Web accessibility testing is the process of evaluating whether a website is usable by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. It ensures that your site follows accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) so that everyone—regardless of visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive challenges—can access your content and take action.

This type of testing helps identify barriers like poor color contrast, missing image alt text, or keyboard-only navigation issues. Whether you’re using a traditional or AI website builder, accessibility testing should be part of your design and development process to support inclusivity, improve SEO, and avoid potential legal issues.

Why is web accessibility testing important?

Web accessibility testing makes sure that all users, including people with disabilities, can navigate and interact with your site. This creates a better user experience for everyone and can expand your audience reach. It’s also a good business move—accessible websites tend to rank better in search engines and are more compliant with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Beyond the technical benefits, it’s also the right thing to do. Accessibility ensures that your site isn't just attractive, but also inclusive, welcoming, and practical for all.

How web accessibility testing works

Testing for accessibility often combines automated tools and manual checks. Automated tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse can scan for common issues like missing labels or poor contrast. But they can’t catch everything. Manual testing—like using a screen reader or navigating your site with a keyboard—helps ensure your site is functional for real users.

Web accessibility testing typically checks areas such as:

• Color contrast and readability
• Image alt text and label clarity
• Heading structure and hierarchy
• Form field instructions and focus states
• Keyboard-only navigation and skip links
• Compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers

When should you perform web accessibility testing?

The best time to do accessibility testing is early and often. Ideally, you should start during the design phase and continue testing through development and even after launch. This helps catch potential issues before they become costly or time-consuming fixes. Adding accessibility into your workflow—especially if you’re using a tool like B12 AI Assist for content creation—can save you time while keeping your site inclusive.

If you’ve already launched, don’t worry! It’s never too late to make accessibility improvements. Just begin testing where you are, make updates in batches, and keep accessibility top of mind going forward.

FAQs about web accessibility testing

What tools are used for web accessibility testing?

Popular tools include Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, and screen readers like NVDA and VoiceOver. Each tool helps test different aspects of accessibility, from color contrast to screen reader compatibility.

Do I need to hire a professional for accessibility testing?

While many automated tools are free, hiring a specialist can give you deeper insights—especially for manual testing and interpreting WCAG compliance levels.

Is accessibility testing required by law?

Depending on where your business is based, accessibility may be legally required. In the U.S., ADA compliance is often enforced for public-facing websites, especially in education, healthcare, and government sectors.

Can an AI website builder help with accessibility?

Yes! A quality AI website builder like B12 can help generate accessible designs by following best practices, streamlining workflows, and reducing the chances of missing key elements like proper heading tags or contrast.

How often should I test my website for accessibility?

Ideally, test during every major update or redesign. Ongoing audits every 6–12 months can help keep your site accessible as guidelines evolve and content changes.

Designing for all: The value of accessibility testing

Web accessibility testing isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a core part of building a truly user-friendly website. Whether you’re running a blog, setting up online scheduling, or building out your email marketing strategy, your digital experience should work for everyone. Prioritizing accessibility can also enhance client engagement, help build trust, and keep your site competitive. And with tools like B12, it's easier than ever to make that happen. Ready to make your site more inclusive? Get started with B12 today.