How to Conduct Accessibility Audits: Best Practices and Tips

Ensuring that websites and applications are accessible to everyone—including people with disabilities—is not only a best practice but a necessity. An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide experience some form of disability, yet 97.4% of the world’s top one million websites still have accessibility issues, according to the WebAIM Million 2024 report. This gap not only creates barriers for users but also exposes businesses to legal risks and missed opportunities.

A website accessibility audit is a structured evaluation that helps organizations identify and fix accessibility barriers in their digital products and web content. By following established guidelines like the WCAG, businesses can ensure inclusivity, improve user experience, and enhance SEO performance. But how exactly do you conduct an accessibility audit effectively?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps of an accessibility audit, from initial assessment to remediation, so you can create a more inclusive digital experience for all users.

What is an accessibility audit? 

A web accessibility audit is a systematic evaluation of a website, application, or digital product using automated testing tools or a manual approach to determine how well it meets accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Website accessibility audits aim to identify barriers that may prevent people with disabilities—including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments—from effectively using the product.

The significance of a digital accessibility audit extends beyond compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the European Accessibility Act (EAA). It plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to content on various digital platforms, improving user experience, and expanding a product’s reach to a wider audience. Moreover, web accessibility improvements can also enhance SEO rankings, reduce legal risks, and contribute to a brand’s reputation for inclusivity and social responsibility.

Organizations that regularly carry out their own accessibility audit, or procure accessibility audit services, can proactively address issues, create a more inclusive digital environment, and ensure that all users—regardless of their abilities—can navigate and interact with their digital products with ease.

Why are accessibility audits important?

Web accessibility audits are essential for ensuring that digital products, mobile apps, and web pages are inclusive, usable, and compliant with global standards. The importance of accessibility audits extends across ethical considerations, legal, and business perspectives, making them a critical step for organizations committed to providing equal access to digital experiences. Let’s talk about each.

1. Ethical responsibility

At its core, digital accessibility is an ongoing commitment to inclusion. Over 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). When websites and applications are not accessible, they exclude millions of users from accessing essential services, information, and opportunities. An accessibility audit helps organizations identify and remove these barriers, promoting equal access for all.

2. Legal compliance

Many countries have established digital accessibility laws and regulations to ensure that digital products accommodate users with disabilities. In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act set clear accessibility standards. Similarly, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the UK Equality Act enforce digital accessibility requirements. Organizations that fail to comply with these regulations risk legal action, fines, and reputational damage. In recent years, lawsuits related to digital accessibility have surged—over 4,500 ADA web accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S. in 2023 alone, highlighting the growing legal focus on accessibility.

3. Business benefits

Beyond ethical and legal reasons, accessibility audits offer significant business advantages. Some key benefits include:

• Wider audience reach. Accessible web pages and apps cater to a larger user base, including elderly individuals and those using assistive technologies.
• Improved SEO performance. Many accessibility best practices, such as proper heading structure, alt text for images, and readable content, also help with search engine optimization.
• Better user experience for all. Features like keyboard navigation, clear typography, and captions benefit not just users with disabilities but also those in various situational limitations (e.g., using a phone in bright sunlight or watching videos in a noisy environment).
• Enhanced brand reputation. Companies that prioritize accessibility are seen as socially responsible and inclusive, leading to stronger customer loyalty and a competitive advantage.

You may be interested in: E-Commerce Accessibility: Making Your Online Store WCAG Compliant.

Understanding accessibility standards and guidelines

To conduct an effective accessibility audit, it’s essential to understand the standards and regulations that define digital accessibility. These guidelines ensure that websites, applications, and digital content are designed to accommodate users with disabilities.

WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the internationally recognized standards for digital accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG provides a framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

WCAG is based on four key principles, ensuring that content is:

• Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways that users can perceive (e.g., missing alternative text for images, captions for videos).
• Operable – Users must be able to navigate and interact with the content (e.g., keyboard accessibility, sufficient time to complete tasks).
• Understandable – Content must be readable and predictable (e.g., clear language, consistent navigation).
• Robust – Content must work well with assistive technologies and different devices.

