Manual testing is a crucial part of ensuring web accessibility. It involves evaluating a website's accessibility by simulating the experience of users with disabilities. This process helps identify issues that automated tools might miss. In this section, we will explore various manual testing techniques and provide practical examples and exercises to help you master these skills.

1. Understanding User Perspectives:

   • Simulate the experience of users with different disabilities.
   • Use assistive technologies to navigate and interact with web content.

2. Keyboard Navigation:

   • Ensure all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard.
   • Test for logical tab order and focus visibility.

3. Screen Reader Testing:

   • Use screen readers to verify content is read in a logical order.
   • Check for meaningful alternative text for images and media.

4. Color Contrast and Visual Checks:

   • Verify sufficient color contrast between text and background.
   • Ensure text is readable without relying on color alone.

5. Form Accessibility:

   • Check for proper labeling and instructions for form fields.
   • Ensure error messages are clear and accessible.

Objective: Test a simple webpage for keyboard accessibility.

Steps:

1. Use the Tab key to navigate through the links and button.
2. Ensure the focus is visible and follows a logical order.
3. Press Enter to activate the button and links.

Explanation:

• The Tab key should move focus sequentially through the links and button.
• The focus indicator (usually a border or outline) should be visible on each element.
• Pressing Enter should trigger the button's action.

Objective: Test a webpage with a screen reader.

Steps:

1. Activate a screen reader (e.g., NVDA, VoiceOver).
2. Navigate through the webpage using screen reader commands.
3. Listen to how the image's alternative text is read.

Explanation:

• The screen reader should announce the heading, image description, and paragraph in a logical order.
• The alternative text for the image should provide a meaningful description.

Task: Create a simple webpage with at least three interactive elements (e.g., links, buttons, form fields). Test the page for keyboard accessibility.

Solution:

• Ensure all elements are reachable via the Tab key.
• Verify the focus indicator is visible on each element.
• Check that the Enter key activates the elements.

Task: Use a screen reader to test a webpage of your choice. Focus on headings, links, and images.

Solution:

• Ensure headings are announced in the correct order.
• Verify links are descriptive and meaningful.
• Check that images have appropriate alternative text.

• Mistake: Overlooking the focus indicator.

  • Tip: Always ensure the focus is visible and follows a logical order.

• Mistake: Using color alone to convey information.

  • Tip: Provide text or symbols in addition to color to ensure accessibility.

• Mistake: Inadequate alternative text for images.

  • Tip: Write concise and descriptive alternative text that conveys the image's purpose.

Manual testing techniques are essential for identifying accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. By simulating the experience of users with disabilities, you can ensure your website is accessible to all. Practice these techniques regularly to enhance your skills and create more inclusive web experiences. In the next section, we will explore automated testing tools to complement your manual testing efforts.