How can mistakes be prevented while testing for accessibility?

What is accessibility testing?

It is a testing method that ensures that a website or application is built according to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Accessibility testing allows disabled users to use the website or application seamlessly.

This testing method should also be applied to avoid legal lawsuits, as many countries have made it mandatory to develop an accessible website, failure of which can lead to legal troubles. Website testing for accessibility will help reach a wider audience.

Following are the common mistakes that arise while testing for accessibility, along with appropriate solutions:

1. Leaving buttons and empty links: Developers often leave button texts and links empty. However, it is a crucial accessibility-related issue that needs to be fixed at the earliest. Buttons and links represent symbols on the web. So, when a user uses a mobile device to visit a website and accommodate information, there is less space, so there shouldn’t be any buttons and empty links.

Solution:

A viable solution is to add descriptions.

2. Alt text for images is missing: According to research, approximately 31.3% of home page banners were identified with missing alt texts. An alternative text should be included on each image of the website. Visually impaired people will be use the screen reader software to read aloud the alt text that describes what the image is all about.

Solution:

If an image is shown under an “img” tag, developers can add an “alt” attribute. When a different tag is used for a background image, use the “aria-label” attribute.

3. Document language is missing: There may be instances where adding a proper “lang” attribute to the HTML document element might be missed out by the developers. So, if the “lang” attribute is missing, a screen reader will use a default language to translate the website’s information. In such a scenario, the chances of using the wrong language library will be increased.

Solution:

A primary language must be set for the website by using the “lang” attribute. In this manner, the underlying information of your website can be easily interpreted by the user with a screen recorder.