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Book: Digital Accessibility
Last Updated: 11/18/2025 - 15:36

For Content Editors

Quick Reference Guide

 

Test Category How to Test the Page Recommended Tools
1. Automated Page Scan Open the published page. Run an automated scan to detect common issues (alt text, headings, color contrast, link text). Review flagged issues, confirm accuracy, and note false positives.
2. Headings & Page Structure Use a headings viewer to check heading order (H1 → H2 → H3). Verify that the page has exactly one H1, and that subheadings follow a logical hierarchy. Ensure ARIA landmarks (main, nav, footer) are present and correct.
3. Keyboard Navigation Using only the keyboard (no mouse), press Tab, Shift+Tab, and Enter to move through all interactive elements. Confirm the focus indicator is always visible, navigation order follows a logical path, and there are no traps (e.g., modals that cannot be closed with the keyboard). No install required — use native keyboard testing
4. Screen Reader Spot-Check Turn on your screen reader and navigate headings, links, and form fields. Ensure reading order matches visual order, link text is descriptive, and form elements have labels that are read aloud.
5. Images & Alt Text Check that all meaningful images have descriptive alt text that conveys their purpose. Decorative images should have empty alt attributes (alt=""). Avoid duplicating nearby captions or text.
6. Links & Buttons Read each link and button text out of context — it should still make sense (“View Program Schedule” instead of “Click here”). Ensure links are visually distinct from surrounding text and have accessible names if using icons.
7. Color & Contrast Check contrast between text and background (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large). Ensure focus indicators and interactive components (buttons, inputs) are visible and distinct.
8. Multimedia (Video / Audio) Play video or audio content to confirm captions and/or transcripts are accurate and synchronized. Ensure autoplay is off or user-controlled, and flashing or looping content can be paused.
9. Responsive Design & Zoom Zoom the browser to 200% and 400% and verify content reflows vertically (no horizontal scrolling except data tables). Check that menus, banners, and pop-ups are still visible and usable.
10. Forms & Input Fields Ensure every input field has a visible label (not just placeholder text). Submit with intentional errors — verify the error messages are clear, announced by assistive tech, and focus moves to the first error.
11. PDFs & Downloadable Files Open linked documents to ensure they are tagged, searchable, and follow correct reading order. If not, request remediation or provide an accessible HTML alternative.
12. Full-Site Audit (Optional) Run a comprehensive site-level report if you have access. Review overall score, trends, and issue categories. Prioritize high-impact errors (e.g., missing alt text, low contrast, missing headings).