Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual Accessibility Testing is a hands-on evaluation process where testers directly interact with software, websites, or applications to assess their compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). It involves using assistive technologies, keyboard navigation, and various user scenarios to identify barriers for people with disabilities. This method complements automated testing by catching nuanced issues that tools might miss, such as logical flow, context, and user experience.
Developers should learn and use Manual Accessibility Testing to ensure their products are inclusive and legally compliant, particularly for public-facing applications, government sites, and educational platforms where accessibility is mandated. It's crucial for identifying real-world usability issues, such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard traps, and color contrast problems, which automated tools often overlook. This skill helps teams build more accessible products, reduce legal risks, and improve overall user satisfaction.