Evaluating the accessibility of your website is a critical step in ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with your content. There are three primary methods for assessing web accessibility: automated tools, manual testing, and user feedback. Each approach plays a unique role in identifying different types of issues and helps you create a more inclusive experience.

Automated tools are software programs that scan your website for accessibility problems. These tools quickly detect common issues such as missing alternative text for images, insufficient color contrast, or improper heading structure. Automated testing is efficient and can cover a large portion of your site in a short time, but it cannot catch every problem. Some accessibility barriers, like the clarity of link text or the logical order of content, require human judgment.

Manual testing involves a person systematically reviewing your site to check for accessibility barriers that automated tools might miss. This process includes using the keyboard to navigate your site, verifying that all interactive elements are accessible without a mouse, and ensuring that content is understandable and usable. Manual testing also means reviewing the site with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to experience your content from the perspective of users with disabilities.

User feedback is another essential method for evaluating accessibility. Inviting users with disabilities to test your site provides firsthand insights into real-world challenges that may not be apparent through automated or manual testing alone. Their experiences can highlight barriers you might otherwise overlook, and their suggestions can guide improvements that make your site more usable for everyone.

Combining these three methods—automated tools, manual testing, and user feedback—gives you a comprehensive understanding of your site's accessibility. Relying on just one method is not enough, as each has limitations and strengths. By integrating all three, you can identify and address a wider range of issues, resulting in a more accessible and user-friendly website.