Website accessibility testing: guidelines & tools

Accessibility is a legal standard in 2025 and a central aspect of user-friendly websites. Anyone who wants to test their website barrier-free creates digital access for all people, regardless of restrictions or abilities. A barrier-free website is not a bonus, but an essential part of inclusive design and digital responsibility.

With a structured web content accessibility test, it is possible to check whether content can be captured via screen reader, alternative texts are used correctly and whether operation works without a mouse. The requirements of the WCAG guidelines set the standard for an accessible website that offers clear information and is technically easy to implement.

In this guide, we'll show you how you can improve the accessibility of your website with targeted evaluation, manual testing, and appropriate tools. From the early design stage to the final implementation, we will guide you through all test phases. Especially in the case of Leipzig app development projects, we systematically use these processes to make digital applications accessible and sustainable right from the start.

KNGURU enshrines accessibility in all projects right from the start. Our developers and designers incorporate accessibility into every workflow and help companies create inclusive digital products. On request, we can also carry out initial tests free of charge — for quick results and greater clarity.

What does web accessibility mean?

Digital accessibility means that websites are designed and implemented in such a way that people with various restrictions can use them without restrictions. These include, for example, people with impaired vision, motor disabilities, cognitive disabilities or hearing disabilities. A barrier-free website ensures that content is understandable, operable and perceptible for all users.

The basis for barrier-free web design is provided by the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), which are considered a standard worldwide. In Europe, their compliance is supported by legal requirements such as the EU Directive EN 301 549, the BITV (Accessibility Information Technology Regulation) and in part also by the GDPR. These regulations require that central information and services be available barrier-free online.

Accessibility concerns two levels: Design, for example through sufficient contrast or clear navigation, and technical implementation, such as semantically correct HTML code, keyboard control or compatible structure for screen readers. A website can appear visually accessible without being completely technically barrier-free. Initiatives such as Aktion Mensch have been making it clear for years how important digital accessibility is for genuine participation in society, both in everyday life and online

Anyone who wants to test a website's accessibility should therefore check both the visual design and the underlying technology, ideally with a mix of automated tools and manual tests based on the WCAG. As App development agency We pay particular attention to the technical implementation of barrier-free solutions on the web or in mobile applications

Why a barrier-free website test is important

A barrier-free website is a prerequisite for the digital participation of people with disabilities. If the accessibility of websites is neglected in the testing process, this means that people with disabilities cannot use central content, products and services. This excludes many users and has a negative effect on the user experience — even for people without restrictions.

Since the Accessibility Strengthening Act came into force and through existing guidelines such as the WCAG or EN 301 549, accessibility has been considered mandatory in the EU. Violations can have legal consequences. Companies that ensure accessibility and Take app security of applications into account at an early stage, avoid such risks and create digital offerings that reach everyone.

At the same time, barrier-free design improves overall usability. Content is clearly structured, readable and easier to use. There are also advantages from an SEO perspective: Search engines often rate easily accessible websites better, as structured content and clean semantics are considered quality factors.

If you start with web accessibility late in the project, you have to put in significantly more effort. Accessibility should therefore be considered from the outset and constantly checked. Continuous testing saves time in the long term, reduces costs and ensures that digital solutions are available to a broad target group.

When should digital accessibility be tested?

Testing the accessibility of a website should not be a one-time step at the end of a project, but a continuous process over various phases. This is the only way to ensure that all content is permanently barrier-free and meets legal requirements such as the BFSG.

Even during the wireframing and prototyping phase, care should be taken to ensure that layouts are clearly structured and that all planned functions can be implemented in an accessible way. At this stage, many hurdles can be identified and avoided at an early stage. During frontend development, accessibility testing is essential. Elements such as contrasts, keyboard operation or alternative texts for images must be implemented in a technically correct manner so that users can easily access content with screen readers or other supporting technologies. Especially in the Cross platform app development This early check is crucial to ensure a consistent user experience on all devices.

In quality assurance before launch, manual tests and automated checks should be carried out using suitable tools. This phase is crucial to identify and address any remaining barriers. Even after the launch, accessibility is not a closed issue. Regular audits and user feedback help to identify weak points and ensure digital accessibility in the long term.

Checking the accessibility of a website is not a one-off task, but a central part of an inclusive and future-proof web project.

Accessible website with manual testing vs. automated testing — the difference

In practice, both automated and manual tests are used to check a website for accessibility. Both methods have different focal points and complement each other in the process of implementing accessibility.

Automated tests are used with tools such as axe, WAVE or Lighthouse. They identify technical deficiencies such as missing alternative texts, inadequate color contrasts or missing labels in form fields. These tools provide quick results and suggestions for fixes, making them particularly useful in early project phases.

However, automated solutions have clear limits. For example, you cannot judge whether the tab order is logical, whether forms are designed to be understandable, or how to use the website with a screen reader. This is where manual testing comes in. A barrier-free website test through manual checks reveals the actual user experience. For example, navigation paths, interactions with a keyboard or screen reader, and visual feedback in a real context of use are evaluated. This is the only way to holistically assess the accessibility of the website.

The combination of both types of tests is therefore crucial for reliable and user-centered implementation. Automated tools help identify errors, manual tests ensure actual usability. This turns a technical test into a barrier-free user experience.

