What is Accessibility Testing? Types, Examples & Tools

Types of Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing splits into three approaches. Most teams run all three, because each catches issues the others miss.

• Manual accessibility testing: Human testers navigate the product with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS), keyboard-only input, and screen magnifiers. This is the only reliable way to judge context-dependent criteria like logical focus order, meaningful alt text, and whether an error message actually makes sense to a non-sighted user.
• Automated accessibility testing: Tools such as axe-core, Lighthouse, and WAVE scan the DOM and flag deterministic violations: missing alt text, low color contrast, empty form labels, and invalid ARIA (compare options in our roundup of automated accessibility testing tools). It is fast and CI-friendly, but a Deque study of more than 13,000 pages found automation catches roughly 57% of issues on its own.
• Hybrid accessibility testing: Automation gates every build for the common, high-frequency violations, while manual and assistive-technology testing covers the judgment calls. This is the model most WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 programs run in practice.

Difference between Manual and Automated Accessibility Testing

The split matters because automation has a ceiling. The W3C is explicit that evaluation tools cannot determine accessibility, they can only assist in doing so. Automate the deterministic checks on every commit, and reserve manual plus assistive-technology testing for keyboard traps, focus order, and whether screen reader output actually makes sense.

Why is Accessibility testing necessary?

Accessibility testing is now a legal, commercial, and engineering requirement, not a nice-to-have. Five concrete reasons drive it:

• Legal exposure is rising: In April 2024 the US Department of Justice adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the Title II standard for state and local government websites and apps. In the EU, the European Accessibility Act has applied to private-sector digital products and services since 28 June 2025. Non-conformance invites lawsuits, fines, and lost public-sector contracts.
• Wider audience reach: The WHO's 1.3 billion figure is a market, not only a moral case. Inaccessible sign-up, checkout, and support flows quietly lose those users and the people shopping alongside them.
• Better UX and SEO for everyone: Semantic HTML, captions, descriptive alt text, and keyboard support improve usability and search visibility for all users, not just assistive-technology users.
• Lower remediation cost: Issues caught during design and development are far cheaper to fix than retrofitting a shipped product, where accessibility defects are tangled into production code.
• Brand and procurement trust: Public accessibility failures damage reputation, while a documented conformance record is increasingly required to win enterprise and government deals.

Accessibility Standards You Must Test Against

Compliance frameworks define what "accessible" means in practice. These are the standards your tests should map to:

• WCAG 2.2: The W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, built on four principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) across three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Level AA is the target most laws reference.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The US anti-discrimination law. The DOJ's 2024 Title II rule pins it to WCAG 2.1 Level AA for state and local government digital services.
• Section 508: Requires US federal agencies and their vendors to make electronic and information technology meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA. See our guide to Section 508 compliance for the full requirements.
• European Accessibility Act (EAA): Applies WCAG-aligned requirements to private-sector products and services across the EU from 28 June 2025, referencing EN 301 549. Our EU Accessibility Act 2025 guide covers who is in scope and how to prepare.
• EN 301 549: The European accessibility standard for ICT, harmonized with WCAG and used for both EAA and public-sector compliance.
• WAI-ARIA: The W3C's Accessible Rich Internet Applications spec, which makes dynamic, scripted UI such as menus, modals, and live regions understandable to assistive technology.

Legal Acts Followed in Different Countries

How To Perform Accessibility Testing Using TestMu AI

TestMu AI lets you test website and web-app accessibility with a built-in screen reader and Speech Viewer using NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) across real Windows and macOS browsers. Here is how to run an accessibility check on the TestMu AI platform.

• Sign up on TestMu AI and log in to your account.
• From the left sidebar, choose Real Device > Browser Testing.

• Enter a test URL of your choice, and choose VERSION, OS, and RESOLUTION. After that, click on START.
• After a cloud-based machine launches, click on the Settings icon and choose Accessibility.
• Select the checkbox that says Screen Reader, and you’ll get a verbal description of your web page using VoiceOver.

Utilize the Accessibility DevTools Chrome Extension for Manual Testing

The TestMu AI Accessibility DevTools Chrome extension lets developers and testers scan pages for WCAG issues directly in the browser and get fix guidance inline. Here is how to use it:

• Install the Extension: Go to the Accessibility Dashboard and click the "Download Plugin " button.


You will be redirected to the Chrome Web Store, where you can install the TestMu AI Accessibility DevTools extension. This tool will help you evaluate the accessibility of your website.


• Access DevTools: Open the website you wish to test. Navigate to the browser's inspect section and select the Accessibility DevTools option. This will reveal the extension’s features and tools.
• Select and run your scan:From the main accessibility dev tools menu, select the preferred type of accessibility scan and run it. Accessibility DevTools offers several scanning options:
• Single Page Scan: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of an individual page to assess its accessibility compliance and adherence to best practices.
• Partial Page Scan: Focus on specific sections or elements within a page for a targeted accessibility check.
• Multi-Page Workflow Scan: Sequentially review multiple pages or workflows to ensure consistent accessibility standards across different user flows.
• Multiple Page Scan: Evaluate the accessibility of various pages to ensure site-wide compliance.

