What is accessibility testing in software testing?

by Hruska William Best Software Testing Company In Canada

The platform of accessibility testing ensures that applications are tested keeping in perspective all the aspects of accessibility and usability. This testing method focuses on developing applications that can be easily used by people with disabilities along with incorporating assistive technologies as and when required. Accessibility testing must also be in line with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) when it comes to testing the specific application. In this article, you will get a brief idea

about accessibility testing.

What is Accessibility testing?

It is a testing method that is performed to make sure the application that is being built reaches a wider audience, which includes disabled people also. In this testing method, the focus is on analyzing as to how the application’s information can be suited and used by people with disabilities. It also makes sure that internet access is available to all individuals, businesses and societies across different geographies.

Accessibility testing is considered to be a subset of usability testing and hence both accessibility and usability are verified using this testing method. This testing method can be easily incorporated into the testing strategies.

Assistive technologies can be integrated into accessibility testing activities in order to build a software application that can be easily used by people with disabilities. Some of them are as follows:

 Screen reader software: The text that is being displayed on the screen is read

 Speech recognition software: The spoken word will be converted to text, which, in turn, acts as an input to the computer

 Screen magnification software: The monitor is enlarged and the reading activity becomes

much easier

 Special Keyboard: Those people with motor control difficulties can easily type using this software.

Accessibility testing checklist:

Following are a few key points that need to be checked during (or) before the accessibility testing process:

 The user should be able to adjust video or audio controls

 The user should be able to adjust or disable flashing, moving or rotating displays

 The application’s colors should be flexible for all users

 The application should have audio alerts

 The labels should be correctly written in the application

 Menus should be provided with shortcut keys

 The application should support all operating systems

 Inverted colors should be viewable when they are highlighted. The application’s color should be tested by changing the contrast ratio

 Appropriate usage of icons and images should also be easily understood by the users

 The application should support all operating systems.

Performing accessibility testing:

1. Manual: In here, manual testers will check the color contrast and brightness of the application and ascertain as to how best it can be used, when it comes to viewing the application. The application’s sound performance is checked and see to that people with hearing disabilities can use the sound feature of the application easily and based on their suitability.

2. Automation: There are many accessibility automation tools available in the market. Some of the tools are WAVE, TAW, Quick Accessibility Page Tester, aDesigner etc. Based on the application that is being built and the technologies that are being used, the testing team can make a decision as to what is the best feasible tool that can justify their application requirements.

 WebAnywhere: This tool is used for the purpose of screen reading

 Hera: The style of the software application is checked using this tool.

Objectives of accessibility testing:

 The market for disabled people needs to be served accordingly

 Potential lawsuits should be avoided

 To be in line with the accessibility legislation.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing accessibility testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a globally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with the right testing resources, strategies and support that is in line with your business requirements and thus generate beneficial and rewarding results.