GhostLab empowers you to make your digital content accessible to everyone by embedding accessibility evaluations directly into your test automation workflows. With a simple “Check Accessibility” step, you can identify and address issues that may hinder usability for individuals with disabilities.
Understanding Accessibility Testing #
Accessibility testing focuses on ensuring websites and applications are usable by individuals with disabilities, including those requiring assistive technologies like screen readers or adaptive keyboards. By identifying common obstacles and adhering to best practices, accessibility testing makes your content inclusive and user-friendly.
GhostLab’s testing methodology is aligned with globally recognized accessibility standards, particularly the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) versions 2.0 and 2.1. These guidelines, established by the W3C, help detect violations and recommend ways to resolve them.
How to Add Accessibility Checks #
To include accessibility checks in your automated tests, you can add a “Check Accessibility” step at the desired point in the test flow. This can be done using the test editor.
Step Options for Failure Conditions:
- Fail only for critical issues: The test fails when severe accessibility violations are detected. These issues significantly impact usability and must be addressed immediately to ensure basic accessibility compliance.
- Fail for moderate, serious, or critical issues: The test fails if accessibility concerns of moderate, serious, or critical severity are found. This setting ensures a more comprehensive approach by addressing issues that could partially hinder user experience.
- Fail for serious or critical issues: The test fails when serious or critical accessibility violations are identified. This option focuses on addressing high-priority issues that affect key functionalities or significantly reduce usability.
- Fail for any issues: The test fails if any accessibility problem, regardless of severity, is detected. This setting ensures a strict adherence to accessibility standards by capturing and addressing all potential issues.
The system categorizes issues into critical, serious, moderate, and minor, and provides a summary of all identified issues, regardless of the selected failure condition.
Comprehensive Issue Insights #
GhostLab offers detailed insights to help you resolve identified issues efficiently:
- Selector-based targeting: Pinpoints problematic elements on your page.
- Effortless navigation: Move through flagged elements using navigation tools.
- Detailed documentation: External links provide in-depth explanations, covering:
- Impact of the issue on accessibility
- Examples of correct and incorrect implementations
- Best practices for resolution
You’ll also receive a complete list of rules applied during the test, offering a clear view of compliance standards.
The Technology Behind Accessibility Testing #
GhostLab leverages the open-source Axe library by Deque Systems, a trusted name in digital accessibility solutions. This robust tool evaluates your web content against:
- WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 standards (Levels A and AA)
- Additional best practices for identifying common accessibility pitfalls
The Axe library is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 and is available on GitHub, offering a reliable foundation for accessibility evaluations.
Building an Inclusive Experience #
GhostLab simplifies the process of accessibility testing, ensuring that your website or application meets accessibility standards. By using advanced tools and adhering to WCAG guidelines, GhostLab helps you create a more inclusive experience for all users, regardless of their abilities.
