WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: Testing for accessibility compliance

for

From: Hoffman, Allen
Date: Apr 27, 2010 1:21PM

I recommend:

1. Consider using automated tools for the easy stuff--flag images
without alternate text, flag form fields without alternate text, flag
tables which need scope and/or ID tagging, flag pages without skip-nave
standard doing, flag content which requires accessible plug-ins, flag
server-side image maps for removal or redundant text inclusion, flag
usemaps for alternate text, etc. Then consider using the web
accessibility toolbar for manual testing of pages for color usage,
dependency upon .css, flicker usage, etc. No tools really test for
keyboard access or time outs well to my knowledge, so manual testing is
needed.

2. Develop 508 test procedures, teach them, and use them.

3. Consider using Object Inspector or other "object" inspection tools
for more interactive aspects of software testing to ensure that
interface elements have name, role, and state provided.

4. Develop coding standards, teach them, use them. This will drive the
"right" way to code home to your developers. Use templates which
include the right way to code things and leave them alone accept when
you must change correct coding.

I hope this helps.