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Developer Toolkit

Accessibility Testing

Accessibility affects 1.85 billion people worldwide with disabilities, representing a $13 trillion market. Beyond legal compliance, accessible applications provide better user experiences for everyone. AI-powered accessibility testing with A11y MCP servers transforms WCAG validation from manual audits to intelligent, automated workflows that ensure inclusive design at scale.

Conversational Accessibility Testing Revolution

Section titled “Conversational Accessibility Testing Revolution”

Traditional accessibility testing requires specialized knowledge of WCAG guidelines and assistive technologies. A11y MCP servers enable natural language accessibility workflows:

Natural Language A11y Testing

  • “Test our forms for screen reader compatibility”
  • “Check color contrast across all pages”
  • “Validate keyboard navigation paths”
  • “Ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance”

AI-Powered WCAG Analysis

  • Intelligent accessibility issue detection
  • Context-aware remediation suggestions
  • False positive reduction
  • Impact-based prioritization

A11y MCP Integration

  • Axe-core MCP for automated scanning
  • Playwright MCP for browser testing
  • Pa11y MCP for CI/CD integration
  • Screen reader MCP for assistive technology testing

Continuous Accessibility Validation

  • Real-time WCAG compliance monitoring
  • Accessibility regression prevention
  • User experience validation
  • Legal compliance reporting

A11y MCP Server Setup and WCAG Testing

Section titled “A11y MCP Server Setup and WCAG Testing”

Getting Started with Accessibility MCP Servers

Section titled “Getting Started with Accessibility MCP Servers”
Terminal window
# Set up A11y MCP servers for accessibility testing
# Install A11y MCP server with Axe-core integration
npm install a11y-mcp-server


# Configure in Cursor IDE MCP settings:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "a11y-testing": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["a11y-mcp-server"]
    },
    "playwright": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@playwright/mcp@latest"]
    }
  }
}


# Natural Language Accessibility Testing
Agent: "Using A11y MCP server, perform comprehensive accessibility audit:


PRD: WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Assessment
- Test our e-commerce website for accessibility barriers
- Focus on form accessibility and navigation
- Validate color contrast ratios across all pages
- Test keyboard navigation and focus management
- Check ARIA implementation and semantic HTML
- Ensure screen reader compatibility


Todo:
- [ ] Automated WCAG 2.1 AA scanning with Axe-core
- [ ] Manual keyboard navigation testing
- [ ] Screen reader compatibility validation
- [ ] Color contrast and visual accessibility checks
- [ ] Form accessibility and error handling
- [ ] Generate comprehensive accessibility report
- [ ] Provide remediation code examples"

Real-World Accessibility Testing Scenarios

Section titled “Real-World Accessibility Testing Scenarios”

E-commerce Accessibility Testing

Section titled “E-commerce Accessibility Testing”
Terminal window
# Comprehensive e-commerce accessibility testing
Agent: "Using A11y MCP server, test our e-commerce platform accessibility:


Business Context:
- Online retail platform with 500K+ monthly users
- Product catalog with filtering and search
- Shopping cart and checkout process
- User accounts and order history
- Customer reviews and ratings system


Accessibility Test Scenarios:
1. Product Discovery
   - Screen reader navigation of product listings
   - Keyboard-only product filtering and sorting
   - Image alt text for product photos
   - Price and availability announcements


2. Shopping Cart Accessibility
   - Add/remove items with assistive technology
   - Quantity updates with proper feedback
   - Cart total calculations announced
   - Accessible error handling for stock issues


3. Checkout Process
   - Form field labeling and error messages
   - Payment method selection accessibility
   - Address autocomplete with screen readers
   - Order confirmation accessibility


4. User Account Features
   - Login/registration form accessibility
   - Order history navigation
   - Account settings modification
   - Accessibility of user preferences


WCAG Compliance Requirements:
- Level AA compliance across all user journeys
- Color contrast ratio minimum 4.5:1
- Keyboard navigation completeness
- Screen reader compatibility validation"

