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

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

Getting Started with Accessibility MCP Servers

Cursor IDE A11y Workflow

# 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"

Claude Code A11y Workflow

# Connect to A11y MCP server for accessibility testing
claude "Connect to A11y MCP server for comprehensive accessibility audit:

Accessibility Testing Requirements:
- Scan our web application for WCAG violations
- Test form accessibility and error messaging
- Validate navigation and focus management
- Check semantic HTML and ARIA implementation
- Test with simulated screen reader behavior
- Assess cognitive accessibility and readability

Specific A11y Tests:
1. Color contrast validation (4.5:1 ratio minimum)
2. Keyboard navigation completeness
3. Form label and error message associations
4. Image alt text and decorative image handling
5. Heading structure and document outline
6. Interactive element accessibility

Expected Deliverables:
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance report
- Accessibility violation prioritization
- Remediation implementation guide
- Automated accessibility testing setup
- User testing recommendations with assistive technology"

# Claude will:
# 1. Connect to A11y MCP server
# 2. Run comprehensive accessibility analysis
# 3. Generate detailed remediation plans
# 4. Provide accessible code examples

Wskazówka

A11y MCP Benefits: The A11y MCP server democratizes accessibility testing by enabling developers and QA teams to conduct sophisticated WCAG compliance testing using natural language, without deep accessibility expertise.

Real-World Accessibility Testing Scenarios

E-commerce Accessibility Testing

Shopping Experience A11y

# 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"

Form Accessibility Testing

# Comprehensive form accessibility assessment
claude "Test form accessibility using A11y MCP server:

Form Accessibility Assessment:
- Contact forms and feedback submission
- User registration and login forms
- Payment and billing information forms
- Search forms with autocomplete
- Multi-step form workflows

Specific A11y Test Cases:
1. Form Field Labeling
   - Explicit label associations
   - Placeholder text accessibility
   - Required field indication
   - Field description linking

2. Error Handling
   - Error message announcement
   - Error prevention and recovery
   - Real-time validation feedback
   - Form submission result communication

3. Input Assistance
   - Autocomplete functionality
   - Input format instructions
   - Password strength indicators
   - Field validation messaging

4. Navigation and Flow
   - Logical tab order through forms
   - Skip links for long forms
   - Progress indicators for multi-step forms
   - Cancel and back button accessibility

Generate form accessibility report with:
- Field-by-field accessibility analysis
- WCAG 2.1 compliance assessment
- Screen reader testing results
- Remediation code examples
- User testing recommendations"

Screen Reader and Keyboard Testing

Assistive Technology Testing Workflows

Screen Reader Testing

# 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"

Keyboard Navigation Testing

# Comprehensive keyboard accessibility testing
claude "Test keyboard navigation using A11y MCP server:

Keyboard Navigation Assessment:
1. Tab Order Validation
   - Logical tab sequence through page content
   - Skip links for main content access
   - Modal dialog focus trapping
   - Focus return after dialog closure

2. Keyboard Shortcuts
   - Access key implementations
   - Custom keyboard shortcuts
   - Conflict detection with screen readers
   - Shortcut key documentation

3. Interactive Element Testing
   - Button activation (Enter/Space)
   - Link navigation (Enter key)
   - Form control manipulation
   - Custom widget keyboard support

4. Focus Management
   - Visible focus indicators
   - Focus trap in modal dialogs
   - Dynamic content focus handling
   - Skip navigation mechanisms

Keyboard Testing Scenarios:
- Navigate entire application using only keyboard
- Test all interactive elements for keyboard access
- Verify focus indicators are clearly visible
- Check custom components for ARIA keyboard patterns
- Test escape mechanisms for modal content
- Validate skip links functionality

Generate keyboard accessibility report with:
- Tab order analysis and recommendations
- Focus management assessment
- Keyboard shortcut documentation
- Custom widget keyboard pattern validation
- WCAG 2.1 keyboard accessibility compliance"

Visual and Cognitive Accessibility Testing

Comprehensive Visual Accessibility Assessment

Color and Contrast Testing

# 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"

Cognitive Accessibility Testing

# Cognitive accessibility and usability testing
claude "Assess cognitive accessibility using A11y MCP:

Cognitive Accessibility Assessment:
1. Content Clarity
   - Plain language usage assessment
   - Reading level analysis (8th grade target)
   - Sentence length and complexity evaluation
   - Jargon and technical term identification

2. Navigation and Wayfinding
   - Consistent navigation patterns
   - Clear page titles and headings
   - Breadcrumb navigation accessibility
   - Search functionality usability

3. Error Prevention and Recovery
   - Clear error messages with solutions
   - Confirmation for destructive actions
   - Undo functionality availability
   - Session timeout warnings

4. Cognitive Load Reduction
   - Information chunking and grouping
   - Progress indicators for multi-step processes
   - Help and documentation accessibility
   - Distraction-free interface design

Cognitive Testing Scenarios:
- Multi-step form completion testing
- Task completion with time limits
- Error recovery pathway validation
- Help system accessibility
- Memory load assessment for complex tasks

Generate cognitive accessibility report with:
- Reading level and language complexity analysis
- Navigation and wayfinding assessment
- Error handling and recovery evaluation
- Cognitive load reduction recommendations
- User testing suggestions for cognitive disabilities"

