How to Integrate WCAG Accessibility Audits into Your Development Workflow?

Making inclusive and accessible digital products is essential for modern businesses. It is best achieved when the accessibility standards are smoothly integrated into the development workflow. The same applies to accessibility audits which once integrated into digital product development can offer several benefits to businesses.

This write-up focuses on the integration of the WCAG accessibility audits into the company’s development workflow. We’ll go through a detailed but effective guide to achieve this integration for creating a highly accessible and user-friendly experience.

Guide to integrating the WCAG accessibility audit into the development workflow

Here are the key steps to integrate the WCAG accessibility audits into the digital assets development workflow:

Step 1: Understanding the WCAG standards

Firstly, it is important for businesses to understand the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These are based on the four principles of perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Every principle is further divided into different guidelines and success criteria of A, AA, and AAA.

Most of the accessibility projects are focused on achieving levels of AA success criteria covering a range of accessibility issues. However, it is essential here to determine the relevant success criteria based on the project content and functionality.

Step 2: Integrating accessibility into the development workflow

With a clear understanding of the WCAG guidelines, the next step is to embed accessibility into the project planning. It covers defining the accessibility goals and ensuring that these are essential parts of the project specifications. Hence, giving accessibility a proactive approach rather than making it an afterthought process.

The design of the accessibility products should be in line with these accessibility standards. The use of different tools and methods like prototypes and wireframes helps in quick accessibility evaluation. The key design considerations are navigation elements, font sizes, and color contrast.

Step 3: Using the automated testing tools

The WCAG accessibility audit can be integrated into the development workflow by using automated testing tools. It covers Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE), Axe by Deque, and Lighthouse. These help in the quick identification of common accessibility issues.

The automation testing tools with dedicated browser extensions or integrations with development environments can be preferred here. These help with real-time feedback during the development process.

Step 4: Conducting dedicated manual testing

After automation testing comes the benefits of manual testing for ensuring highest levels of accessibility. The manual testing by accessibility experts helps find out the key accessibility issues left in the automation testing. It covers testing with assistive technologies like screen magnifiers, or screen readers (NVDA or JAWS).

All the elements of the digital content should be accessible using a keyboard only. It covers the testing of the focus indicators and tab order. The checking of the proper color contrast, text resizing, and other elements helps in ensuring their accessibility with the standards. The test for visual accessibility can be aided with tools like Color Contrast Analyzer.

Step 5: Conducting user testing for people with impairments

The final testing step after automation and manual testing is dedicated user testing with real people suffering from impairments. It helps businesses with the available insights which may not be apparent through automated or manual testing.

The easy collection of feedback from people with impairments helps define the key pain points and offer accessibility iterations. The consistent improvements help maintain an inclusive, diverse, and accessible learning experience that focuses on maintaining accessibility standards over time.

Step 6: Including accessibility in the code reviews

WCAG 2.0 compliances further stress on promoting accessibility in the code reviews. Hence, companies can develop accessibility checklists for consistent evaluation of the codes with accessibility issues. Based on the WCAG guidelines, these lists cover all the aspects like error messages, ARIA roles, and semantic HTML.

While promoting accessibility in the code reviews, it is vital to ensure that the developers’ team understands the value of these standards. Hence, offering the right training and resources to them is vital.

Step 7: Promoting a culture of accessibility

It is vital to promote a culture of accessibility within the company. The best option is to share the benefits of the accessible design, offer training, and share the success stories to promote an accessibility culture valuing inclusivity.

The engagement of the large number of people covering the end-users and stakeholders can help demonstrate the value of accessibility for secure support and resources for ongoing accessibility efforts. Hence, it becomes easy for the companies to showcase their efforts toward promoting a culture of accessibility.

Step 8: Documenting the accessibility initiatives

Last but not least, it is essential for businesses to keep detailed records of accessibility measures and prepare detailed reports on accessibility. It covers the documentation of the accessibility audits, findings, and actions taken to address the accessibility issues.

This documentation is useful for compliance purposes and tracking improvements over time. The regular reports on accessibility upgrades help offer the accessibility progress to the stakeholders.

Wrapping Up

Integrating the WCAG accessibility audit into the product development workflow requires strategic planning and commitment to inclusive design. It is easy to understand the step-by-step guide for creating an equitable digital landscape catering to diverse user needs.

Not to miss is the meaningful stride of the business towards the creation of accessible digital products for enhanced user experience.