Why Accessibility Testing Matters
Imagine using a wheelchair and attempting to enter a library without accessibility ramps or automatic opening doors. Everyone claims the building is accessible in every way, but you can't even get to the door or open it. Websites are no different.
Websites for municipalities and nonprofits are legally required to allow all users to interact with a website. What does that entail? Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the primary standard from which to judge a site. WCAG looks at website schema, color field and text contrast, image labeling, text which an e-reader can access, and tab access to all content on a site. Many nonprofits think their site is accessible, but try out a few tests to prove compliance.
To test if a website is accessible or not, there are a few ways. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) will score any website by URL. As a user you can also use your keyboard, and use the tab key to jump through navigation and text fields. An accessible site should pass the keyboard test and score highly on a WAVE audit.
Start with the Simplest Test: Put Away Your Mouse
If you can’t use your website with only a keyboard, many users can’t use it at all. Accessibility on a website should absolutely allow for keyboard-only navigation testing. Many people with visual or motor disabilities navigate using only a keyboard or assistive technology. The easiest accessibility test is simply to navigate your site without touching the mouse.
3. How to Tab Through a Website (Basic Keyboard Test)
Step 1: Start at the top of the page
- Click in the browser address bar or refresh the page.
- Press Tab to move forward through links and controls.
- Press Shift + Tab to move backward.
Step 2: Watch the focus indicator
- A visible outline or highlight should appear around the element that currently has focus.
- If you can’t see where you are, the page is not accessible.
Step 3: Activate elements
Test interactive elements with common keys:
- Enter – activate links or buttons
- Spacebar – activate checkboxes and buttons
- Arrow keys – navigate menus and dropdowns
- Escape – close modals or dialogs
What You Should Be Looking For While Tabbing
Logical navigation order
- Tabbing should follow the visual reading order of the page.
- Focus shouldn’t jump randomly around the interface.
Visible focus state
- Users must clearly see where they are on the page.
Access to all interactive elements
- Links
- Buttons
- Form fields
- Dropdown menus
- Modals and dialogs
Everything that works with a mouse should also work with the keyboard.
No “keyboard traps”
- Users should be able to tab into and out of components without getting stuck.
Additional Manual Accessibility Checks
After keyboard testing, try a few more simple tests:
Is there enough color contrast?
- Text should have sufficient contrast against its background.
Do my images have alternative text?
- Images should have descriptive alt text.
How does my page schema look?
- Pages should use logical heading order (H1 → H2 → H3).
Link clarity
- Avoid vague links like “Click here.”
Form Fields with text labels
- Labels provide context, allowing users to understand what information is required, and remain visible even while typing
Use Automated WCAG Tools
Use browser-integrated accessibility checkers such as:
It's not a nice-to-have; accessibility is a must-have for your website
Accessibility improves usability for everyone. Municipal and nonprofit websites specifically benefit from inclusive design because it helps serve their mission of reaching all constituents.
Try keyboard browsing your own website. Take it for a spin and use a WAVE URL audit. How did you do?
Ecopixel is here to help you get WCAG compliant. Reach out for a demo today!