SiteFixPlan field guide
Automated vs. manual accessibility testing
Understand what tools can catch, what people must test, and how to combine both.
Run the quick checklistAutomation finds repeatable patterns
Automated tools can quickly detect some missing labels, contrast failures, invalid attributes, and structural problems. They are excellent for regression checks, but they cannot determine whether every label, alternative, instruction, or interaction makes sense.
Manual testing checks the experience
Keyboard navigation, focus order, zoom, reflow, error recovery, screen-reader output, motion, and task completion need human judgment. People with disabilities should be included in research and usability testing when possible.
- Automate checks in development and continuous integration.
- Manually test every critical journey with keyboard.
- Spot-check supported screen readers and browsers.
- Test zoom, reflow, contrast, errors, and dynamic updates.
- Document issues with steps, impact, owner, and retest evidence.
Accessibility is ongoing
Content edits, new components, third-party widgets, and product changes can introduce barriers. Combine standards, design review, code review, automated checks, manual testing, and user feedback.
Common questions
Can an overlay make a site compliant?
An overlay does not replace accessible design, code, content, manual testing, remediation, or legal advice.
Which standard should we use?
WCAG is widely used, but applicable requirements depend on location and context. Seek qualified guidance.