WCAG is continuously updated to address emerging accessibility challenges. The current version, WCAG 2.2, expands on previous guidelines by adding new success criteria for mobile accessibility, cognitive disabilities, and low vision users.

Many countries have adopted accessibility laws that align with WCAG to enforce digital inclusivity. Here are some of the most notable regulations:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In the U.S., the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including in digital spaces. Courts have increasingly ruled that web pages must be accessible under the ADA, leading to a rise in web accessibility lawsuits.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

This U.S. law requires federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to ensure that their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities.

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

This regulation mandates accessibility for digital products and services within the European Union, impacting businesses that operate in EU markets.

UK Equality Act 2010

In the UK, this law requires organizations to ensure digital accessibility as part of their obligation to prevent discrimination.

Canada’s Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

This law enforces web accessibility requirements for federally regulated organizations.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in legal penalties, financial fines, and reputational damage, making accessibility audits a critical step for organizations looking to avoid risks and improve digital inclusivity.

Digital accessibility: EU vs. US

While both the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) emphasize the importance of digital accessibility, their approaches differ in terms of legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance expectations. Understanding these differences is essential for businesses operating in both regions.

Digital accessibility in the US

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the primary law governing digital accessibility in the US. Although the ADA does not explicitly mention web pages or digital platforms, courts have interpreted it to apply to online spaces. This has led to a surge in web accessibility lawsuits—over 4,500 ADA-related lawsuits were filed in 2023 alone.

Key US accessibility regulations include:

• ADA Title III – Requires businesses open to the public (e.g., retail, hospitality, healthcare) to provide accessible digital experiences.
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act – Mandates federal agencies and contractors to ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible.
• 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) – Ensures accessibility of digital communications, including websites, apps, and multimedia content.

In the U.S., enforcement is largely driven by litigation. Companies that fail to meet website accessibility standards may face costly lawsuits, settlements, and reputational damage.

Digital accessibility in the EU

The European Union takes a more structured and proactive approach to digital accessibility through unified regulations that apply across member states. The most significant law is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which requires businesses offering digital products and services in the EU market to comply with accessibility standards by June 28, 2025.

Key EU accessibility regulations include:

• European Accessibility Act (EAA). Covers websites, e-commerce, mobile apps, banking services, and more.
• Web Accessibility Directive. Requires public sector websites and mobile apps to be accessible, with regular monitoring and reporting.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Accessibility. While primarily focused on data protection, GDPR intersects with accessibility by requiring transparent and accessible user interfaces.

Unlike the US, where legal action is the primary enforcement mechanism, the EU relies on government oversight and compliance deadlines. Public and private organizations that fail to comply with the EAA risk financial penalties and restrictions on market access.

Key differences and implications

For businesses operating in both regions, aligning with WCAG 2.2 is the safest approach to ensure compliance with both US and EU standards, reducing legal risks and improving digital accessibility for all users.

How to prepare for a web accessibility audit?

Preparing for a web accessibility audit requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. By defining the scope, assembling the right team, picking out suitable accessibility audit tools, and gathering the necessary resources, organizations can set themselves up for a successful audit. The following steps will guide you in getting ready for the audit process. 

Define the scope of the audit

The first step in preparing for an accessibility audit is determining which digital assets will be evaluated. Accessibility issues can affect various types of content, including websites, mobile applications, PDFs, documents, videos, and multimedia content.

• Websites and web apps. These are the most common digital assets in a web accessibility audit. Consider whether the audit will cover the entire website or focus on specific sections (e.g., homepage, product pages, checkout process).
• Mobile apps. Ensure that both native apps (iOS/Android) and web-based apps are included in the scope. Accessibility for mobile apps focus on UI elements, touch navigation, and mobile-specific features.
• PDFs and documents. Many organizations overlook accessible documents, but PDFs and Word files must also be included in the web accessibility audit. These files must be properly structured with tags, headings, and alternative text for images.
• Multimedia content. Videos, images, and audio files must be assessed for captions, transcripts, and other accessibility features, ensuring that all users can access the content.

