
<p>As the internet becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it&#8217;s important that websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their disabilities. However, ensuring accessibility can be a challenging and time-consuming task for web developers and testers. That&#8217;s where automated accessibility testing comes in. By testing for accessibility, teams can address issues before they become more challenging and costly to fix. In this article, we&#8217;ll discuss what automated accessibility testing is, including what it is, its pros and cons, and more.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Can_Accessibility_Testing_be_Automated_with_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_is_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Pros_and_Cons_of_Automated_Accessibility_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Achieve_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#Make_Accessibility_a_Focus_Earlier_During_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</a></li><li><a href="#Leverage_Accessibility_Testing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Leverage Accessibility Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Create_Automated_Regression_Tests_For_Accessibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</a></li><li><a href="#Use_the_Right_Test_Automation_Platform"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Use the Right Test Automation Platform</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-automated-accessibility-testing"><span id="What_is_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automated accessibility testing is a process of using software to test for accessibility issues in websites and web applications. This process ensures your app’s content and services are usable by people with disabilities of various types (vision, hearing, etc.). This <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of testing</a> can be used to find and fix issues related to web accessibility, such as missing alt text, improper use of color contrast, and more. </p>



<p>For instance, overcoming the challenges that a person with vision impairment would encounter when attempting to use any app because the person would be unable to view visuals is what accessibility concerns are about. Keep in mind that automated accessibility testing verifies specific application features to ensure that it is usable by everyone.</p>



<p>While automated accessibility testing is a great tool for finding and fixing accessibility issues, it is important to note that it cannot catch everything. For example, automated testing cannot test for issues related to how well a person can use a website or web application. For this reason, it is also important to manually test websites and web applications to ensure they are accessible to everyone.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/accessibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="h-can-accessibility-testing-be-automated-with-tools"><span id="Can_Accessibility_Testing_be_Automated_with_Tools"><strong>Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</strong></span></h2>



<p>There is no simple answer to the question of whether web accessibility testing can be automated. While there are some automated tools available, they are not always reliable, and they often require a human touch to be effective.</p>



<p>That said, there are some ways to automate web accessibility testing to some extent. For example, you can use a tool to scan your site for potential accessibility issues and then have a human test those issues to confirm whether they are actually problems. You can also use a tool to generate a report of accessibility issues, which can then be reviewed manually.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the decision of whether to automate web accessibility testing will come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Automated tools can save time and money, but they are not always 100% accurate. So the combination of both automated and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a> is ultimately the most effective method for accessibility testing.</p>



<p><strong>Get here the list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Web Accessibility Testing Tools</a></strong></p>



<h2 id="h-why-automated-accessibility-testing-is-important"><span id="Why_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_is_Important"><strong>Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>More people are now using digital tools due to the expanding significance of digital technology and applications. However, 70% of websites worldwide are not user-friendly for those with disabilities. Global governments are currently working to make web content accessible to people with impairments as part of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (<a href="https://www.wcag.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCAG</a>) 2.0.</p>



<p>Government regulations also mandate that software products be usable by people with impairments. So, as an organization, you should consider these users’ needs as well as those of older adults, children, left-handed users, anti-English speakers, and many others. </p>



<p>In addition, inaccessible websites cause significant reputational damage to the brand, which is why it&#8217;s crucial to routinely check your site for accessibility blockers using tools.</p>



<p>Related Resources &gt;&gt;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-big-is-the-global-accessibility-testing-market-and-how-fast-is-it-growing/#Accessibility_Testing_Service_Market_Competitors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Big is the Global Accessibility Testing Market and How Fast is it Growing?</a></p>



<h2 id="pros-and-cons-of-automated-accessibility-tests"><span id="Pros_and_Cons_of_Automated_Accessibility_Tests"><strong>Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</strong></span></h2>



<p>The following are some of the pros and cons of automating your accessibility tests,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros</strong></td><td><strong>Cons</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Easy and quick to repeat tests at different stages of the development cycle</td><td>Automation tools will not catch all the accessibility errors in your application</td></tr><tr><td>Very few steps to run and get quick results</td><td>Might report false positives&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>A little accessibility knowledge is required to perform testing and understand the results</td><td>Various tools might be required for different product types</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-how-to-achieve-automated-accessibility-testing"><span id="How_to_Achieve_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>We all know that accessibility is essential. We also know that testing for accessibility can be time-consuming and tedious. But what if there was a way to automate accessibility testing?</p>



