How To Conduct Accessibility Testing Before Launch (Without Experts)
You don’t need to be an accessibility specialist to make sure your website or app is usable for everyone. A simple accessibility review before launch can uncover major barriers early - saving you time, legal risk, and reputation headaches later.
Here’s how you can conduct a meaningful accessibility test with your existing team and minimal tools.
Why Accessibility Testing Matters
An accessibility test checks how easy it is for people with different abilities to use your product. It looks at things like keyboard navigation, screen reader support, color contrast, and text clarity.
Doing a pre-launch accessibility check isn’t just about compliance - it’s about building trust and inclusion. Among the many accessibility benefits, you’ll also:
Improve usability for everyone, not just people with disabilities
Strengthen SEO (since accessibility aligns with search-friendly practices)
Reduce post-launch fixes and support costs
Enhance your brand reputation for inclusion
Step-by-Step: How To Run an Accessibility Test Without Experts
1. Start With Automated Checks
Use a browser-based accessibility testing tool like Wally WAX Chrome Extension on key pages - home, login, forms, and checkout. Automated scans will flag missing alt text, low contrast, or ARIA errors.
2. Manually Test Keyboard Navigation
Unplug your mouse and try navigating with just the keyboard:
Can you reach every interactive element using Tab?
Does focus always remain visible?
Can you activate buttons and links using Enter or Space?
Can you close modals or dropdowns with Esc?
If you can’t complete a core user flow by keyboard alone, that’s a critical issue.
3. Check Color Contrast and Visual Cues
Use free contrast tools and make sure text meets at least:
Also, check that color isn’t the only way information is conveyed. For example, if errors are marked in red, add an icon or text label too.
4. Review Alt Text and Labels
Scan through images and form inputs:
Each image that conveys meaning should have clear alt text.
Inputs need proper labels - not just placeholders.
Decorative images can use alt="" so they’re skipped by screen readers.
5. Test With a Screen Reader
Try free built-in tools like:
VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
NVDA (Windows)
TalkBack (Android)
Navigate through your main pages and forms. If you get lost or hear “button… button… unlabeled,” you’ve got labeling or structure issues. Testing for accessibility with a screen reader will also help you learn How To Make Your Website Screen Reader Friendly.
6. Document Findings and Prioritize Fixes
List issues under three categories:
Severe: Breaks navigation or prevents access (e.g., missing focus, unlabeled buttons)
Moderate: Impacts usability but not total access (e.g., low contrast)
Minor: Cosmetic or non-blocking
Assign fixes just like normal bugs - tag them, track them, and retest before launch.
Keep It Sustainable
Accessibility reviews shouldn’t be one-time checklists. Add light, recurring reviews into your sprint retros or release cycles. Continuous attention means fewer major overhauls later and more inclusive growth.
Of course, to save yourself from the headache of fixing accessibility issues very late in the pipeline, you can also learn How To Start Designing for Accessibility When Your Team Is New To It.
How Wally Can Help
If you’re running your first accessibility test, you don’t need to guess.
Wally’s Accessibility Consultancy helps teams:
Conduct pre-launch accessibility reviews tailored to your product
Automate access testing across web, app, and PDF assets
Train developers and designers to fix issues efficiently
Build accessibility into your CI/CD process for every future release
Ready to make your next launch truly accessible?
Book a quick consultation with Wally and learn how easy it is to run professional-level accessibility reviews without slowing your team down.
