Accessibility Testing Framework

The bare minimum. Without these fixes, many users with disabilities simply cannot use your site.

• Images: All images must have alt text describing their content
• Keyboard: Every interactive element must be usable with a keyboard alone
• Page language: The HTML lang attribute must be set
• Page title: Every page needs a descriptive <title>
• Link purpose: Link text must make sense out of context (no "click here")
• Headings: Content must have a logical heading structure
• Form labels: Every form field needs an associated <label>
• No keyboard traps: Users must be able to navigate away from every element
• Captions: Pre-recorded video must have captions
• No seizure triggers: Nothing can flash more than 3 times per second

Failure to meet Level A means entire groups of users are completely blocked.

The standard most laws require (ADA, EN 301 549, EAA). This is what you should aim for.

• Colour contrast: Text must have at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio (3:1 for large text)
• Text resizing: Content must remain usable when zoomed to 200%
• Focus indicators: Interactive elements must have visible focus styles
• Consistent navigation: Navigation menus must appear in the same order across pages
• Error identification: Form errors must be clearly described in text
• Reflow: Content must work at 320px width without horizontal scrolling
• Non-text contrast: UI components and graphics need at least 3:1 contrast
• Text spacing: Content must tolerate increased line height, letter, and word spacing
• Labels or instructions: Forms must provide sufficient instructions
• Status messages: Important messages must be announced to screen readers without focus

Level AA is the legal baseline in most countries and the recommended target for all websites.

The gold standard. Hard to achieve site-wide, but ideal for critical content.

• Enhanced contrast: Text must have at least 7:1 contrast ratio (4.5:1 for large text)
• Sign language: Pre-recorded video must include sign language interpretation
• Extended audio description: Pauses for audio descriptions of video content
• Reading level: Text must be understandable at a lower-secondary education reading level
• Pronunciation: A mechanism is available for words that are ambiguous without pronunciation
• No timing: No time limits on user actions at all
• No interruptions: Interruptions (like alerts) can be postponed or suppressed
• Re-authentication: Users don't lose data when a session expires
• Target size: Click/touch targets must be at least 44x44 CSS pixels
• Accessible authentication: Login does not require cognitive function tests

Level AAA is aspirational. Focus on critical user journeys (checkout, signup, key content).