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Automated Testing
There are many tools available that will
perform an automated test on certain
components of a website, mobile
experience, app, or electronic document.
They can be quite useful for doing
preliminary inspections. Accessibility
experts often use various tools in concert
to effectively test a website.
Automated accessibility testing is a great
way to learn more about the different
reasons why persons with disabilities might
encounter problems. However, this form
of testing has limitations. Only about 30%
of the WCAG 2.0 success criteria can be
tested using an automated tool.
Testing Against WCAG 2.0
When we use the term "digital accessibility testing" we're referring
to the step-by-step process of thoroughly and diligently checking
whether or not an internal or external-facing website, mobile app,
software application, or learning management system is usable by
people with disabilities.
Proper accessibility testing of these digital properties typically involves extensive manual
scrutiny of individual web pages against the WCAG 2.0 success criteria, as well as tests of
various functions such as product searches and online form submissions.
It can also mean using automated testing tools to check for accessibility of various, specific
elements of the digital property. The best approach is usually a combination of both.