From screen readers to BITV: Important test categories in the accessibility check

Complete accessibility requires systematic testing of various areas of a website. This checklist shows the central test categories with which you can make a website barrier-free and check it after a WCAG test and BITV 2.0.

keyboard navigation

Navigation with the tab key must be possible throughout the website. This means that all interactive elements such as buttons, menus or links should follow the logical order. The visibility of the focus state must be clearly visible. Skip links to skip navigation blocks are also included.

It should also be checked whether screen readers guide you through the page when navigating with the keyboard. Tools such as the WAVE tool or the BITV test provide valuable insights into the technical implementation in HTML.

Color contrasts & visual perceptibility

Sufficient color contrast between text and background is a prerequisite for good readability. WCAG 2.1 requires a contrast ratio of at least 4. 5:1. This can be checked with tools such as Stark, Contrast Checker or Chrome DevTools. The requirements of BITV 2.0 should also be considered, particularly for icons, buttons and call-to-actions.

Screen reader compatibility

With screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver, you can test whether content is being read out correctly. Pay attention to the reading order, understandable headlines, meaningful alt text attributes and complete semantic structures in HTML. Duplicate readings or lack of context often confuse users.

Alternative texts for images & icons

Every meaningful image requires appropriate alternative text. For decorative elements, alt= "” used to avoid unnecessary information. The texts should be concise, helpful and written for people — no keyword stuffing. Image description is a central test criterion, particularly in BITV testing.

Forms & error messages

A contact form must be visually as well as technically accessible. All fields should be clearly labelled and above Aria label or the appropriate forattribute be associated with their label. Error messages must be clearly recognizable, programmatically focused and formulated in simple language. Mandatory fields should also be clearly marked.

Tools & resources for barrier-free test website

There are many practical tools available to successfully implement a barrier-free website. These tools help to identify typical weak points at an early stage and to efficiently support the implementation of the requirements.

Automated testing tools

Automated tests provide initial clues as to whether content barrier-free be presented. These tools analyze the website for known problems such as missing labels, insufficient contrasts, or missing alternative texts:

• Axe (Deque Systems) — available as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox
• Lighthouse — integrated into Chrome DevTools, provides automated checks according to WCAG
• WAVE — visualizes structural problems directly on the website

These solutions are particularly helpful for many companies that want to regularly check whether their websites or applications can be made barrier-free.

Manual testing procedures

Some aspects, such as keyboard navigation, focus guidance or screen reader compatibility, are significantly easier to record manually:

• NVDA (Windows) — a free screen reader to simulate the user experience
• VoiceOver (macOS/iOS) — integrated into Apple systems
• Keyboard testing with Tab-only navigation — ideal for testing usability without a mouse

In addition, many customers already use our Cost calculator app to transparently estimate the effort and budget for barrier-free applications in advance.

Developer tools & design support

In the design and development phase, the following tools support the barrier-free design of colors, contrasts and components:

• Chrome DevTools — ideal for testing semantics, focus, and ARIA attributes
• Strong (for Figma and Sketch) — to check contrast ratios and color selection

Even though automated tools and design aids provide important information, they do not replace real user testing. If you want to create an accessible website, you should involve people with disabilities early on in the process.

Integrate web accessibility testing into the dev process

Accessibility doesn't end with design. In order for a website to remain barrier-free, accessibility standards must also be consistently taken into account in the development process. A continuous testing workflow helps to identify errors at an early stage and prevent them sustainably.

One proven approach is to integrate automated accessibility checks into CI/CD pipelines. Tools such as GitHub Actions, Linters, or plugins such as Storybook a11y make it possible to identify accessibility problems as soon as you commit. This ensures that new components and features are continuously tested for barrier-free code.

Design systems with shared tokens for contrasts, spacing and typography also support consistent implementation. These design tokens ensure that reusable elements remain permanently barrier-free — especially when combined with design and front-end development. A successful process also depends on close cooperation: Design, development and QA should be in regular contact and define guidelines together. This is the only way to make a digital application barrier-free in the long term and maintain it at a high level.

If a company wants to be prepared for the future in terms of accessibility, accessibility should not be regarded as a later optimization, but as an integral part of the technical implementation.

Conclusion: Checklists and tools for barrier-free websites

Website accessibility testing is not a one-time step, but a continuous process that involves various phases and participants. Making your own website barrier-free requires clear lists, suitable tools and a good understanding of the needs of all user groups.

Barrier-free design is not a “nice-to-have.” It is essential for legally secure, user-friendly and inclusive online offerings. Companies that consistently implement accessibility meet legal requirements and at the same time strengthen their digital presence. In this way, a wider target group is reached and the overall user experience is improved.

The implementation of the EU Accessibility Directive opens up new opportunities for greater quality and digital participation. Even minor measures such as optimized contrast, structured code or barrier-free forms can achieve noticeable effects.

Our team of experts will help you with the implementation. We'll help you make a website barrier-free and prepare it for future requirements.

Book a free accessibility check or workshop with KNGURU now and take the next step towards a barrier-free website together. Are you also planning a mobile application? Then we would be happy to help you with your Programming the Android app to leave — barrier-free, GDPR-compliant and future-proof.