Accessibility testing and evaluation are essential processes in ensuring that digital content and technology are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Several techniques and tools are available to help organizations assess and improve their accessibility conformance and performance:

Manual Testing:

  1. Keyboard Navigation Testing: Verify that all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed and used using only a keyboard.
  2. Screen Reader Testing: Use screen reader software (e.g., JAWS, VoiceOver, NVDA) to navigate and interact with digital content. Ensure that screen readers convey information effectively and that content is presented in a logical order.
  3. Color Contrast Testing: Check that text and background colors provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
  4. Focus and Focus Order Testing: Verify that focus indicators are visible and that the order in which elements receive focus follows a logical and intuitive sequence.
  5. Alternative Text Testing: Assess the accuracy and completeness of alternative text for images, icons, and other non-text content.
  6. Manual Code Inspection: Review code and markup to identify and address accessibility issues, such as missing ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes and improper semantic markup.

Automated Testing:

  1. Accessibility Testing Tools: Various automated tools, such as Axe, WAVE, and pa11y, can scan web pages and digital documents to identify accessibility issues. These tools often integrate with popular web browsers.
  2. Code Validators: Tools like the W3C Markup Validation Service and the W3C CSS Validation Service can help ensure that code complies with web standards, which are often intertwined with accessibility.

User Testing:

  1. User Testing with People with Disabilities: Conduct usability testing with individuals who have disabilities. This real-world feedback can uncover issues that automated testing might miss.
  2. Accessibility Focus Groups: Form focus groups or engage with accessibility experts to evaluate the accessibility of digital products and gather insights for improvement.

Performance Evaluation:

  1. Accessibility Conformance Testing: Evaluate your digital content against established accessibility standards, such as WCAG, to determine its conformance level (A, AA, AAA).
  2. Regular Audits: Perform periodic accessibility audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Accessibility is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment.
  3. Performance Metrics: Use performance metrics to track and measure the accessibility of your digital content over time. These metrics can help in setting and achieving accessibility goals.

Documentation and Reporting:

  1. Accessibility Reports: Generate accessibility reports that detail identified issues, their severity, and suggested remediation steps. These reports help prioritize and track accessibility improvements.
  2. Accessibility Statements: Create accessibility statements that describe your commitment to accessibility and the steps you’ve taken to make your digital content accessible.

Remember that accessibility testing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different types of digital content (websites, mobile apps, documents) and technologies may require different testing approaches. Additionally, accessibility testing should be an integral part of the development lifecycle, with ongoing efforts to maintain and improve accessibility. Engaging with users with disabilities and seeking their feedback is also crucial for achieving meaningful accessibility.

Telecommunications and IT Handbook