<p>There are many tools available that can help speed up the testing process. By using one of these tools, you can quickly check for common accessibility issues on your website or app. This can save you a lot of time and help ensure that your site or app is accessible to everyone.</p>



<p>There are a few things to keep in mind when automating accessibility testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-make-accessibility-a-focus-earlier-during-design"><span id="Make_Accessibility_a_Focus_Earlier_During_Design">Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</span></h3>



<p>As designers are often tasked with creating products that are both unique and functional. But what about products that are accessible to everyone?</p>



<p>Designing with accessibility in mind is crucial to ensure that your products/platform can be used by everyone, regardless of ability. And while it’s important to consider accessibility at all stages of the agile process, it’s imperative to make it a focus earlier on.</p>



<p>Here are a few tips on how to make accessibility a focus earlier in the design process:</p>



<ul><li>Educate yourself on accessibility standards and guidelines.</li><li>Incorporate accessibility into your design process from the beginning.</li><li>Make sure your designs are tested for accessibility before launch.</li><li>Continuously monitor your designs for accessibility issues.</li></ul>



<p>By following these tips, you can incorporate accessibility from the beginning.</p>



<h3 id="h-leverage-accessibility-testing-tools"><span id="Leverage_Accessibility_Testing_Tools">Leverage <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing Tools</a></span></h3>



<p>How do you choose the right tools when you&#8217;re just getting started in the accessibility world?</p>



<p>It is crucial to group potential tools into the following three categories before you start:</p>



<ul><li><strong><em>Tools that require human interaction</em></strong> &#8211; This testing still needs humanitarian aid even if more automated methods are available. This ensures that the experience we evaluate closely resembles what our users will have. Some of these will include tools like <a href="https://www.apple.com/voiceover/info/guide/_1121.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">VoiceOver</a>, <a href="https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/product/jaws-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">JAWS</a><strong>, </strong>etc.</li><li><strong><em>Tools for semi-automated accessibility testing that are browser add-ons</em></strong> &#8211; You may quickly identify any accessibility problems with your websites using browser extensions. The majority of browser extensions come with limited functionality that can be unlocked by buying the paid version. A few of these tools include <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe DevTools</a>, <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WAVE</a>, etc.</li><li><strong><em>Fully Automated testing tools</em></strong> &#8211; Utilizing automation is essential to shifting accessibility testing as early as possible so that you can concentrate on the places where it is most necessary. One such tool that’s fully automated is <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/@axe-core/cli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe CLI</a>.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-create-automated-regression-tests-for-accessibility"><span id="Create_Automated_Regression_Tests_For_Accessibility">Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</span></h3>



<p>As a web developer/owner, it&#8217;s important to ensure that the site is accessible to everyone. One way to do this is to create automated <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> that check for accessibility issues.</p>



<p>There are a few different ways to do this, but one tool you can use is the axe-core library. This library provides a set of rules that can be used to automatically test for accessibility issues.</p>



<p>To use the axe-core library, you first need to install it. You can do this by using the following command:</p>



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>npm install axe-core</code></pre>



<p>After installing axe-core, include the JavaScript file in each of your iframes in your fixtures or test systems to test your site for accessibility issues.</p>



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>axe
.run()
.then(results => {
if (results.violations.length) {
throw new Error('Accessibility issues found');
}
})
.catch(err => {
console.error('Something bad happened:', err.message);
});</code></pre>



<p>It is possible to create automated accessibility regression testing using the method mentioned above. Additionally, you can completely get rid of most manual testing during the development phase.</p>



<h3 id="h-use-the-right-test-automation-platform"><span id="Use_the_Right_Test_Automation_Platform">Use the Right Test Automation Platform</span></h3>



<p>Traditionally, this testing has been done manually. However, with the rise of test automation, it is now possible to do automated accessibility testing. This can save a lot of time and effort.</p>



<p>There are a number of different tools and platforms available for automated accessibility testing. However, not all of them are equal and have apt features.</p>



<h2 id="conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automated accessibility testing has become an essential aspect of web development. With the growing demand for inclusive and accessible websites, it&#8217;s crucial to ensure that everyone can access and interact with your site regardless of their abilities.</p>



<p>With the right automation tools and techniques, it&#8217;s possible to test for accessibility issues automatically, saving time, effort, and cost while ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines.</p>



