Ensuring website accessibility is not just about meeting legal standards but about creating an inclusive experience for users with disabilities. Accessibility testing is essential to identify and resolve barriers that could prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging with your website. Whether it’s visual, auditory, or motor impairments, accessibility testing makes sure everyone can interact with your digital content. But how do you choose the best accessibility testing provider? Let’s explore the top providers and tools available to ensure your website is fully accessible.

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing involves evaluating a website, web application, or mobile app to ensure it is accessible to people with disabilities. The goal of this testing is to identify and fix issues that may hinder users from interacting with the content. These issues could include problems with navigation, colour contrast, images, or even the code structure itself. By performing accessibility testing, you can ensure your website is inclusive and meets global accessibility standards, like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Why Accessibility Testing Matters:

• Legal Compliance: Accessibility testing helps websites comply with accessibility laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. 
• Improved User Experience: Accessibility improvements benefit all users by providing better navigation, clearer information, and enhanced interaction.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Websites that are accessible are seen as more inclusive, helping build trust and loyalty with a wider audience.

Best Software Tools for Accessibility Testing

When it comes to website accessibility testing, leveraging the right tools can save time and ensure precision. Here are some of the most popular accessibility checkers used by professionals:

1.  WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

• What it does: WAVE is a comprehensive tool that provides visual feedback about the accessibility of a webpage. It flags potential issues such as missing alt-text, insufficient colour contrast, and incorrect heading structure.
• Why use it: WAVE is a great tool for quickly checking web accessibility with easy-to-understand results and actionable insights.

2. Axe Accessibility Checker

• What it does: Axe is an automated accessibility testing tool that provides detailed reports on accessibility issues directly in the browser.
• Why use it: Axe’s comprehensive testing capabilities make it one of the best tools for both quick scans and deeper, more detailed accessibility audits.

3. Google Lighthouse

• What it does: Google Lighthouse is an open-source tool available in Chrome DevTools that audits a website for performance, accessibility, SEO, and other factors.
• Why use it: It provides a full audit with actionable suggestions to improve website performance and accessibility, making it a great all-in-one tool.

These tools allow developers and testers to quickly identify accessibility issues, but they should be combined with manual checks for more thorough testing.

What Are the Top Accessibility Testing Services for Mobile Apps?

As mobile app usage continues to rise, accessibility testing for mobile platforms is just as important as website accessibility testing. Here are some leading providers in the mobile app accessibility space:

1. Deque Systems

• What they offer: Deque Systems is one of the leading providers of accessibility testing for both websites and mobile applications. Their tools, including Axe, are widely used by developers to ensure apps are accessible.
• Mobile Accessibility Tools: Deque provides comprehensive testing solutions for mobile apps, including audits for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and colour contrast.

2. Level Access

• What they offer: Known for their expertise in both website and mobile app accessibility, Level Access helps companies navigate compliance challenges and enhance the user experience for mobile users.
• Mobile Accessibility Tools: They provide a mix of automated tools and manual testing, focusing on mobile usability, including compatibility with screen readers and voice recognition software.

3. UserWay

• What they offer: UserWay offers both automated and manual accessibility testing services tailored for mobile apps, helping developers create apps that are fully accessible for users with disabilities.
• Mobile Accessibility Tools: Their mobile app accessibility services include audits for colour blindness, voice-over features, and much more.

What Are Free Accessibility Testing Tools for Quick Audits?

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to perform an accessibility check on your website, several free tools are available. These tools help detect common accessibility issues that can easily be fixed without needing in-depth knowledge of accessibility guidelines.

1. WAVE (Free Version)

• What it does: WAVE’s free version offers real-time audits of your website, flagging accessibility errors, such as missing alt-text for images, improper use of headings, and more.
• Why use it: WAVE’s free version is ideal for a quick audit and provides immediate, actionable feedback to fix common issues.

2. Lighthouse

• What it does: Available in Google Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse provides an audit of a webpage’s accessibility, performance, and SEO.
• Why use it: It’s free, integrated into Chrome, and covers both basic and advanced accessibility testing. It’s an excellent tool for users already working in the Chrome browser.

3. WebAIM

• What it does: WebAIM offers a free accessibility evaluation tool to check for issues related to WCAG compliance, focusing on visual and interactive accessibility problems.
• Why use it: It’s a straightforward and quick solution for a basic accessibility audit.

How to Test Website Accessibility Effectively?

Testing your website’s accessibility requires a combination of tools and techniques to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Automated Tests

• What it does: Automated tools like Axe and Lighthouse can quickly scan your website for common accessibility issues, such as missing alt-text, poor color contrast, or issues with heading structures.
• Why use it: Automated tests save time and provide quick insights into common issues that can easily be fixed by developers.

2. Manual Testing

• What it does: Manual testing involves reviewing your website’s accessibility using a real screen reader or navigating your site without a mouse to simulate a disabled user’s experience.
• Why use it: Manual testing catches issues that automated tools might miss, such as problems with user flows or content order.

3. User Testing

• What it does: Involving real users with disabilities is a key part of testing. By having people use your website with their assistive technology, you can gather valuable feedback about usability.
• Why use it: User testing ensures that your website works well in real-world scenarios and helps uncover issues that automated or manual testing can miss.

Why Should You Outsource Accessibility Testing?

Outsourcing accessibility testing allows you to leverage professional expertise while freeing up internal resources. Here’s why many businesses choose to outsource:

1. Expertise

• What it does: Accessibility testing professionals have in-depth knowledge of the WCAG guidelines, legal requirements, and technical accessibility tools.
• Why use it: Their expertise ensures that all aspects of your website or app are thoroughly tested and meet the highest standards.

2. Comprehensive Reports

• What it does: Outsourcing accessibility testing provides you with detailed reports outlining issues, along with practical solutions for remediation.
• Why use it: These reports help prioritise fixes and ensure compliance with legal standards.

3. Cost-effective

• What it does: Outsourcing is often more cost-effective than hiring in-house specialists, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Why use it: Outsourcing gives you access to expert services without the overhead of full-time employees.

Best Practices for Outsourcing Accessibility Testing

Outsourcing your accessibility testing services can provide peace of mind and ensure your website or app is fully accessible. Here are some best practices to follow when selecting a provider:

1. Choose Experienced Providers:  Look for providers with a strong track record and experience in accessibility testing, especially for websites or apps similar to yours.
2. Check for Compliance: Ensure the testing provider follows the latest WCAG guidelines and complies with relevant local and international laws, such as the ADA or Section 508.
3.  Request Clear Reports: A good provider should offer clear, actionable reports that outline the issues found and suggest practical fixes.

Ensuring Accessibility for All Users

Accessibility testing is an essential part of creating inclusive websites and apps that serve users with disabilities. Whether you’re using automated tools like website accessibility checkers, conducting manual testing, or outsourcing to experts, ensuring your digital presence is accessible helps you reach a wider audience, improves user experience, and keeps you compliant with legal regulations.

By investing in accessibility testing platforms, you ensure your website or mobile app is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of ability. Whether it’s choosing the right software tools or outsourcing to experienced providers, the goal remains the same: deliver a website that everyone can navigate and enjoy.