Advanced Accessibility Testing Workflows

Dynamic Content and Interactive Elements

Modal and Dialog Testing

# 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"

Live Region Testing

# Dynamic content and live region accessibility
claude "Test live regions and dynamic content accessibility:

Live Region Assessment:
1. ARIA Live Regions
   - Proper politeness levels (polite/assertive)
   - Live region announcement timing
   - Relevant content updates only
   - Atomic vs non-atomic updates

2. Dynamic Content Updates
   - Status message announcements
   - Progress indicator accessibility
   - Real-time data update handling
   - Auto-updating content accessibility

3. Interactive State Changes
   - Button state change announcements
   - Form validation message updates
   - Loading state communication
   - Error message dynamic display

4. Notification Systems
   - Toast notification accessibility
   - Alert dialog proper implementation
   - System status communication
   - User action confirmation messages

Dynamic Content Testing:
- AJAX content loading accessibility
- Single-page application navigation
- Real-time chat or messaging
- Live data visualization updates
- Shopping cart quantity updates
- Form validation feedback

Generate live region accessibility report with:
- ARIA live region implementation analysis
- Dynamic content announcement assessment
- User notification accessibility evaluation
- Screen reader compatibility validation
- Recommended improvements for dynamic UX"

CI/CD Accessibility Integration

Automated Accessibility Testing Pipeline

GitHub Actions A11y 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 Monitoring

# Continuous accessibility monitoring setup
Agent: "Set up continuous accessibility monitoring using A11y MCP:

Accessibility Monitoring Strategy:
1. Real-time WCAG Compliance Tracking
   - Daily automated accessibility scans
   - New content accessibility validation
   - Design system component a11y testing
   - Third-party integration accessibility checks

2. Accessibility Regression Prevention
   - Pre-commit accessibility validation
   - Pull request accessibility analysis
   - Component library accessibility testing
   - Design handoff accessibility requirements

3. User Experience Monitoring
   - Assistive technology compatibility testing
   - Real user accessibility feedback integration
   - Screen reader usage analytics
   - Keyboard-only user experience tracking

4. Legal Compliance Monitoring
   - ADA compliance assessment
   - Section 508 validation
   - WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA compliance tracking
   - International accessibility standard adherence

Integration Points:
- Design system accessibility documentation
- User testing lab accessibility setup
- Legal team compliance reporting
- Customer support accessibility training
- Development team accessibility education"

Accessibility Testing Best Practices

Sample Prompts for Accessibility Testing

Prompt Engineering for Accessibility Testing

Effective accessibility testing prompts follow the PRD → Plan → Todo pattern:

1. PRD: Define accessibility requirements and WCAG compliance level
2. Plan: Specify A11y MCP servers, assistive technologies, and testing approach
3. Todo: Break down into actionable accessibility validation steps

Web Application A11y Prompts

# 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"

SaaS Application A11y Prompts

# PRD: SaaS Platform Accessibility Enhancement
# Plan: Use A11y MCP + Playwright for comprehensive testing

"Test our SaaS platform accessibility comprehensively:

SaaS Accessibility Assessment:
- Multi-tenant application interface
- Complex data visualization components
- Real-time collaboration features
- Admin dashboard and user management

Accessibility Test Categories:
1. Core User Interface
   - Navigation and menu accessibility
   - Form interactions and data entry
   - Table and data grid accessibility
   - Modal dialogs and overlays

2. Data Visualization
   - Chart and graph accessibility
   - Alternative text for visual data
   - Keyboard navigation in visualizations
   - Screen reader data interpretation

3. Real-time Features
   - Live region announcements
   - Notification accessibility
   - Chat and messaging accessibility
   - Collaborative editing accessibility

Todo:
- [ ] Dashboard navigation accessibility testing
- [ ] Data visualization alternative formats
- [ ] Form wizard and multi-step process testing
- [ ] Real-time feature screen reader testing
- [ ] Mobile responsive accessibility validation
- [ ] User role-based accessibility assessment
- [ ] Integration with assistive technology
- [ ] Generate accessibility user guide

Expected SLAs:
- 100% keyboard navigable interface
- Screen reader compatibility score >95%
- Color contrast compliance across all themes
- Zero accessibility blockers for core workflows"

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

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

1. Set up A11y MCP Server

   # 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

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

3. Analyze Accessibility Results

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

4. Implement Accessibility Fixes

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

5. Set up Continuous A11y Testing

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

Common Accessibility Testing Scenarios

Accessibility Testing Templates

These prompt templates can be adapted for different applications and user needs. Modify the WCAG level, assistive technologies, and user scenarios based on your accessibility requirements.

Educational Platform Accessibility

# 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

# 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

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.

Common Accessibility Testing Pitfalls

Avoid These Mistakes:

1. Relying solely on automated tools - human judgment is essential
2. Testing only with mouse/touch - keyboard navigation is critical
3. Ignoring cognitive accessibility - clear language and navigation matter
4. Compliance over usability - meeting WCAG is the minimum, not the goal

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

Accessibility Testing Philosophy

Remember: Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating inclusive experiences for 1.85 billion people worldwide. Use AI-powered A11y testing to make accessibility testing accessible to your entire team, ensuring everyone can contribute to building inclusive digital experiences.