ADA-compliant?
To ensure ADA compliance, a professional accessibility audit or trusted testing tools aligned with WCAG standards are required. Free scanners alone are insufficient. For comprehensive testing, contact Continual Engine.