A clearly defined scope will ensure that your accessibility audit process is comprehensive and no critical digital asset is missed, helping you resolve the accessibility barriers that need the most attention.

Assemble the audit team

To conduct a thorough accessibility audit, it’s essential to bring together a team of stakeholders and accessibility experts who can provide diverse perspectives on accessibility issues. Here are key roles to consider:

• Accessibility experts. Trained professionals with extensive knowledge in WCAG guidelines and accessibility testing tools. They will lead the audit and ensure that all technical aspects are addressed.
• UX/UI designer. A designer who understands both usability and accessibility. They can identify design elements that might impede accessibility and suggest improvements.
• Developer. Web developers can help identify issues related to code, such as improper HTML structure, lack of semantic markup, or issues with JavaScript functionality.
• Content creator or copywriter. Content needs to be clear and accessible, with proper use of headings, alt text, and easy-to-read language. A content expert will ensure the textual content aligns with accessibility guidelines.
• Legal or compliance officer. In some cases, especially for organizations in regulated industries, having a legal or compliance expert is essential to ensure the audit meets local regulations (e.g., ADA, Section 508).

In addition to experts, stakeholders from marketing, product management, and customer service, it’s also helpful to involve users with disabilities to truly understand their needs. A collaborative approach, using the right accessibility audit tools ensures that all potential and significant barriers are identified and addressed comprehensively.

How to conduct an accessibility audit in 6 simple steps

Now that you're prepared, it’s time to dive into the actual process of conducting a web accessibility audit. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure a thorough accessibility audit.

Step 1: Identify key areas to test

Before you start auditing, it’s crucial to identify the key areas of your web pages, app, or digital product that need to be evaluated, like screen reader compatibility, color contrast, missing alt text, etc. Typically, the focus will be on high-traffic pages, essential accessible features, and any areas where users may encounter the most barriers.

The audit process has a few key areas, which include:

• Navigation. Ensure that users can navigate the site or app using a keyboard or assistive technology.
• Forms and input fields. Test form accessibility, including proper labeling, error messages, and validation for users with disabilities.
• Images and multimedia content. Verify that all images have appropriate alt text, and videos include captions and transcripts.
• Color contrast. Check if text and interactive elements have sufficient contrast against background colors to assist users with low vision or color blindness.
• Interactive elements. Buttons, links, and other elements, ensuring screen reader compatibility or alternative input methods.

Identifying the most critical areas to test will help you prioritize issues and allocate resources efficiently.

Step 2: Conduct automated testing using accessibility tools

Automated tools are an excellent starting point for quickly identifying common accessibility issues. These tools scan your digital assets and provide an initial assessment of accessibility compliance based on WCAG standards.

Popular automated accessibility testing tools include:

• WAVE – Offers both a browser extension and online tool to identify accessibility issues in real-time.
• Axe Accessibility Checker – A browser extension that scans websites for accessibility issues and provides detailed recommendations for fixes.
• Google Lighthouse – A free, open-source tool that evaluates accessibility, performance, and SEO. 

While automated accessibility audits can identify many issues—such as missing alt text or improper color contrast—they can’t catch everything. That’s why manual testing is crucial for a thorough audit.

Step 3: Perform manual accessibility testing

Manual accessibility testing involves reviewing the website or app by hand to identify issues that automated tools might miss. It requires a deeper understanding of WCAG guidelines and a more comprehensive evaluation of usability.

Key manual testing methods include:

• Keyboard navigation – Ensure that all interactive elements (forms, buttons, links) can be accessed and operated without a mouse.
• Screen reader testing – Use screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver) to verify that all content is properly announced and that the reading order is logical.
• Focus order – Check that the focus order (tab navigation) follows a logical sequence, especially in forms and dynamic content.
• Visual inspection – Review text formatting, layout consistency, and mobile responsiveness to ensure clarity and readability for all users.

Manual testing is essential for detecting issues related to user experience and design elements on digital platforms that automated tools can overlook.

Step 4: Conduct real-user testing with people with disabilities

Real-user testing involves observing and collecting feedback from actual users with disabilities to identify how your digital product works in a real-world context. This is often the most valuable part of an accessibility audit because it reveals how people with disabilities interact with your product in real environments.

