The Role of Digital Assurance in Accessibility and Inclusion

As technology continues to evolve, the importance of accessibility and inclusion in software development has become more critical than ever. Digital Assurance plays a vital role in ensuring that software is accessible and inclusive for users with disabilities or special needs. We will discuss the role of Digital Assurance in accessibility and inclusion, including the challenges faced by users with disabilities and the importance of testing for accessibility.

The Challenges Faced by Users with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities face a unique set of challenges when using technology. These challenges can range from physical disabilities, such as blindness or mobility impairments, to cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD. Software that is not designed with accessibility in mind can create significant barriers for these users, limiting their ability to access the same information and services as others.

Importance of Testing for Accessibility

Testing for accessibility is an essential part of the software development process. It ensures that software is designed with accessibility in mind and that users with disabilities can access and use it effectively. Accessibility testing involves identifying and addressing any barriers that may prevent users with disabilities from accessing or using the software. These barriers can include issues with colour contrast, font size, keyboard navigation, and screen readers.

Also Read:  Why QAOps has become an Inevitable process in Software Delivery

The Role of Digital Assurance in Accessibility and Inclusion

Digital Assurance plays a critical role in ensuring that software is accessible and inclusive for users with disabilities or special needs. Here are some techniques that can be used:

1. Screen reader testing: Screen readers are software applications that allow visually impaired users to access digital content. Testers can use screen readers to check the accessibility of a website or application.
2. Color contrast testing: Color contrast is an important factor in making digital content accessible to users with visual impairments. Testing the color contrast of text and images is crucial to ensure that the content is easily readable for everyone.
3. Keyboard-only testing: Some users with disabilities may not be able to use a mouse or touch screen. Testing with only a keyboard can help identify any barriers that might prevent keyboard-only users from accessing and using the digital product.
4. Focus testing: Testing the focus order of interactive elements such as links, buttons, and form fields is important to ensure that users with disabilities can navigate through the digital product using keyboard or screen reader.
5. Captioning and transcription testing: Captioning and transcription are important for making audio and video content accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Testing the accuracy and quality of captions and transcriptions is crucial for ensuring accessibility.
6. User testing with diverse participants: It is important to test the digital product with a diverse group of users, including people with disabilities. Observing and gathering feedback from these users can provide valuable insights into how accessible and inclusive the digital product is.
7. Automated accessibility testing: There are many tools available that can automatically test the accessibility of digital products. While automated testing is not a replacement for manual testing, it can help identify potential accessibility issues early in the development process. Some of the tools are:                                

• Axe: Axe is a free accessibility testing tool that integrates with popular web browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and recommendations for fixing them.
• WAVE: WAVE is a web accessibility evaluation tool developed by WebAIM. It can be used to evaluate web pages for accessibility issues, and it provides visual feedback and suggestions for how to fix them.
• AChecker: AChecker is an online accessibility checker that can be used to scan web pages for accessibility issues. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and recommendations for fixing them.
• Tenon: Tenon is an automated accessibility testing tool that can be used to scan web pages and software applications for accessibility issues. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and recommendations for fixing them.
• Accessibility Insights: Accessibility Insights is a free accessibility testing tool from Microsoft that can be used to evaluate web pages and software applications for accessibility issues. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and recommendations for fixing them.

Overall, using a combination of these techniques can help ensure that digital products and services are accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Case Study

One great example is Apple, that has made significant strides in accessibility and inclusion testing for users with disabilities or special needs.

It has been said that Apple’s VoiceOver feature, a screen reader that enables users who are blind or visually impaired to use their Apple devices, has helped the company gain market share among those who are blind or visually impaired. In the United States, only 5% of people who are blind or visually impaired use Android phones, according to a 2012 report by the National Federation of the Blind.

Similarly, Apple’s Switch Control feature, which allows users with physical disabilities to control their device using external switches or a keyboard, has also been praised for its accessibility. In a 2017 study conducted by the research firm Fluent, 81% of disabled users reported that they were likely to purchase an Apple product because of its accessibility features.

Conclusion

Digital Assurance engineers can help in identifying and addressing accessibility barriers in software. Collaboration between Software testers, design and development teams is also essential to ensure that accessibility is integrated into the software’s design and functionality. By making software accessible and inclusive, we can ensure that all users can access the same information and services, promoting greater equality and inclusivity for all.