• Review the scan: Execute the selected scan option to identify any accessibility issues. The scan will provide detailed feedback, highlighting areas that require improvement and ensuring that your site or app meets accessibility standards.


To get a detailed analysis of your accessibility scan, click on the “Dashboard” button on the accessibility devtools menu. You can also access the report directly through your TestMu AI dashboard.

Perform Accessibility in Automation Testing

TestMu AI Accessibility Automation runs WCAG checks inside your existing Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright suites, so every automated run also flags accessibility regressions without extra effort.

With automatic DOM monitoring, the checks keep running as your UI changes, so accessibility compliance does not drift between releases.

To kick off automated accessibility testing, check out the guide on Accessibility Automation.

Why It Matters:

• Efficiency: Save time and resources by automating repetitive testing tasks.
• Consistency: Identify accessibility issues across all pages and applications.
• Scalability: Handle large websites with ease, maintaining inclusivity as you grow.
• Compliance: Meet legal standards like WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 confidently.

How It Works:

• Seamless Integration: Works with testing frameworks such as Selenium.
• Detailed Reporting: Provides reports on accessibility issues, their severity, and recommended fixes.
• Automated Scanning: Checks web pages for common accessibility failures, including missing alt text, low color contrast, and invalid ARIA attributes.

Here is a minimal Playwright check using the open-source @axe-core/playwright integration. It fails the build on any WCAG 2.1 A or AA violation, so accessibility regressions are caught in CI like any other test:

const { test, expect } = require('@playwright/test');
const AxeBuilder = require('@axe-core/playwright').default;

test('selenium playground has no WCAG A/AA violations', async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto('https://www.testmuai.com/selenium-playground/');

  const { violations } = await new AxeBuilder({ page })
    .withTags(['wcag2a', 'wcag2aa', 'wcag21a', 'wcag21aa'])
    .analyze();

  expect(violations).toEqual([]);
});

To run the same checks across real browsers and operating systems, execute the suite on the TestMu AI cloud grid and read the consolidated results in the Accessibility tab of the Automation Dashboard.

Execute Your Automation Test with Accessibility Tool

Step 1: Set Up Your Test Suite

You can configure and test using your own project or a sample repository. If using your own project, update the Hub endpoint in your test file to establish communication between your tests and browser nodes. Configure the desired capabilities as needed:

DesiredCapabilities capabilities = new DesiredCapabilities();
capabilities.setCapability("browserName", "chrome");
capabilities.setCapability("version", "70.0");
capabilities.setCapability("platform", "win10"); // Default to available platform if not specified
capabilities.setCapability("build", "LambdaTestSampleApp");
capabilities.setCapability("name", "LambdaTestJavaSample");

Step 2: Establish User Authentication

Export your TestMu AI credentials from the TestMu AI Profile page using the commands below:

Linux / MacOS:

export LT_USERNAME="YOUR_LAMBDATEST_USERNAME"
export LT_ACCESS_KEY="YOUR_LAMBDATEST_ACCESS_KEY"

Windows:

set LT_USERNAME="YOUR_LAMBDATEST_USERNAME"
set LT_ACCESS_KEY="YOUR_LAMBDATEST_ACCESS_KEY"

Step 3: Configure Accessibility Capabilities

Enable accessibility testing by setting `accessibility: true` in your configuration file. Adjust additional settings as needed:

capabilities: [{
  accessibility : true,                 // Enable accessibility testing
  accessibility.wcagVersion: 'wcag21a', // Specify WCAG version (e.g., WCAG 2.1 Level A)
  accessibility.bestPractice: false,    // Exclude best practice issues from results
  accessibility.needsReview: true       // Include issues that need review
}]

Step 4: Execute and Monitor Your Test

Run your tests and access the Automation Dashboard. Click on the Accessibility tab to view the generated report.

By following these steps, you can use TestMu AI to ensure your website is accessible to all users.

Test Cases for Accessibility Testing

These are standard accessibility test cases every web and mobile app should pass; together they catch the most common accessibility issues. An accessible product works with screen readers, speech-recognition software, and screen magnification:

• Alternative texts:- Verifies that all images and decorators on the website must have appropriate alternative text for screen reader users.
• Keyboard navigation:- Evaluate keyboard navigation accessibility by navigating through the website or application using only the keyboard shortcuts.
• Color contrast:- Verify that the color contrast between the background, images, and text is sufficient for visually impaired users, such as those with color blindness or low vision.
• Form labels:- Check that all input form elements have appropriate labels to assist screen reader users instead of only having color codes. If an input is invalid, the form must show a label of “incorrect value” instead of only changing its color to red.
• Multimedia captions:- Verify that all multimedia content on the website, including video and audio, has transcripts or captions for users with hearing disabilities.
• Legal compliance:- Verify that the website or application developed meets general and country-specific accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Website’s content resizability:- Ensure that the website developed can support magnification tools or internally have a zoom-in or zoom-out functionality to maintain readability and usability at different zoom levels.