Screen Reader and Keyboard Testing

Section titled “Screen Reader and Keyboard Testing”

Assistive Technology Testing Workflows

Section titled “Assistive Technology Testing Workflows”
Terminal window
# Screen reader compatibility testing
Agent: "Test screen reader compatibility using A11y MCP:


Screen Reader Test Matrix:
1. NVDA (Windows - most common)
   - Navigate using heading shortcuts (H key)
   - Test form mode and application mode
   - Verify table navigation (Ctrl+Alt+arrows)
   - Check landmark navigation (D key)


2. JAWS (Windows - enterprise focus)
   - Test virtual cursor navigation
   - Verify forms mode announcements
   - Check quick navigation keys
   - Test browse mode vs focus mode


3. VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
   - Test rotor navigation
   - Verify gesture controls
   - Check with braille display
   - Test dynamic content updates


4. TalkBack (Android)
   - Test linear navigation
   - Verify explore by touch
   - Check global gestures
   - Test reading controls


Content Testing Scenarios:
- Headings and document structure
- Form fields and error messages
- Interactive elements and buttons
- Data tables and complex layouts
- Dynamic content and live regions
- Images and multimedia content


Expected Outcomes:
- All content accessible via screen reader
- Logical reading order maintained
- Interactive elements properly announced
- Error messages clearly communicated
- No confusing or redundant announcements"

Visual and Cognitive Accessibility Testing

Section titled “Visual and Cognitive Accessibility Testing”

Comprehensive Visual Accessibility Assessment

Section titled “Comprehensive Visual Accessibility Assessment”
Terminal window
# Color contrast and visual accessibility testing
Agent: "Test visual accessibility using A11y MCP server:


Visual Accessibility Test Plan:
1. Color Contrast Analysis
   - Text against background (4.5:1 minimum for AA)
   - Large text contrast (3:1 minimum for AA)
   - Non-text elements contrast (3:1 for UI components)
   - Focus indicator contrast validation


2. Color Dependency Testing
   - Information conveyed by color alone
   - Color-blind user simulation testing
   - Alternative indicators for color-coded content
   - Error message identification without color


3. Visual Layout Assessment
   - Text scaling up to 200% without horizontal scrolling
   - Content reflow at different zoom levels
   - Reading order with visual presentation
   - White space and content spacing


4. Dark Mode and Theme Testing
   - High contrast mode compatibility
   - Dark theme accessibility
   - Custom theme color contrast validation
   - User preference accommodation


Color Accessibility Scenarios:
- Test with different types of color blindness
- Validate contrast ratios across all color combinations
- Check focus indicators and selection states
- Test error states and success messages
- Verify link identification without relying on color


Expected Deliverables:
- Color contrast compliance report
- Color-blind simulation results
- Visual accessibility remediation guide
- Brand-compliant accessible color palette"

Advanced Accessibility Testing Workflows

Section titled “Advanced Accessibility Testing Workflows”

Dynamic Content and Interactive Elements

Section titled “Dynamic Content and Interactive Elements”
Terminal window
# Modal dialog and overlay accessibility testing
Agent: "Test modal dialog accessibility using A11y MCP:


Modal Accessibility Requirements:
1. Focus Management
   - Focus trap within modal content
   - Focus return to trigger element on close
   - Initial focus placement on modal open
   - Tab order within modal boundaries


2. Keyboard Interaction
   - Escape key closes modal
   - Enter key activates primary action
   - Tab navigation cycles within modal
   - Modal overlay non-interactive


3. Screen Reader Support
   - Modal announced when opened
   - Background content marked inert
   - Proper ARIA roles and properties
   - Close button clearly labeled


4. Visual Accessibility
   - Sufficient color contrast in modal
   - Focus indicators clearly visible
   - Modal content readable at 200% zoom
   - Background dimming doesn't prevent content reading


Modal Testing Scenarios:
- Open modal with keyboard (Enter/Space)
- Navigate within modal using Tab key
- Close modal with Escape key
- Test with screen reader active
- Verify background content inaccessible
- Check modal on mobile devices


