Accessibility Checklist for Testers

Here is a concise list of things to check when testing for web accessibility. While it’s not exhaustive, it will cover a majority of accessibility issues that arise during the testing stage.

Pair this list with automated tools for a comprehensive accessibility testing approach!

• Keyboard accessible
  • How to test: Use TAB key to go through site. Can you access all interactive elements?
  • User impact: Keyboard-only, screen reader, assistive tech, power users, blind, low vision
  • Relevant WCAG: 2.1.1
• Focus visibility
  • How to test: Use TAB key to go through site. Can you always locate your keyboard focus?
  • User impact: Keyboard-only, screen reader, assistive tech, power users, distracted, low short-term memory, low computer literacy, low vision
  • Relevant WCAG: 2.4.7
• Focus order
  • How to test: Use TAB key to go through site. Does the tabbing order make sense?
  • User impact: Keyboard-only, screen reader, assistive tech, power users, distracted, cognitive and learning disabilities
  • Relevant WCAG: 2.4.3
• Headings
  • How to test: Web Developer Extension > Information > View Document Outline. Does the heading structure make sense?
  • User impact: Screen reader, assistive tech
  • Relevant WCAG: 1.3.1
• Image alt text
  • How to test: Web Developer Extension > Images > Display Alt Attributes. Do the alt texts reflect the function of the image?
  • User impact: Screen reader, assistive tech, slow internet, low vision, blind
  • Relevant WCAG: 1.1.1
• Zoom
  • How to test: Use CTRL and + to zoom in. Does the font get bigger? Does any content get cut off?
  • User impact: Low vision
  • Relevant WCAG: 1.4.4 and 1.4.10
• Error messages
  • How to test: Trigger errors. Is there text that explains how to fix invalid input fields?
  • User impact: Cognitive and learning disabilities, low computer literacy, low vision
  • Relevant WCAG: 3.3.1 and 3.3.3
• Error alerts
  • How to test: Turn on screen reader. Trigger errors. Does screen reader announce that there are errors on the page?
  • User impact: Screen reader, assistive tech, blind, low vision
  • Relevant WCAG: 4.1.3