An accessibility audit is a systematic evaluation of a product, service, or environment to assess its compliance with accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Conducted by experts or automated tools, the audit identifies barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from full access and participation.
The process involves:
- Testing with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, keyboard navigation).
- Reviewing design, code, and content for issues like poor contrast, missing alt text, or non-semantic HTML.
- Documenting violations and recommending fixes.
- Audits can be manual (human evaluators) or automated (software scans), though a combination ensures thorough results. Findings are compiled into a report, prioritising actionable improvements.
Accessibility audits help organisations meet legal requirements (e.g., ADA, Section 508), enhance usability, and foster inclusivity. Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance as technologies evolve.