How to Test a Button for Accessibility on a Website

Ensuring that website buttons are accessible to all users—including those with disabilities—is an essential step in building an inclusive web. Below, we’ll cover key accessibility considerations for button elements and provide examples for each.

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1. Labeling and ARIA Attributes

What to Test: Ensure that each button has an accessible name that clearly indicates its function. Screen readers should be able to convey this information to visually impaired users.

Example:

html

<!-- Good Example -->

<button aria-label="Submit Form">Submit</button>

<!-- Better Example if Text on Button is Insufficient -->

<button aria-labelledby="formLabel">Submit</button>

<span id="formLabel" hidden>Submit Form</span>

If a button doesn’t have visible text, the aria-label attribute can provide an alternative, descriptive label. Avoid unnecessary ARIA attributes; if the button text is descriptive enough, ARIA might not be necessary.

2. Keyboard Accessibility

What to Test: Buttons should be fully operable with keyboard input alone, primarily through the Tab key to focus and the Enter or Space keys to activate the button.

• Test Instructions:
  • Press the Tab key to navigate through elements. Ensure that the button receives focus.
  • Press Enter or Space when the button is focused and check that it triggers the intended action.

Example: Ensure your button markup allows keyboard interaction:

html

<button onclick="submitForm()">Submit</button>

If using a non-standard element as a button (like a div), make sure it has role="button" and is accessible via keyboard.

3. Focus Visibility

What to Test: When a button receives focus, it should have a clear visible outline or change in appearance, making it apparent to users who navigate with the keyboard.

Example:

css

button:focus { outline: 2px solid #005FCC; outline-offset: 2px; }

A lack of focus visibility can make it difficult for users to interact with buttons using keyboards. Avoid removing focus styles unless you’re implementing an accessible alternative.

4. Color Contrast

What to Test: Ensure that button text has sufficient color contrast against the button background to meet WCAG guidelines. This is critical for users with visual impairments or color blindness.

• Guidelines: A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text on buttons.

Example: A contrasting color scheme for accessible buttons:

html

<button style="background-color: #005FCC; color: #FFFFFF;">Submit</button>

Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify the contrast.

5. Size and Click Area

What to Test: Buttons should be large enough for easy interaction, especially on touch screens. A minimum touch area of 44×44 pixels is generally recommended.

Example:

css

button { padding: 10px 20px; font-size: 16px; }

6. Testing with Screen Readers

What to Test: Ensure that the button’s purpose and status are conveyed properly by screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver. Test for label accuracy and context—users should understand what the button does without visual cues.

• Testing Example:
  1. Activate a screen reader and navigate to the button.
  2. Confirm that it reads the label, role, and any descriptive ARIA attributes (e.g., “Submit button” or “Close modal”).

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Example Test Scenario: Submitting a Form

Imagine you have a button on a form that submits user information. To ensure it’s accessible, run through these steps:

1. Label Check: Confirm it has descriptive text or aria-label.htmlCode kopiëren<button aria-label="Submit Form">Submit</button>
2. Keyboard Accessibility: Check that the Tab key brings the button into focus and Enter triggers the submit action.
3. Focus Styling: Ensure there’s a visible outline when the button is focused:cssCode kopiërenbutton:focus { outline: 2px solid #000; }
4. Contrast Testing: Verify a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for the button text and background.
5. Screen Reader Test: With NVDA activated, navigate to the button and verify that it announces as “Submit Form button.”

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Wrapping Up

Testing buttons for accessibility ensures users of all abilities can engage with your website effectively. By following these practices, your website will provide a smoother, more inclusive experience for everyone.