To conduct real-user testing, consider the following:

• Involve users with diverse disabilities (e.g., visual, auditory, motor, cognitive) and varying levels of experience with assistive technologies.
• Ask users to complete typical tasks (e.g., navigating the site, filling out forms, watching videos) while observing their experience.
• Collect feedback on pain points, frustrations, and suggestions for improvement.

Real-user testing provides insights that can help you refine your website accessibility improvements and ensure that the product is genuinely usable for all.

Step 5: Document findings and categorize issues by severity

Once the testing phase is complete, it’s time to document your findings and organize the issues by severity. This documentation will serve as the foundation for your accessibility audit report and remediation plan.

If you’re conducting your own accessibility audit, remember to categorize issues as follows:

• Critical – Issues that prevent users from completing essential tasks (e.g., forms that can’t be submitted, inaccessible navigation).
• Major – Issues that hinder usability but don’t completely block access (e.g., missing alt text on images, poor contrast in some areas).
• Minor – Cosmetic or non-intrusive issues that don’t significantly impact usability but should still be addressed (e.g., inconsistent labeling, minor visual design issues).

This categorization will help prioritize fixes and provide clear direction for remediation efforts.

Step 6: Generate an accessibility report with actionable fixes

The final step is to generate a comprehensive accessibility audit report. This document should include:

• A summary of findings providing a detailed overview of the accessibility issues identified during the audit.
• Recommendations for remediation that contains clear, actionable fixes for each issue, mapped to specific WCAG guidelines, or ensuring ADA compliance.
• Priority levels to indicate the severity of each issue to help teams prioritize remediation efforts.
• Testing methodology including a description of the tools, methods (such as manual or automated testing), and user feedback used during the audit.

The website accessibility report serves as a roadmap for addressing identified issues and improving accessibility across your digital assets, as well as making sure you’re mitigating new accessibility barriers. 

Analyzing and interpreting audit results

Once the web accessibility audit is complete, it’s time to analyze the results and understand the full scope of the accessibility issues identified. This phase involves analyzing the data, interpreting the findings, and mapping the issues to WCAG success criteria to create an actionable remediation plan. Understanding the severity of accessibility issues and their impact on users is critical to prioritize fixes and ensure that the final product is truly accessible.

Understanding the impact of digital accessibility issues

Digital accessibility issues identified in an audit can span a wide range of digital elements, from visual and interactive components to content-related issues. Here’s an overview of some common accessibility problems and their potential impact on users and hinder your site’s accessibility:

• Visual and interactive components. These issues often affect users with low vision or color blindness. Poor color contrast, inaccessible buttons, or images without text alternatives can make it difficult or impossible for users to engage with the content.
• Color contrast. Insufficient contrast between text and background colors makes content hard to read for users with low vision or color blindness. Ensuring that text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is critical for readability.
• Navigation. Problems with navigation (e.g., inaccessible menus, missing focus indicators, or difficult-to-navigate layouts) impact keyboard users and screen reader users. A clear and predictable navigation flow is crucial for a seamless experience.
• Captions and multimedia. Missing or incorrect captions on videos can create barriers for deaf or hard of hearing users. Similarly, audio content without transcripts or captions excludes these users from important information.
• Alt text. Missing or poor alt text on images and graphics limits access for screen reader users. Properly describing visual content ensures that users with visual impairments understand the information being conveyed.
• ARIA roles. Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles help ensure that dynamic content (e.g., pop-ups, sliders, and forms) is navigable and understandable for users of assistive technologies. Incorrect or missing ARIA roles can confuse these users.

Each of these issues could be the most significant barrier in someone’s user experience. For example, a visually impaired user may be unable to complete a purchase if form fields aren’t properly labeled or a button is difficult to locate. Similarly, a deaf user might miss critical information if video content lacks captions.

Mapping accessibility issues to WCAG success criteria

Once the site’s accessibility barriers are identified, it’s essential to map them to the WCAG success criteria. This step helps ensure that the audit findings align with established accessibility standards and provides a clear path for remediation.

