Testing for accessibility

Test your service with automated tools, manual checks and assistive technology.

You must do both automated and manual tests to check your service for accessibility. Manual tests should include testing with assistive technology.

Manual testing is needed because automated tools cannot capture all accessibility issues. GOV.UK has found that automated tools can miss nearly 30% of accessibility issues.

This guidance refers to different tiers of testing for different websites. If you're not sure what is relevant to you, find out about testing tiers and guidelines.

Recording issues

Use a testing record template to log any issues that you find. This will help you test everything you need to:

• basic check template
• detailed audit template, created by Government Digital Service

If you do not have a Camden email address and need access to the basic check template, email webaccessibility@camden.gov.uk

Make a copy of the relevant template and add in your sample pages.

Once completed, this testing record will be evidence of your testing. Include it when you send your accessibility statement.

Testing guidance

Use the following guides to complete accessibility testing:

• automated testing
• manual testing
• assistive technology

Testing with users

A combination of automated and manual tests will help you capture the most common accessibility barriers. However, this should not replace insight from users.

Include people with access needs whenever you do usability testing. This will help you improve how anyone can access and engage with your service, beyond accessibility compliance.