How to test for accessibility
Tools and testing
- Try these tests first
- Why do I have to use more than one tool to test my site?
- Best practices and the Functional Accessibility Evaluator
- How often should I test?
- How can I get more help with accessibility design and testing?
Try these tests first
Use these two tools to check your site:
The above links let you enter the URL of a page or site and will return an evaluation. Training on advanced use and interpretation of the results will be provided in upcoming Web accessibility workshops.
You can also try these tests:
- Navigate your site with keyboard only. Put your mouse aside and try to access all the links including pull down menus using the keyboard only.
- Through the advanced features of Internet Explorer you can turn off pictures and sounds of your Web site. When the pictures are turned off, is the alternative text available to understand what is on the page? If sounds are turned off, is the needed information still available?
- Turn off your Cascading Style Sheet. You can use a tool such as the Internet Explorer Web Accessibility Toolbar (PC Only) or the Firefox Accessibility Extension. When CSS is turned off, is the information still understandable and usable?
- Download a free demo copy (40 minutes of usage) of JAWS screen reader. Have the screen reader read your whole document (Press the Insert key and down arrow at the same time). Note which things are not read and understandable on your Web page.
- A full list of testing tools is available off the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act site.
Why do I have to use more than one tool to test my site?
Even the best tools can't check everything automatically, although they can draw your attention to potential issues and ask you to manually check specific items.
If you have any questions about the accessibility of your site, you can also contact the Web Accessibility Group at accessweb@uic.edu.
Best practices and the Functional Accessibility Evaluator
The Illinois Center for Instructional Technology Accessibility (iCITA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a set of best practices for Web site accessibility and a tool called the Functional Accessibility Evaluator (FAE) to evaluate the accessibility of Web sites. Using these tools will help you surpass the minimum standards set by Section 508 and W3C Accessibility Standards. These practices and the FAE tool may take some time to learn. The ACCC Instructional Technology Lab will provide training and support for learning best practices and using the FAE.
How often should I test?
Once your site is accessible, quickly testing once or twice per year will help you identify most problems that can occur with routine, ongoing content changes. Of course, you should incorporate accessibility testing with any major redesign of your site. As best practices and accessibility standards evolve, your site may require an occasional tune-up even if your content has not changed.
How can I get more help with accessibility design and testing?
The Web Accessibility Group can check your site and make recommendations for meeting accessibility requirements (accessweb@uic.edu). You may also make an appointment with the ACCC Instructional Technology Lab for training on design strategies and techniques for implementing changes.
The Web Accessibility Group appreciates your feedback concerning your efforts in developing accessible Web sites so that we can make sure that the resources we provide are useful to you.