Credit unions need to make their websites accessible to everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires online services to be usable by people with disabilities. This means websites should support screen readers, have straightforward navigation, and use simple language. Credit unions should use automated and manual testing methods to meet these standards. These two approaches complement each other and help identify different issues.
Understanding Automated Testing
Automated testing uses software to scan a website and look for accessibility problems. These tools can quickly check if pages meet specific guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They analyze code, look for missing image descriptions, and check for contrast issues.
One benefit of automated testing is speed. The tools scan multiple pages at once and generate reports, saving time compared to checking each page by hand. Automated tests can also catch obvious problems, such as missing alt text or broken links.
However, these tools have limits. They can’t judge how content feels to a real user, and some errors can only be found through human interaction. For instance, automated tests may not detect when a screen reader fails to explain a visual chart properly. They also struggle to evaluate how well the navigation works for keyboard-only users.
Choosing the Right Automated Tools
Not all tools are the same. Some are built into content management systems, while others are standalone applications. It’s essential to pick tools that fit the credit union’s website structure. Popular options include Axe, Wave, and Lighthouse. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
Axe is an open-source tool that integrates with browsers. It can detect many issues, such as form labels and ARIA roles. Wave is suitable for visual reports, showing where errors appear on the page. Lighthouse, built into Chrome, offers a general overview of performance and accessibility.
Credit unions should use a combination of tools to get the best coverage. Running different tests helps find issues that one tool might miss. Regularly updating these tools is also crucial since guidelines evolve.
Manual Testing Complements Automation
While automated tools are helpful, they can’t replace human judgment. Manual testing involves real users or accessibility experts interacting with the site. This process identifies issues that automated scans might overlook, like confusing navigation or unclear content.
Manual testing often includes using screen readers to check how well they interpret the site. Testers also navigate using only the keyboard to ensure all functions are accessible without a mouse. This method highlights issues like focus traps, where the user can’t move out of a specific section.
Testing with people who have disabilities is especially important. Their real-world experience can reveal problems that developers might not predict. User feedback helps prioritize fixes and understand which barriers cause the most frustration.
Combining Both Approaches
Combining automated and manual testing is the best way to ensure ADA compliance. Start with automated tools to catch basic errors. This step creates a foundation for more detailed manual checks.
After fixing the automated issues, move on to manual testing. Focus on usability, not just technical compliance. Check if screen reader users can understand the content and navigate smoothly. Use real devices when possible, as some issues only appear on mobile or specific operating systems.
Set up a process that includes both types of testing regularly. Automated scans can run as part of every update, while manual reviews happen less often but in more depth. Keeping this routine helps maintain accessibility over time.
Addressing Common Issues Found by Automation
Automated testing frequently detects some typical accessibility problems. One common one is missing alt-text for images. Alt-text provides descriptions that screen readers read aloud. Without it, users miss out on visual content.
Another frequent issue is poor color contrast. Some people have low vision or color blindness, making reading text that blends into the background hard. Automated tools measure contrast ratios and flag combinations that are hard to see.
Unlabeled form fields are also standard. Without proper labels, screen readers can’t tell users what each field is for, making form-filling nearly impossible for those relying on assistive technology.
Fixing these issues can make a big difference in usability. Including descriptive alt text, using accessible color schemes, and labeling forms correctly are simple changes that enhance user experience.
Tackling Challenges with Manual Testing
Manual testing may reveal issues related to the user experience that automated tools miss. For example, complex navigation menus can be complicated to follow without a mouse. Testing with a keyboard highlights where improvements are needed.
Content clarity is another area where human testers are essential. Even if the website meets technical standards, the content must be easy to understand. Text that is too complex or uses technical jargon can confuse users, particularly those with cognitive disabilities.
Accessibility also involves media elements. Videos should have captions or transcripts. Testing how multimedia content works with screen readers ensures that all users can access the information.
Getting feedback from users with disabilities is the most reliable way to find these issues. Their input helps identify practical barriers that developers might not see.
Building a Culture of Accessibility
ADA compliance should be part of the credit union’s culture. Make accessibility a priority in every project. Including accessibility from the start saves time and reduces the risk of legal challenges.
Encourage staff to think about users with disabilities when designing new features. Creating content with accessibility in mind from the beginning reduces the need for later fixes.
Maintaining compliance is not just about following rules. It’s about ensuring that everyone can use the credit union’s services regardless of ability. Combining automated and manual testing makes the process thorough and effective. By investing in both methods, banks can build more inclusive and user-friendly websites.
