Accessibility Audits vs. Testing. Which Do You Need?

Accessiblü Insight: Audits vs. Testing

This Ablü Insight focuses on the differences between accessibility audits and testing.

Clients are often confused between the two terms. Sometimes the words “audit” and “testing” are used interchangeably. However, to us at Accessiblü, they are two different approaches that provide two distinct benefits for our clients.

The goal of this insight is to help you understand the benefits of each approach. That way, you can make the right choice when it comes to your business.

Understanding the Differences Between Accessibility Audits and Testing

In the realm of digital accessibility, two primary methods ensure that websites and applications are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities: accessibility testing and accessibility audits. Both play crucial roles in enhancing user experience but serve different purposes and use varied approaches.

What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility Testing primarily involves manual assessments by real users, including those who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, Braille terminals, and alternative input devices. This method emphasizes real-world usability over theoretical compliance.

Testers navigate the site or application to identify issues that may not be evident through automated tools alone. They focus on how effectively a person with disabilities can use the platform, aiming to uncover practical barriers that might not breach WCAG criteria yet still hinder accessibility.

What is an Accessibility Audit?

Contrastingly, an Accessibility Audit systematically examines whether a site or application adheres to specific standards, such as the WCAG guidelines.

Audits typically involve a combination of automated testing tools and expert evaluations but less hands-on feedback from users with disabilities. The goal here is to ensure that every element of the website conforms to the established criteria, documenting compliance and highlighting areas needing improvement in a formal report.

At Accessiblü, we take a more holistic approach to audits. We utilize a combination of automated scanning and tools with manual techniques. This allows us to incorporate some aspects of testing to help verify a criteria is in fact met. It also helps us eliminate false positives!

Benefits of Accessibility Testing

The chief advantage of accessibility testing lies in its user-centered approach. It provides direct insights into the navigational and interactive experiences of users with disabilities.

Organizations benefit from understanding specific obstacles encountered by these users, leading to more targeted and effective enhancements. Testing helps ensure that a site does not just meet standards on paper but is genuinely usable for all people.

Benefits of Accessibility Audits

Accessibility audits offer a comprehensive overview of a site’s adherence to accessibility standards. They are essential for organizations needing to prove compliance with legal requirements or industry standards.

Audits provide a structured, detailed assessment that can guide long-term development and accessibility strategies. They help prioritize fixes and improve accessibility from a technical standpoint.

Choosing Between Testing and Audits

The decision between conducting accessibility testing or an audit depends on an organization’s specific needs. If the goal is to meet legal requirements or ensure technical compliance with standards like the WCAG, an audit is appropriate.

However, if the focus is on practical user experience and directly addressing the needs of users with disabilities, testing becomes more crucial.

Implementing Testing and Audits

Implementing both testing and audits involves a mix of tools and expert analysis. Testing requires assembling a diverse group of users with disabilities to interact with the site, while audits utilize automated scanning tools and detailed checklists based on the WCAG guidelines.

To help our clients decide which is best for them, we ask them these questions:

• Do you want to identify issues, or identify and fix the issues?
• Is usability important at this point?
• Is providing evidence of conformance a need right now?
• Do you just need to know where you are on the accessibility scale?

If usability and remediating issues is your priority, then testing is what you need. If you’ve already identified and fixed issues, then it’s time for an audit.

Yes, you can also have both. Some clients prefer to combine a high-level audit with testing to establish an accessibility baseline. This approach provides valuable data to help you make a more informed decision. Especially when time and money are a factor!

Conclusion

While a website might meet all the required WCAG criteria, it could still present usability challenges only identified through thorough accessibility testing. Organizations should consider blending both methods to achieve a truly accessible website, combining the thoroughness of an audit with the user-focused insights of testing.

Have more questions? Contact an Accessiblü expert today!