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Web Accessibility Audits: Assessing and Improving Your Site’s Accessibility
Web Accessibility Audits: Assessing and Improving Your Site’s Accessibility

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The internet should be usable by everyone, regardless of ability. That’s the core idea behind web accessibility making websites functional and inclusive for people with disabilities. A web accessibility audit is a structured way to assess how accessible a website is and to uncover areas that need improvement.

Whether you work as a project manager, web developer, designer, or content creator, knowing how to assess and improve accessibility will help ensure everyone can use your website.

What is a Web Accessibility Audit?

In order to determine whether a website meets accessibility standards, specifically the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a detailed evaluation of its structure, code, and content is known as a web accessibility audit.
It helps identify barriers that may prevent people with:
  • Visual impairments (e.g., blindness, low vision),
  • Hearing impairments,
  • Motor disabilities, or
  • Cognitive challenge from using a website effectively.

Why Is Web Accessibility Important?

Here are a few reasons accessibility is critical:

  • Inclusivity: Millions of people rely on assistive technologies to use the web. Accessible websites ensure they are not excluded.
  • Legal Requirements: Many countries have laws. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in the European Union require websites and digital services to be accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Improved Usability: Accessibility improvements often make websites better for everyone such as faster navigation, clearer structure, and better mobile experience.
  • Ethical Responsibility: The web is a vital part of modern life ensuring equal access is the right thing to do.

How Does an Accessibility Audit Begin?

1. Automated Testing

Common problems like poor contrast ratios, missing alt text, or improper heading structure can be found on your website by using tools like accessibility checker tools, Axe DevTools, WAVE, and Lighthouse. These tools are a helpful first step, but they don’t catch everything.

2. Manual Testing

Manual review includes:

  • Navigating using only a keyboard
  • Testing interactive elements (buttons, forms, menus)
  • Reviewing screen reader behaviorThis step catches issues automated tools miss like incorrect focus order or confusing link text.

3. Reviewing HTML and ARIA Attributes

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) and semantic HTML play an important role in helping assistive technologies understand the content. Auditors check that elements like buttons, tables, and forms have the correct labels and selected.

4. Assistive Technology Testing

This involves using screen readers (like NVDA, VoiceOver, or JAWS) to test real user experience, especially for blind or visually impaired users.

Common Accessibility Issues Found

The following difficulties are frequently discovered by accessibility audits:

  • Images without alt text (missing or vague descriptions)
  • Low color contrast between text and background
  • Incorrect heading hierarchy (skipping heading levels)
  • Non-descriptive link text (like “click here”)
  • Inaccessible forms (no labels or focus issues)
  • Elements not keyboard-friendly (users can't tab through)

How to Improve Website Accessibility?

Once issues are identified, the next step is remediation. Here's what that typically involves:

  • Use descriptive alt text for all informative images
  • Ensure sufficient color contrast (check against WCAG minimums)
  • Maintain a logical heading structure (e.g., H1 → H2 → H3)
  • Label all form fields properly with label tags
  • Make navigation keyboard-friendly
  • Avoid using only color to convey meaning

 To make sure problems have been fixed, testing should be done again once changes are made.

When Should You Conduct an Accessibility Audit?

Accessibility audits are important at various stages, such as:

  • Before launching a new website
  • After a major redesign or update
  • Periodically (e.g., every 6 to 12 months) as a part of regular maintenance
  • When receiving complaints or feedback from users with disabilities

Who Can Conduct an Audit?

Accessibility audits can be done by:

  • Internal teams with accessibility knowledge
  • Web developers trained in WCAG standards
  • Third-party accessibility specialists
  • Individuals with disabilities providing user testing insights

Learning WCAG principles and starting with automated tools is an ideal way for startups to gain a basic understanding of the system before moving further.

Making Accessibility Part of the Workflow

Including accessibility in your design, development, and publication process is not a one-time task. Having a building accessible from the start removes the need for future fixes, saves time, and improves user experience.

Start small:

  • Write meaningful link text
  • Use accessible templates
  • Test your site with keyboard-only navigation
  • Write image alt text thoughtfully

 Conclusion

Web accessibility audits help in making sure that all users, regardless of ability, can access and use websites. By recognizing and resolving accessibility issues, we create more equal, inclusive, and user-friendly digital spaces.Improving accessibility enhances the web for everyone as well as benefits communities and people.

 


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