For many businesses, ensuring that their website is accessible to all users is not just a legal requirement but a crucial aspect of their digital strategy. Conducting a DIY accessibility audit can be a cost-effective way to identify and address accessibility issues.
Understanding the Basics of a DIY Accessibility Audit
A DIY accessibility audit involves evaluating your website to ensure it meets certain accessibility standards, typically the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This process helps identify barriers that prevent people with disabilities from using your website effectively.
Setting Objectives for Your Audit
Begin by defining clear objectives for your audit. Determine which parts of your website you want to focus on and what level of WCAG compliance (A, AA, or AAA) you aim to achieve. This will guide your auditing process and help you prioritise issues.
Tools for Conducting an Accessibility Audit
Several tools can help you perform a DIY accessibility audit. These tools can automatically detect common accessibility issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
Automated Testing Tools
WAVE: A free tool that provides visual feedback about the accessibility of your content by highlighting potential problems.
Axe Accessibility Checker: An extension for Chrome and Firefox that allows you to run accessibility tests directly in your browser, providing clear explanations of issues and how to fix them.
Screen Reader Testing
To truly understand the user experience of visually impaired visitors, use a screen reader to navigate your site. Free screen readers like NVDA for Windows or VoiceOver for macOS can give you insight into how accessible your content is.
Manual Testing Techniques
While automated tools are useful, they can't catch everything. Manual testing is crucial for a thorough audit.
Keyboard Navigation
Ensure that all interactive elements on your site can be accessed and used via a keyboard alone. Tab through your site to check for accessibility issues like focus traps or elements that can't be reached using the keyboard.
Colour Contrast Checker
Poor colour contrast can make text difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments. Use a colour contrast checker like the one provided by WebAIM to ensure your text stands out against its background sufficiently.
Involving Users with Disabilities
One of the most effective ways to conduct an accessibility audit is to involve real users with disabilities. They can provide firsthand insights into the usability of your website. If possible, recruit volunteers or hire testers to provide feedback on your site.
Creating an Action Plan
After completing your audit, compile the findings into an action plan. Prioritise issues based on their impact and the complexity of the fix. Schedule these improvements and assign responsibilities to ensure they are implemented effectively.
Conclusion
Conducting a DIY accessibility audit is a valuable practice for any organisation that values digital inclusivity. By using the right tools and techniques, businesses can ensure their websites are accessible to all users, enhancing user experience and compliance with legal standards.
Audit With Includ
AS you can see there is more than meets the eye when it comes to performing an accessibility audit. At Inlcud we can take care of all of this (and then some) to provide you all you need to start making your site accessible for everyone.
Learn more about our Accessibility Audits
Talk us today about getting an accessibility audit for your business
Talk us today about getting an accessibility audit for your business