Expected Outcomes:
- Perfect focus management throughout interaction
- Clear screen reader announcements
- Keyboard-only operation possible
- No accessibility barriers in modal workflows"

CI/CD Accessibility Integration

Section titled “CI/CD Accessibility Integration”

Automated Accessibility Testing Pipeline

Section titled “Automated Accessibility Testing Pipeline”
.github/workflows/accessibility-testing.yml
name: Accessibility Testing Pipeline


on:
  push:
    branches: [main, develop]
  pull_request:
    types: [opened, synchronize]
  schedule:
    - cron: '0 2 * * *' # Daily accessibility scans


jobs:
  accessibility-test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest


    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4


      - name: Setup A11y MCP Servers
        run: |
          # Install accessibility testing tools
          npm install a11y-mcp-server
          npm install @playwright/mcp@latest
          npm install pa11y-ci


          # Install Axe CLI for baseline scanning
          npm install -g @axe-core/cli


      - name: Build and Start Application
        run: |
          npm install
          npm run build
          npm start &
          sleep 30 # Wait for application startup


      - name: Run A11y Tests with MCP
        run: |
          # Use natural language for accessibility testing
          claude "Using A11y MCP server, perform comprehensive accessibility audit:


          - WCAG 2.1 AA compliance scanning across all pages
          - Keyboard navigation testing for complete user journeys
          - Screen reader compatibility validation
          - Color contrast analysis with brand compliance
          - Form accessibility and error handling assessment
          - Dynamic content and live region testing


          Generate accessibility report with:
          - Detailed WCAG violation analysis
          - Accessibility impact prioritization
          - Remediation code examples
          - Screen reader testing recommendations
          - Legal compliance assessment"


      - name: Pa11y CI Integration
        run: |
          # Run Pa11y for CI/CD integration
          pa11y-ci --sitemap http://localhost:3000/sitemap.xml \
            --standard WCAG2AA \
            --threshold 10


      - name: Axe Core Scanning
        run: |
          # Run Axe CLI for additional validation
          axe http://localhost:3000 \
            --tags wcag2a,wcag2aa,wcag21aa \
            --exit


      - name: Upload A11y Reports
        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
        with:
          name: accessibility-reports
          path: |
            a11y-report.html
            pa11y-results.json
            axe-results.json

Accessibility Testing Best Practices

Section titled “Accessibility Testing Best Practices”

Sample Prompts for Accessibility Testing

Section titled “Sample Prompts for Accessibility Testing”
Terminal window
# PRD: Corporate Website Accessibility Compliance
# Requirements: WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, ADA Section 508


"Using A11y MCP server, ensure corporate website accessibility:


Business Context:
- Corporate website with 1M+ monthly visitors
- Legal requirement for ADA compliance
- Global audience with diverse accessibility needs
- E-commerce functionality with payment processing


Todo:
- [ ] Complete WCAG 2.1 AA compliance audit
- [ ] Keyboard navigation testing across all pages
- [ ] Screen reader compatibility (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
- [ ] Color contrast validation (4.5:1 minimum)
- [ ] Form accessibility and error handling
- [ ] Image alt text and multimedia accessibility
- [ ] Document and PDF accessibility
- [ ] Mobile accessibility (iOS/Android)
- [ ] Cognitive accessibility assessment
- [ ] Generate legal compliance documentation


Success Criteria:
- Zero critical accessibility violations
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance achieved
- Screen reader navigation fully functional
- Keyboard-only operation complete
- Color contrast meets standards
- Legal compliance documentation ready"

Accessibility Testing Success Metrics

Section titled “Accessibility Testing Success Metrics”

AI-Enhanced A11y Testing

Testing Speed: 10x faster WCAG compliance validation

Coverage: 95% automated accessibility issue detection

Accuracy: 85% reduction in false positive violations

WCAG Compliance

Standards: WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA compliance validation

