Automated vs Manual Accessibility Testing

The Testing Spectrum

Effective accessibility testing requires a combination of automated tools and manual evaluation. While automated tools can catch many issues quickly, they cannot identify all accessibility barriers.

What Automated Tools Can Find

Automated tools excel at detecting missing alt text, color contrast violations, missing form labels, and structural HTML issues. They provide a fast way to identify common problems across large sites.

Limitations of Automation

Automated tools cannot evaluate context, meaning, or user experience. They may miss issues like misleading link text, complex interaction patterns, or content that makes sense visually but not programmatically.

Manual Testing Essentials

Manual testing should include keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing with tools like NVDA or JAWS, and user testing with people who have disabilities. This provides insights into real-world usability.

Best Practice Approach

Use automated tools for initial screening and continuous monitoring, but always supplement with manual testing and user feedback to ensure comprehensive accessibility.