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What is a WCAG test?

A WCAG test is a comprehensive procedure for checking the accessibility of a website in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines were developed to ensure that websites are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. The WCAG test helps to identify problems such as insufficient color contrast, missing text alternatives for images and inadequate navigation. With a website checker or special tools, operators can check their website for accessibility and make improvements to increase user-friendliness.

Why is WCAG compliance important?

WCAG compliance is crucial in order to provide all users with equal access to digital content. For people with visual, hearing or motor impairments, accessible websites are often the only way to participate in digital life. WCAG compliance also improves overall usability and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Companies benefit from a larger target group and improved brand perception. With a regular homepage check, operators can ensure that their website has been tested for accessibility and complies with the guidelines.

What are the legal requirements for digital accessibility?

In vielen Ländern ist digitale Barrierefreiheit gesetzlich vorgeschrieben. In der EU regelt die EU-Richtlinie 2016/2102 die Anforderungen für öffentliche Websites und Apps. In Deutschland verpflichtet die BITV 2.0 öffentliche Stellen zur Umsetzung barrierefreier Inhalte. Auch Unternehmen müssen sicherstellen, dass ihre Angebote barrierefrei sind, um Diskriminierung zu vermeiden. An Accessibility Audit helps to check the conformity and to receive an Accessibility Certificate.

What are the success criteria for WCAG conformity?

The WCAG guidelines comprise four principles: Perceivable, Usable, Understandable and Robust. This results in 13 guidelines with 78 success criteria, which are evaluated at three conformance levels (A, AA and AAA):

Perceivable: Content must be accessible to all senses, e.g. through subtitles for videos.
Usable: Navigation and interactions must be simple for every user, e.g. with keyboard control.
Understandable: Content and operation should be clear and logical.
Robust: Content must be compatible with different technologies.

A website test helps to evaluate these criteria and eliminate weaknesses.

What tools are available for the WCAG test?

Numerous tools facilitate the WCAG test, including:

Automatic Website Checkers such as Axe or Lighthouse.
Manual Checking Tools for specific tests, e.g. for screen reader compatibility.
Accessibility scanner for checking color contrasts, alternative texts and other criteria.

An online website check often combines several of these tools to ensure a comprehensive website analysis.

How do accessibility tools help with WCAG compliance?

Accessibility tools such as a Website Accessibility Widget improve the user experience directly on the page. They offer features such as font enlargement, color changes and screen reader support. These tools help operators to check their website and meet the requirements of the WCAG guidelines.

How does the color contrast test work in the WCAG test?

An important aspect of WCAG compliance is color contrast. Text and backgrounds must provide sufficient contrast to be legible. Tools such as a contrast checker make it possible to measure the contrast and ensure that it meets the WCAG criteria. This is particularly important to make content accessible for people with visual impairments. An accessibility test therefore always includes a contrast check, which helps with optimization.

Checking websites for accessibility is not only a legal imperative, but also a moral one. With a website test online, operators can ensure that their content is accessible to all. Tools such as website accessibility widgets and accessibility scanners support this process so that websites can be designed to be accessible and user-friendly.