Businesses trust PIT Solutions to ensure their WordPress websites are fully accessible and compliant. Accessibility not only improves user experience but also enhances SEO performance and ensures alignment with legal standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and European frameworks including EN 301 549 and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to conducting manual accessibility testing for WordPress websites.
Why Accessibility is Crucial for WordPress Websites
- Improves User Experience: Accessible websites provide a smooth and inclusive experience for every visitor.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements: Meeting accessibility regulations helps prevent potential legal issues.
- SEO Advantages: Search engines prioritize accessible sites, leading to better rankings and increased visibility.
- Expands Audience Engagement: Individuals with disabilities can effectively access and engage with your content.
Key Accessibility Principles (WCAG)
Before conducting tests, it is essential to understand the fundamental principles of web accessibility as outlined by WCAG:
Perceivable: Information should be presented in ways users can easily perceive (for example, by providing descriptive alt text for images).
Operable: Users should have the ability to navigate using a keyboard or assistive technologies.
Understandable: Both content and navigation must remain straightforward and consistent.
Robust: The website should function effectively across various devices and assistive technologies.
Manual Accessibility Testing
Keyboard Navigation Testing
- Utilize the Tab key to navigate through hyperlinks, buttons, and input fields.
- Verify that focus indicators are clear and progress in a logical order.
- Examine dropdown menus, modals, and sliders for their accessibility via keyboard.
- Use Shift + Tab to evaluate backward navigation.
Screen Reader Compatibility
- Utilize NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac), or JAWS for testing.
- Confirm that all images include descriptive alt text.
- Ensure headings (H1 to H6) are properly structured
- Verify that form fields are linked to their respective labels.
- Assess ARIA roles and attributes for dynamic content functionality.
Color Contrast and Visual Accessibility
- Utilize a tool like WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
- Confirm that text and background color combinations meet WCAG 2.1 AA contrast ratio standards.
- Ensure that hyperlinks are visually distinct from regular text.
Forms and Interactive Components
- Verify that every form field is accompanied by relevant elements.
- Test form submissions using only keyboard navigation.
- Ensure error messages are clear and directly linked to their respective fields.
- Verify that every form field is accompanied by relevant elements.
Media and Multimedia Content
- Ensure all images contain appropriate alt text.
- Confirm that videos include captions and transcripts.
- Provide audio descriptions for visual content when necessary.
- Avoid using autoplay for audio and video content without user consent.
WordPress Tools and Plugins
While manual testing remains crucial, WordPress offers several plugins that can enhance accessibility.
These plugins don’t guarantee full compliance but can assist in identifying and addressing common issues:
- WP Accessibility: Resolves frequent accessibility challenges.
- Accessibility Checker: Scans content for potential accessibility issues.
- One Click Accessibility: Introduces features such as font resizing and contrast adjustments.
WordPress-Specific Considerations
- Theme Accessibility: Choose a WordPress theme developed with accessibility in mind.
- Plugin Accessibility: Ensure plugins do not introduce accessibility barriers.
- Content Editor Best Practices: Educate content creators on accessibility guidelines.
- Image Optimization: Confirm that all images are optimized and include descriptive alt text.
US & EU Compliance Overview
- United States: Compliance with WCAG 2.1, ADA Title III, and Section 508.
- European Union: Adherence to EN 301 549 and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Both regions recognize WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the primary benchmark for web accessibility.
Conclusion
Manual accessibility testing should be viewed as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time task.
Each time your WordPress site is updated with new content, themes, or plugins, reassess accessibility to maintain an inclusive environment. Building an accessible WordPress site goes beyond compliance; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access and enjoy your content.
At PIT Solutions, we help organizations create inclusive, compliant WordPress websites that enhance user experience, strengthen SEO, and build lasting brand trust.
Contact PIT Solutions today to audit your WordPress site for accessibility compliance.
References
- WCAG: https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
- ADA Title III Guidance: https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/
- Section 508: https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/international/
- European Accessibility Act (EAA): https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030/european-accessibility-act_en
- Manual Accessibility Testing (Harvard): https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/manual-testing-accessibility