Here’s how you can map common digital accessibility issues to WCAG success criteria:

• Color contrast. The issue of insufficient contrast maps to WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum). This criterion requires that text (and images of text) have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against the background.
• Navigation. Issues with navigation fall under WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.1.1: Keyboard. This criterion ensures that users can navigate the site or app using only a keyboard (no mouse).
• Alt text. Missing or inadequate alt text maps to WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content. This requires that all non-text content (images, buttons, etc.) have appropriate alt text that conveys the same meaning as the visual content.
• ARIA roles. Problems with ARIA roles fall under WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value. This criterion ensures that dynamic content and user interface elements can be accessed and manipulated using assistive technologies.
• Captions and multimedia. Missing captions and transcripts map to WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.2: Captions (Prerecorded) and 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative. These criteria ensure that all multimedia content has sufficient accessibility support, such as captions for videos and audio descriptions.

Mapping each issue found in your digital content to the corresponding WCAG success criteria not only provides clarity on the necessary fixes but also helps in demonstrating compliance with digital accessibility standards. By addressing these accessibility issues, organizations can make digital content accessible to all of their users.

What does the accessibility audit assess?

A web accessibility audit evaluates how effectively your digital content complies with accessibility standards such as WCAG or ADA. This process examines elements like text, images, interactive features, and underlying technology to ensure inclusivity.

Accessibility audit for text

Approximately 95% of web content consists of written language. A text accessibility audit evaluates how accessible this content is for individuals with disabilities. Key areas of assessment include:

• Font size and readability. Ensures text is legible and can be resized for users who need larger fonts.
• Color contrast. Checks if text has sufficient contrast against its background for users with low vision or color blindness.
• Line spacing and paragraph structure. Reviews spacing and organization to enhance readability and prevent cognitive overload.
• Use of semantic HTML. Confirms proper use of headings, lists, and structural elements for better screen reader navigation.
• Plain language and readability. Assesses clarity and simplicity to support users with cognitive disabilities or limited literacy.

Accessibility audit of images

Images play a crucial role in digital content, but they must be accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. An accessibility audit of images evaluates how well they meet accessibility standards. Key areas of assessment include:

• Alt text and descriptions. Ensures images have descriptive alternative text so screen readers can convey their meaning to visually impaired users.
• Decorative images handling. Verifies that purely decorative images are properly marked to be ignored by assistive technologies, reducing unnecessary distractions.
• Text in images. Checks that essential text is not embedded in images, or if unavoidable, that an accessible alternative is provided.
• Complex image descriptions. Assesses whether detailed graphics, such as charts or infographics, include additional descriptions or data tables for better accessibility.
• Color reliance. Ensures that images do not rely solely on color to convey meaning, making content more accessible to users with color blindness.

Accessibility audit of audio

Audio content is an important part of digital experiences, but it must be accessible to users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have auditory processing challenges. An accessibility audit of audio evaluates how well it meets accessibility standards. Key areas of assessment include:

• Captions and transcripts. Ensures that all spoken content is accompanied by accurate captions or transcripts for users who cannot hear the audio.
• Audio descriptions. Checks whether multimedia content includes descriptive narration for important non-verbal elements, benefiting users who are visually impaired.
• Clarity and sound quality. Reviews audio for clear speech, minimal background noise, and proper volume levels to enhance comprehension.
• User controls. Verifies that users can pause, stop, or adjust volume levels separately from system settings for better usability.
• Automatic playback. Ensures that audio does not play automatically or provides an easy way to disable it, preventing disruptions for users with sensory sensitivities.

Accessibility audit of video

Video content is a powerful way to share information, but it must be accessible to users with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments. An accessibility audit of video evaluates how well it meets accessibility standards. Key areas of assessment include:

• Captions and subtitles – Ensures accurate, synchronized captions are available for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Audio descriptions – Checks whether important visual elements are described through additional narration for visually impaired users.
• Transcript availability – Verifies that a text-based version of the video's content is provided for users who prefer or need to read instead of watch.
• Player accessibility – Assesses whether the video player supports keyboard navigation, screen readers, and customizable playback options.
• Avoidance of flashing content – Ensures videos do not contain rapid flashing or strobing effects that could trigger seizures or cause discomfort.