Examples of Accessibility Testing

To understand the concept of accessibility testing better, let’s see examples of some apps developed by renowned organizations that use accessibility testing and ensure that their app makes life easier for persons with impairment.

Example 1 - Google Assistant (Developed by Google LLC)

Google Assistant is a commonly used app worldwide. This app integrated accessibility testing and ensured it was accessible to almost everyone, irrespective of disabilities. It provides a personal user experience to all its users. It has the following features that make it accessible to people with disabilities:-

• It is integrated with text-to-speech and speech-to-text features, making the app accessible to persons with vision or physical impairment.
• Google Assistant can run the smartphone's core functions via voice commands, for example, making a call, navigating to a place, opening an app, or setting reminders.
• It can answer various queries by fetching and summarizing data from the internet.

Example 2 - Color Contrast

Color contrast is a critical accessibility feature used to make websites readable for everyone. Websites that implement proper color contrast ensure that text is clear against its background, which is essential for users with visual impairments. Key aspects include:

• Adequate Color Contrast: Websites check that text color contrasts sufficiently with the background color. This helps users with low vision or color blindness read the content more easily.
• Compliance with Standards: Websites meet specific guidelines, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which set minimum contrast ratios for normal and large text to ensure readability.

Example 3 - Text Alternatives

Text alternatives are important for users who cannot see images. By providing descriptive text, websites ensure that everyone can understand what is being displayed. Key features include:

• Descriptive Alt Text: Each image on a website includes a descriptive alt text that conveys what the image represents.
• Screen Reader Support: This text helps users who rely on screen readers understand the content of images, enhancing the overall accessibility of the website.

Example 4 - ARIA Testing

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and attributes are used to improve the experience for users with disabilities. Websites that incorporate ARIA roles ensure that interactive elements are accessible. Key features include:

• Correct ARIA Roles: Websites apply ARIA roles to elements like buttons and form controls to describe their function. For example, a button might have an ARIA role that identifies it as a “submit” button.
• Enhanced Screen Reader Experience: Proper use of ARIA roles helps screen readers convey the purpose of interactive elements, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate and interact with the site.

Example 5 - Keyboard Navigation

Keyboard navigation is crucial for users who cannot use a mouse. Ensuring that a website or app is navigable via keyboard helps make it accessible. Key features include:

• Keyboard Accessibility: Users can navigate through all interactive elements, such as links and buttons, using only keyboard shortcuts like the “Tab” key.
• Functional Shortcuts: Websites test that all interactive elements are reachable and usable with keyboard commands, ensuring users can interact with content without relying on a mouse.

Best Practices for Accessibility Testing

Strong accessibility programs share a few habits. Build these into your workflow:

• Test early and often:- Testing accessibility should be a part of the development process, and testers should perform it at multiple stages, such as during design, development, and QA.
• Use manual and automated testing:- Both manual and automated testing methods have their strengths and weaknesses. Automated testing can quickly identify common issues, while manual testing can reveal more complex problems.
• Test with real users:- User testing is the best way to discover and address accessibility issues. Test with a diverse group of users, including those with different disabilities.
• Test across devices and browsers:- Accessibility issues can be different depending on the device and browser being used. Test on different platforms, browsers, and devices.
• Check for compatibility with assistive technologies:- It is important to test the website or application with different assistive technologies, like screen readers, to ensure that it is compatible with them.
• Document and track issues:- Keep a record of all accessibility issues found during testing and track them to resolution.
• Regularly update and maintain your site:- Websites are dynamic and frequently change, so accessibility testing should be a regular practice to maintain the accessibility of a website.
• Use Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):- WCAG provides a set of guidelines and success criteria for accessible web design.
• Select the right tools:- Choose from a wide array of tools like TestMu AI, which streamlines accessibility testing by automating processes and swiftly identifying common issues.
• Integrate accessibility tests into the development process:- Making accessibility tests a part of the development process rather than an afterthought ensures that accessibility is considered from the start and can help prevent issues from arising in the first place.

Conclusion

Start by running an automated scan on your highest-traffic page, then triage the violations by WCAG level. Layer in manual screen reader and keyboard testing for the flows automation cannot judge, wire the axe-core check into CI so regressions fail the build, and schedule a full manual audit before each major release.

To put this into practice, run your first scan with the TestMu AI accessibility testing cloud and follow the accessibility testing documentation for setup.

For ongoing coverage, work through our web accessibility guide and the web accessibility checklist to keep WCAG 2.2 compliance on track across releases.

Note: This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance, then reviewed, fact-checked, and published by Ajay Balamurugadas, Community Contributor at TestMu AI, whose listed expertise includes web accessibility testing and WCAG. Technically reviewed for WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 accuracy by Aparna Gopalakrishnan. Sources cited are from primary standards bodies including the W3C, WAI, Section508.gov, ADA.gov, and the European Commission. Read our editorial process and AI use policy for details.