Manual Accessibility Auditing
Manual accessibility auditing is a hands-on process where developers or testers evaluate digital products, such as websites or applications, for compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). It involves using assistive technologies, keyboard navigation, and manual inspection to identify barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from using the product effectively. This method complements automated testing by catching nuanced issues that tools might miss, such as complex interactions or context-dependent problems.
Developers should learn manual accessibility auditing to ensure their products are inclusive and legally compliant, especially in regulated industries like government or healthcare where accessibility is mandated. It is crucial when building user interfaces that require precise interaction, such as forms, dynamic content, or multimedia, as automated tools often fail to detect usability issues for screen readers or keyboard-only users. This skill helps teams meet ethical standards and avoid costly lawsuits by proactively addressing accessibility gaps.