Accessibility audit of interactive content

Interactive content, such as forms, buttons, and dynamic elements, enhances user engagement but must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. An accessibility audit of interactive content evaluates how well it meets accessibility standards. Key areas of assessment include:

• Keyboard navigation. Ensures all interactive elements can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard, benefiting users with mobility impairments.
• Focus indicators. Checks that focus states are clearly visible, allowing users to track their position when navigating with a keyboard or assistive technology.
• Screen reader compatibility. Verifies that interactive elements are labeled correctly and provide meaningful feedback for screen reader users.
• Error messages and validation. Assesses whether form errors and input requirements are clearly communicated and easy to correct.
• Time limits and motion sensitivity. Ensures users have sufficient time to complete tasks and that animations or motion effects do not cause discomfort or dizziness.

Accessibility audit of assistive technology

Technology forms the foundation of digital content, and ensuring its accessibility is crucial for users with disabilities. An accessibility audit of technology evaluates how well the underlying systems and frameworks support accessibility standards. Key areas of assessment include:

• Assistive technology compatibility. Ensures that websites and applications work seamlessly with screen readers, voice recognition software, and other assistive tools.
• Semantic HTML and ARIA roles. Checks that proper HTML elements and ARIA attributes are used to enhance accessibility for users relying on assistive technologies.
• Responsive and adaptive design. Verifies that content is accessible across different devices, screen sizes, and input methods.
• Loading time and performance. Assesses whether technology is optimized for fast loading, ensuring accessibility for users with slow connections or limited processing power.
• Error handling and accessibility settings. Ensures that users can easily recover from errors and customize settings like contrast, text size, and input methods to meet their needs.

Implementing accessibility fixes and improvements

Once the audit process is complete, it's time for the accessibility experts to put the necessary accessibility fixes into action. This phase involves remediating the issues identified in the audit to enhance the usability of your digital content for all users, including those with disabilities. The fixes need to be comprehensive, consistent, and fully integrated into the design and development processes.

To ensure accessibility issues are successfully mitigated, follow these steps:

1. Address visual and structural elements

• Color contrast: Adjust text and background colors to meet WCAG contrast standards (4.5:1 for regular text, 3:1 for large text). Tools like Contrast Checker can help you ensure that the contrast ratios are sufficient.
• Font size and scalability: Ensure that text is readable on all devices, especially for users with low vision. Use relative units (e.g., rem, em) for text sizes to ensure scalability and avoid fixed sizes that can't be adjusted by users.
• Headings and structure: Organize content with clear and consistent heading levels (e.g., H1, H2, H3) to facilitate easy navigation for screen readers. Proper semantic HTML should be used to ensure the logical structure of content.

2. Improve navigation and user interface

• Keyboard accessibility: Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields, etc.) can be accessed and used through keyboard navigation alone. Use the Tab key, Enter, Spacebar, and other standard shortcuts for navigation.
• Focus management: Ensure that the focus order on the page follows a logical and predictable sequence. Include visible focus indicators for keyboard users and ensure they can easily navigate from one interactive element to the next.
• Skip navigation links: Provide "skip to content" or "skip navigation" links for users who rely on keyboard navigation to skip repetitive navigation elements.

3. Optimize multimedia content

• Add alt text: Ensure that all images, icons, and non-text content (like charts or graphs) have meaningful alt text. Alt text should describe the content or function of the image to ensure it's accessible to users with visual impairments.
• Provide captions and transcripts: For videos and audio content, add captions and transcripts to ensure users who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the content. Also, consider providing audio descriptions for visually impaired users.
• Ensure video controls are accessible: Make sure users can interact with video controls (e.g., play, pause, volume) using a keyboard or assistive technology.

4. Refine form elements and user feedback

• Label form fields properly: Ensure all form fields are clearly labeled with descriptive text, and that the labels are correctly associated with the fields using HTML attributes (e.g., for and id).
• Error handling: Provide clear error messages with guidance on how to fix the issue (e.g., "Please enter a valid email address"). Error messages should be linked to the relevant form field for easy identification.
• Focusable form elements: Ensure all form fields, buttons, and links are focusable for keyboard users and that the tab order makes sense.

