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Chapter 6: Accessibility Testing and Validation

Introduction​

Ensuring your web application is accessible requires regular testing and validation. In this chapter, we'll discuss different methods of testing, including manual testing, automated testing, and user testing.

Manual Testing​

Manual testing involves going through your application and trying to use it as your users would. This can include:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Can you navigate through the entire application using only the keyboard?
  • Screen Reader Testing: Does your application work well with screen readers?
  • Color Contrast Checking: Are all text and interactive elements readable?

Remember to test your application in different browsers, as there can be variability in how they interpret certain ARIA attributes and roles.

Automated Testing​

Automated testing involves using software tools to identify accessibility issues. There are several great tools available, including:

  • Lighthouse: An open-source tool by Google that audits performance, accessibility, progressive web apps, SEO, and more.
  • axe-core: A JavaScript library for accessibility testing from Deque Systems.
  • Jest and React Testing Library: Used in conjunction for writing unit and integration tests for React applications.

Here's an example of how to use Jest and React Testing Library to test for accessibility:

import { render } from '@testing-library/react';
import { axe, toHaveNoViolations } from 'jest-axe';
import MyComponent from './MyComponent';

expect.extend(toHaveNoViolations);

it('should have no accessibility violations', async () => {
  const { container } = render(<MyComponent />);
  const results = await axe(container);
  expect(results).toHaveNoViolations();
});

User Testing​

User testing involves having people, including those with disabilities, use your application. This can provide valuable feedback about how accessible your application is in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion​

Regular testing is crucial for maintaining and improving the accessibility of your web application. By using a combination of manual testing, automated testing, and user testing, you can ensure that your application is accessible to a wide range of users. In the next chapter, we'll discuss how to maintain accessibility in your project as it grows and evolves.