What Is Accessibility Testing (A11Y)? Why It Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Updated: May 1

Understanding accessibility testing: Why It Matters and What to Test

Accessibility testing plays a critical role in making digital experiences inclusive for all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. It ensures that websites, applications, and digital platforms are usable by people with disabilities—including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. This type of testing focuses on removing barriers so that everyone can access and interact with digital content equally.

Why accessibility testing Is Essential

There are four major reasons why accessibility testing is a must:

Legal Compliance - Many countries have established strict accessibility laws. In the U.S., the ADA and Section 508 require digital content to be accessible. Across Europe, regulations like EN 301 549 and the European Accessibility Act enforce similar standards.
Enhanced User Experience - Making content accessible improves usability for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
SEO Benefits - Accessibility best practices often align with search engine optimization strategies, improving visibility online.
Inclusivity – Ensuring accessibility promotes equal access to information, services, and opportunities.

Failing to comply with these laws and standards can result in serious legal and reputational consequences for organizations. That’s why many companies prioritize accessibility, especially those operating in or serving customers in the EU, where new regulations take effect by June 28, 2025.

Key Accessibility Standards

Several regulations and guidelines support digital accessibility globally:

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): The most recognized international standard developed by the W3C. The latest version, WCAG 2.2, emphasizes cognitive accessibility and builds on earlier versions.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 508: Legal requirements in the U.S. for accessible digital content.
EN 301 549: The European standard, which incorporates WCAG and is central to the European Accessibility Act.

WCAG is structured around four key principles, known as POUR

Perceivable – Content must be presented in ways users can recognize (text alternatives, captions, adaptable layouts).
Operable – Interfaces must work via keyboard and assistive technologies.
Understandable – Content must be clear, predictable, and easy to navigate.
Robust – Content must be compatible with a wide range of technologies, including screen readers and voice controls.

Each WCAG guideline is assigned a compliance level:

Level A – Minimum requirements
Level AA – Recommended industry standard
Level AAA – Most comprehensive, but not always feasible

What to Test in accessibility testing

accessibility testing covers multiple areas to ensure an inclusive experience:

Keyboard Navigation & Focus Order – All interactive elements should be accessible using a keyboard with a logical navigation flow.
Screen Reader Compatibility – Content should be readable and descriptive for screen reader users, using semantic HTML and ARIA roles.
Color Contrast & Visual Impairments – Visuals and text must meet contrast standards for readability.
Alternative Text for Images – Non-text content should have descriptive alternatives for users who can’t see them.
Form Accessibility & Error Handling – Form fields should be labeled clearly, with accessible error messages and guidance.
Speech Recognition & Assistive Technologies – Users should be able to interact using voice commands or other assistive tools. By following established guidelines and using proper tools, teams can ensure their digital content is inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with international laws. Making accessibility a priority is not just a legal obligation—it’s a step toward creating equal opportunities in a digital world.