5. Test the fixes

• After implementing the fixes, conduct manual testing to ensure that all changes work as intended. Test the site with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies to verify the improvements.
• Additionally, implement automated testing to identify any remaining accessibility barriers. Re-run the accessibility tools used in the audit and confirm that they report no significant issues.

6. Continuous feedback and iterations

• Accessibility improvements should be viewed as an ongoing process. After implementing the fixes, collect feedback from real users (especially those with disabilities) to gauge whether the changes meet their needs.

Make accessibility testing part of your regular development cycle to ensure future updates and new features remain accessible.

Best practices to maintain accessibility

Ensuring continuous web accessibility is essential to maintaining an inclusive digital experience. As technology evolves, it's important to prioritize accessibility, making it a regular part of your processes. Here are the best practices for maintaining it:

1. Integrate web accessibility into the development lifecycle. Make digital accessibility part of your design and development process from the start to identify and address issues early.
2. Conduct regular accessibility audits. Schedule frequent audits, accessibility testing, manual and automated testing, and user feedback to stay on top of accessibility concerns as your digital asset evolves.
3. Stay updated on standards and regulations. Keep your team informed about changes to WCAG guidelines and local digital accessibility laws to ensure compliance.
4. Educate and train your team. Provide ongoing training for your teams to raise awareness of accessibility standards and empower them to implement best practices.
5. Listen to user feedback. Regularly collect feedback from users with disabilities to identify areas for improvement and adjust accordingly.
6. Encourage cross-team collaboration. Foster a collaborative approach to accessibility by ensuring all teams are aligned on goals and responsibilities.Track and report progress. Keep a record of improvements and share progress with stakeholders to highlight the impact of your digital accessibility efforts.
7. Automate accessibility testing. Integrate automated testing for web accessibility checks into your development pipeline to catch issues early and streamline testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between manual and automated accessibility testing?

Automated testing uses tools to quickly scan for accessibility issues, but it can miss context-sensitive problems. Manual testing involves human testers who can identify issues requiring judgment, such as user experience or complex interactions. Combine manual and automated testing to ensure thorough audit.

How often should I conduct a web accessibility audit?

A web accessibility audit should be conducted regularly, ideally at least once per quarter, and after significant updates or new content to ensure ongoing compliance and usability.

Can small businesses afford accessibility audits?

Yes! There are affordable tools and services available for small businesses. Accessibility audits improve user experience, broaden your audience, and enhance business growth.

What are the most common accessibility issues?

Common issues include poor color contrast, missing alt text, broken keyboard navigation, inaccessible forms, and lack of captions. These can hinder user engagement and compliance with accessibility standards.

What are ISO standards for conducting audits?

ISO 9241 standards ensure digital content is usable by people with disabilities, focusing on ergonomic and usability requirements for human-computer interaction.

How does an accessibility audit differ from usability testing?

Accessibility audits focus on ensuring digital products are usable by people with disabilities, while usability testing evaluates ease of use for all users. Accessibility audits are a subset of usability testing.

Who should perform an accessibility audit?

Accessibility audits should be conducted by experts in accessibility standards, and digital user experience, such as consultants, developers, or UX/UI designers with specialized knowledge.

Final thoughts

Conducting a web accessibility audit is a crucial step in ensuring your digital products are inclusive and accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. By following a structured process, understanding key standards, and implementing continuous accessibility practices, you can create a more user-friendly experience, comply with legal requirements, and expand your reach to a broader audience. Whether you are a large enterprise or a small business, providing accessible websites is not just a regulatory concern—it’s an essential aspect of delivering a great user experience for everyone.

Taking the time to perform an accessibility audit not only benefits users with disabilities but also enhances your reputation, drives business growth, and fosters a more inclusive digital world.

Ready to make your digital content accessible to everyone? Schedule a web accessibility audit today to identify the most significant barriers, implement improvements, and ensure your web or mobile app is compliant with the latest standards. Contact us now to get started on your web accessibility journey and unlock the full potential of your digital content.