Accessibility testing that goes beyond the scanner
A page can pass an automated scan and still be impossible to use with a screen reader. We test every key flow the way disabled users do.
The whole story, short
The problem
Payment and form errors are never announced to screen readers.
What we did
- Audit against WCAG 2.2 AA
- Combine automated and manual checks
- Test with screen readers
- Test keyboard-only use
- Guide remediation and re-audit
The outcome
WCAG 2.2 AA manual and automated
What goes wrong
- Payment and form errors are never announced to screen readers.
- Dialogs and custom controls trap keyboard users.
- Alt text and reading order make no sense when read aloud.
- Automated scans give a false sense of compliance.
Why the usual fix falls short
Automated tools find only a portion of accessibility issues. Whether a task can actually be completed needs manual keyboard and screen reader testing.
How we tested it
Audit against WCAG 2.2 AA
Assess page templates and key flows such as search, checkout and account creation.
Combine automated and manual checks
Run automated tools for common issues, then review what tools cannot judge, such as alt text quality and reading order.
Test with screen readers
Complete every key flow using NVDA and VoiceOver.
Test keyboard-only use
Check focus order, visible focus, keyboard traps and control operation.
Guide remediation and re-audit
Rank issues by severity and user impact, work with developers on fixes and re-audit to confirm them.
Questions buyers ask
What is WCAG 2.2 AA?
WCAG is the W3C's set of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and 2.2 is a current version. Level AA is the middle of three conformance levels and the target many laws and buyers reference. Its success criteria cover areas such as contrast, keyboard access, focus, and text alternatives.
Can automated tools make a site accessible?
No. Automated tools are fast and useful for finding common issues, but they miss many problems. A Deque study found its tools covered about 57% of issues by volume. Manual keyboard and screen reader testing is needed to judge whether content makes sense and tasks can be completed.
Who does the European Accessibility Act apply to?
It covers certain consumer products and services sold in the EU, including e-commerce, consumer banking, e-books, and electronic communications, and can reach companies based outside the EU. It has applied since 28 June 2025. Microenterprises providing services have an exemption. Confirm how it applies to you with legal counsel.