Ensuring digital accessibility is critical for creating inclusive experiences that allow all users, including those with disabilities, to navigate and interact with your website or app. An accessibility audit helps identify barriers that prevent equitable access. The depth of your audit will depend on your experience level, so here’s a structured guide for business owners, developers, and accessibility specialists.
1. Accessibility Audits for Business Owners: Spotting the Most Critical Issues
If you’re a business owner or have limited technical expertise, your focus should be on identifying obvious accessibility barriers that could exclude potential users.
Where to Start:
- Keyboard Navigation – Can users navigate your website without a mouse?
- Colour Contrast – Are text and background colours sufficiently distinct?
- Alternative Text (Alt Text) – Do images have meaningful descriptions for screen readers?
- Form Accessibility – Are input fields labelled properly for screen reader users?
- Mobile Accessibility – Is the mobile experience intuitive and accessible?
Simple Audit Steps:
- Try navigating your site using only a keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Spacebar, Arrow keys).
- Use a free colour contrast checker (e.g., WebAIM Contrast Checker) to ensure readability.
- Right-click on images to inspect if they have proper alt text.
- Fill out forms while using a screen reader (such as NVDA or VoiceOver) to check if labels and instructions are clear.
- Use a free accessibility checker like WAVE to spot common issues.
2. Accessibility Audits for Developers: Enhancing Technical Compliance
Developers can dive deeper into accessibility by addressing technical aspects that impact usability for assistive technology users.
Where to Start:
- Semantic HTML – Are proper elements (headings, lists, buttons) used instead of divs and spans?
- ARIA Landmarks & Roles – Are ARIA attributes used correctly to improve accessibility?
- Focus States & Keyboard Traps – Can users tab through the site without getting stuck?
- Error Handling & Validation – Are error messages clear and accessible?
- Performance & Loading – Does the site work well with slow internet or assistive technology?
Technical Audit Steps:
- Ensure proper use of semantic HTML (e.g.,
<button>instead of<div>for interactive elements). - Verify ARIA roles and landmarks (use tools like Axe DevTools to identify misuses).
- Test keyboard navigation, ensuring no elements cause focus traps.
- Review form validation—do errors provide clear feedback for screen readers?
- Run automated accessibility tests using tools like Lighthouse and Axe.
3. Accessibility Audits for Accessibility Specialists: In-Depth Compliance & UX Testing
Accessibility specialists should focus on rigorous compliance testing, user experience for disabled individuals, and refining best practices.
Where to Start:
- WCAG Compliance Checks – Does the site meet WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 standards?
- Screen Reader Testing – How well does the site function with screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver?
- Cognitive Load & Readability – Is content easy to understand, avoiding complex jargon and unnecessary friction?
- Custom Interactions – Are modals, dynamic content, and carousels accessible?
- Assistive Tech Compatibility – Does the site work with various assistive devices beyond screen readers?
Advanced Audit Steps:
- Perform real-world screen reader testing (not just automated checks).
- Conduct usability tests with users who have disabilities for real feedback.
- Audit WCAG compliance with detailed success criteria breakdown.
- Ensure animations and motion effects have proper controls to prevent motion sickness.
- Use manual and automated testing together for a full accessibility picture.
An accessibility audit should be tailored to the skill set of the person conducting it. Business owners should identify major barriers, developers should refine technical compliance, and accessibility specialists should ensure high-level WCAG adherence and real-world usability. Regardless of your expertise, making your website accessible benefits all users and expands your reach, improving both usability and inclusivity.