What to Expect from a Web Accessibility Audit and How to Prepare

Ensuring that people with different disabilities and impairments have the ability to access your site is an important requirement in 2024, both as part of the law and to ensure success for your organisation. A web accessibility audit plays a crucial role in assessing how well a site meets the needs of all users, particularly those with disabilities. But for many, the idea of an audit can seem daunting. What exactly happens during a web accessibility audit, and how can you best prepare for it?

This guide will explain what to expect during an audit and offer practical tips on how to prepare.

What is a Web Accessibility Audit?

A web accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your website’s ability to be used by people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. The goal is to identify areas where your site may be falling short of accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Imagine visiting a website where the text is too small to read, buttons are hard to click, or videos lack captions. For many users, these types of barriers make it difficult — or even impossible — to access information. An audit helps to uncover these issues and provides guidance on how to fix them.

What to Expect During a Web Accessibility Audit

Understanding the steps involved in a web accessibility audit can make the process much smoother. Although the specific details may vary depending on the auditing service, most audits follow a similar pattern:

Initial Consultation

Before the audit begins, you’ll usually have an initial consultation with the auditor. This is a chance for you to discuss your website’s goals, audience, and any known accessibility challenges. The auditor will want to understand the context of your site, such as whether it’s designed for a specific type of user or content-heavy. For example, a local council website might need to be navigable by people with limited digital skills as well as those using screen readers.

This is also the time to ask any questions you may have. If you’re unfamiliar with technical terms like "alt text" or "ARIA landmarks," don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to understand the audit’s findings.

Automated Testing

One of the first steps in an audit is often automated testing. This involves using specialised software to scan your website for common accessibility issues. Think of it like a spell check for accessibility — quickly identifying surface-level problems, such as missing alternative text on images or incorrect heading structures. However, just like a spell checker might miss subtle grammar errors, automated testing isn’t perfect.

For example, while a program can flag that an image is missing alt text, it won’t be able to tell you whether the alt text you’ve used accurately describes the image. This is where manual testing comes in.

Manual Testing

Automated tools can only catch around 30-40% of accessibility issues. The bulk of the audit involves manual testing, where real people assess how well your website functions for users with disabilities. This might involve using assistive technologies, like screen readers or voice recognition software, to navigate the site.

Imagine you’re visually impaired and rely on a screen reader to browse the web. If the navigation menu isn’t coded correctly, the screen reader may skip over important links, leaving you unable to find key sections of the site. Manual testing, especially testing with disabled accessibility auditors, simulates these real-world experiences, ensuring that your site is usable by everyone.

Audit Report and Recommendations

After the testing phase, the auditor will compile a detailed report outlining their findings. This will include both the problems they discovered and recommended solutions. The report is usually broken down by issue severity, so you can prioritise what to fix first.

For instance, a report might highlight that some of your website’s colour contrasts make text difficult to read for those with visual impairments. The recommendation might be as simple as adjusting the colour scheme to ensure enough contrast between text and background. Or, the auditor might suggest reworking the site’s navigation so that it’s easier to use with a keyboard, benefiting people with motor impairments.

How to Prepare for a Web Accessibility Audit

Now that you know what to expect, let’s talk about how you can prepare.

Familiarise Yourself with Accessibility Guidelines

One of the best ways to get ready is by becoming familiar with the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These are internationally recognised standards for web accessibility. While you don’t need to become an expert, having a basic understanding will help you interpret the audit’s results.

Imagine you’re planning a home renovation. Even if you’re hiring professionals to do the work, knowing what a good floor plan looks like will help you make informed decisions. The same principle applies to web accessibility — knowing the basics allows you to better collaborate with your auditor.

Conduct a Pre-Audit Self-Assessment

Before the formal audit begins, it’s a good idea to run your own preliminary checks. There are many free tools available that can help you spot some basic issues. For example, you can use a contrast checker to see if your text stands out clearly against its background or try navigating your site using only a keyboard.

This is similar to tidying up your house before an estate agent visits. By addressing obvious problems beforehand, you not only make the auditor’s job easier but can also focus more on deeper, less visible issues during the actual audit.

Get Your Team Onboard

Web accessibility isn’t just the responsibility of your IT team. Designers, content creators, and project managers all play a role in ensuring your website is accessible. Make sure everyone understands the importance of accessibility and is prepared to make changes based on the audit’s findings.

For instance, if your content creators know how to write descriptive alt text for images, they can contribute to a more accessible website even before the audit begins.

The Benefits of a Web Accessibility Audit

Undergoing an accessibility audit may seem like a lot of work, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. Not only does it help you reach a wider audience, but it also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity. In some cases, it may even protect you from legal issues related to non-compliance with accessibility standards.

By making your site accessible to everyone, you ensure that all visitors — regardless of their abilities — can access the information they need, creating a more positive and inclusive experience for all.

Preparing for a web accessibility audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the process and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your website meets the needs of all users.