Automatically detect accessibility regressions
Your guide to automated accessibility regression testing.
Accessibility Testing is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of automation testing.
In this, we'll examine accessibility testing, why it's so important, and how to add lighthouse & pa11y tests to your automation pack.
Accessibility testing detects issues that could limit the experience of some users.
It is illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities online. Accessibility testing will ensure compliance and protect against accidental regression.
Accessibility testing will protect you and help you deliver a better experience for all.
A beautiful side-effect of improving your accessibility is you'll very likely be also improving your SEO.
Pa11y AA Conformance
The Pa11y Node will provide you with an unparalleled insight into your conformance level and will highlight the areas you need to focus on.
Google's Lighthouse Accessibility score is great way to monitor your overall accessibility health and is best for protecting against slow regressions.
If you don't have an account yet, create one and come back. From the Flows view click the plus button to create a new Flow.
Tip: For an accessibility test turn off "Stop on first fail".
New flows start with an Open Node, double-click this to open the edit modal and enter the site you wish to test.
Note: Lighthouse testing will be skipped on FireFox & Edge.
Locate the Validators from the Node Library on the left. Drag in the Accessibility & Pa11y Nodes into your Flow and connect it to the Open Node.
Double-click the Acessibility Node to configure the minium allowed value.
The Pa11y Node has a default of AA conformance double-click this Node if you wish to change the level to A or AAA.
Running this simple test will highlight any accessibility issues you have. Make sure to take time to investigate each item uncovered by the Pa11y Node in your test results.
