Accessibility
Accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can effectively use a software system regardless of physical or cognitive limitations.
“The degree to which a component or system can be used by people with the widest range of characteristics and capabilities to achieve a specified goal in a specified context of use.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Accessibility?
Accessibility focuses on designing and testing software so that it can be used by the widest possible range of users. It includes support for assistive technologies and compliance with accessibility standards.
Who benefits: Users with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Testing approach: Accessibility testing evaluates usability with assistive technologies and accessibility guidelines.
Business value: Accessible software improves inclusivity and may satisfy legal or regulatory requirements.
Real World Example
A government benefits portal is adding an online application form used by people with different devices, abilities, and assistive technologies.
The feature can pass functional tests while still blocking users who rely on keyboard navigation, screen readers, captions, or sufficient color contrast. Accessibility keeps that risk visible.
The tester checks the application path with assistive technology expectations in mind, including labels, focus order, error messages, and completion without a mouse.
The team releases a service that more citizens can actually use because Accessibility is treated as a product quality concern, not a cosmetic review.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which testing approach is MOST effective for identifying accessibility issues?
Question 2
A tester notices that all form validation errors are indicated only by red text. Which accessibility requirement is MOST likely violated?
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