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</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Global Accessibility Testing Market</ts-linktext-value>
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How to Automate Accessibility Testing: Steps & Tools You Should Know

Automated Accessibility Testing: How-to Guide & Top Tools


<p>Acceptance Criteria and Acceptance testing are crucial for a comprehensive software development process. Acceptance criteria are the conditions a software product must meet to make it acceptable to end customer. On the other hand, acceptance testing checks whether a software product meets the acceptance criteria.</p>



<p>Both these processes ensure robust and quality software. In this blog, we’d explore Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing in detail, along with their types, structures, advantages, and more.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_Acceptance_Criteria"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What are Acceptance Criteria?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_Acceptance_Test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What is an Acceptance Test?</a></li><li><a href="#Acceptance_Criteria_vs_Acceptance_Testing_Know_the_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing: Know the Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_criteria_and_test_scripts"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> What is the difference between acceptance criteria and test scripts?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="dcro7"><span id="What_are_Acceptance_Criteria"><strong>What are Acceptance Criteria?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The acceptance criteria are a set of several prerequisites and conditions that must be satisfied for the product to be considered acceptable by clients and end users. They verify the software&#8217;s development and ensure the product operates as intended, without any flaws or bugs.</p>



<p>The acceptance criteria should always be written before development begins. Writing these criteria should clarify &#8220;what&#8221; to expect rather than &#8220;how&#8221; to achieve or implement a specific functionality because the purpose of doing so is to state the aim, not the solution. Here are some things to keep in mind:</p>



<ul><li>The acceptance criteria should be clear and concise.</li><li>The criteria should be achievable and testable.</li><li>The criteria should align with the project&#8217;s objectives.</li></ul>



<h2 id="b4ms6"><span id="What_is_an_Acceptance_Test"><strong>What is an Acceptance Test?</strong></span></h2>



<p>An Acceptance test determines whether the software meets the acceptance criteria for a given requirement. It ensures that a system is working as intended before it is deployed. Acceptance tests are typically carried out by the customer or end-user after <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unit testing</a>, <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integration testing</a>, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system testing</a>.</p>



<p>Acceptance test, in its simplest form, can be thought of as a validation technique that determines every part of the software&#8217;s functional, non-functional and technical requirements and verifies that it accurately satisfies the defined acceptance criteria.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Read all about <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acceptance Testing</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="6mujj"><span id="Acceptance_Criteria_vs_Acceptance_Testing_Know_the_Differences"><strong>Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing: Know the Differences</strong></span></h2>



<p>The primary difference between acceptance criteria and acceptance testing is that the former documents the expected behavior of a feature, whereas the latter defines the expected behavior of entire application.</p>



<p>Here are some basic differences:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<table style="border: 1px solid black;border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Acceptance Criteria </strong></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Acceptance Testing </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Acceptance Criteria refer to the conditions software must meet to be accepted by the customer.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Acceptance Testing determines whether the software meets the acceptance criteria.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">These are written prior to development stage.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">These are implemented during product development.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">They define <em>what needs to be done</em>.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">It represents <em>how it should be done</em>.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Either the client or the development team writes the criteria.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">The user or customer carries out the testing.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">There is minimum or sometimes no requirement for documentation.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">It demands detailed documentation.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>



<h2 id="ce7fp"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>Now that we have understood the differences, types, and structures of acceptance criteria and testing, it is evident that they are crucial for a comprehensive software development process. It’s just not possible to ignore one over the other. By following the best practices, you can deliver a quality product that not only meets your users&#8217; expectations but also remains bug-free.</p>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-acceptance-criteria-and-test-scripts"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_criteria_and_test_scripts"><strong>What is the difference between acceptance criteria and test scripts?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Acceptance Criteria establish the criteria that a product or feature must fulfill to be deemed complete and satisfactory from a user&#8217;s perspective. They define a product&#8217;s expected behaviors, functionalities, and outcomes but do not delve into the specific steps required to attain these outcomes. On the contrary, Test Scripts offers detailed instructions for testers to follow in a step-by-step manner to determine if the product meets the defined acceptance criteria. These scripts encompass specific actions or sequences to ensure the product functions correctly and satisfies the acceptance criteria. To summarize, acceptance criteria articulate the objectives, whereas test scripts elucidate the process of verifying the fulfillment of those objectives.</p>


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