Legal: ADA and Section 508 compliance reporting

International: Global accessibility standard adherence

User Experience

Natural Language: “Test our forms for screen reader compatibility”

MCP Integration: Seamless A11y tool orchestration

Remediation: Automated accessibility fix suggestions

Business Impact

Market Access: 1.85B people with disabilities reached

Legal Risk: 90% reduction in accessibility lawsuits

User Satisfaction: 40% improvement in inclusive UX

A11y MCP Servers for Accessibility Testing

Section titled “A11y MCP Servers for Accessibility Testing”
A11y MCP Server Axe-core powered accessibility testing with AI analysis
Playwright MCP Browser automation for accessibility testing workflows
Pa11y MCP Command-line accessibility testing with CI/CD integration
Accessibility Scanner MCP LambdaTest accessibility testing with visual annotations

Getting Started with Accessibility Testing

Section titled “Getting Started with Accessibility Testing”

  1. Set up A11y MCP Server

    Terminal window
    # Install A11y MCP server with Axe-core
    npm install a11y-mcp-server
    

    # Configure in your MCP client
    # Add A11y server to mcp_settings.json

  2. Run Your First A11y Scan

    Terminal window
    # Natural language accessibility testing
    Agent: "Using A11y MCP, scan our website for WCAG 2.1 AA violations"

  3. Analyze Accessibility Results

    Terminal window
    # AI-powered violation analysis
    "Analyze accessibility results and prioritize by user impact"

  4. Implement Accessibility Fixes

    Terminal window
    # Get remediation guidance
    "Generate code examples to fix the identified accessibility issues"

  5. Set up Continuous A11y Testing

    Terminal window
    # Integrate with CI/CD
    "Create automated accessibility testing in our GitHub Actions workflow"

Common Accessibility Testing Scenarios

Section titled “Common Accessibility Testing Scenarios”

Educational Platform Accessibility

Section titled “Educational Platform Accessibility”
Terminal window
# PRD: Online learning platform accessibility
"Using A11y MCP server, ensure educational platform accessibility:


Accessibility Requirements:
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for educational content
- Screen reader compatibility for course materials
- Keyboard navigation for all interactive elements
- Closed captions for video content
- Multiple format content delivery


User Scenarios:
1. Blind student using NVDA screen reader
2. Low vision student with screen magnification
3. Motor disability student using keyboard only
4. Deaf student requiring captions and transcripts
5. Cognitive disability student needing clear navigation


Expected Deliverables:
- Course content accessibility audit
- Video and media accessibility assessment
- Assessment and quiz accessibility validation
- Student progress tracking accessibility
- Instructor tools accessibility evaluation"

Government Website Accessibility

Section titled “Government Website Accessibility”
Terminal window
# PRD: Section 508 compliance for government site
"Test government website for Section 508 compliance:


Compliance Requirements:
- Section 508 standards adherence
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance validation
- PDF document accessibility
- Form accessibility for citizen services
- Multi-language accessibility support


Critical Services:
- Online service applications
- Document downloads and forms
- Public information access
- Emergency alerts and notifications
- Contact and support systems


Generate compliance report with:
- Section 508 checklist validation
- Accessibility statement preparation
- Remediation timeline and costs
- Staff training recommendations
- Ongoing monitoring procedures"

Accessibility Testing Best Practices

Section titled “Accessibility Testing Best Practices”

Test Early and Often

Integrate accessibility testing from the design phase. Use A11y MCP servers to predict issues before implementation.

Combine Automated and Manual

AI can’t catch everything. Use it to guide manual testing and focus human effort where it matters most.

Real User Feedback

Partner with users who have disabilities. AI can simulate, but real experience is invaluable.

Continuous Learning

Use A11y MCP servers to build institutional accessibility knowledge and improve over time.

Next Steps

Section titled “Next Steps”
Mobile Testing Test mobile applications with device cloud automation
Performance Testing Load and stress testing with AI-powered automation
Security Testing Security scanning and vulnerability detection
MCP Ecosystem Explore MCP servers for testing automation