What method is often employed to test web accessibility?

User testing with individuals who have disabilities is a vital method for assessing web accessibility because it provides insights directly from those who experience accessibility challenges in their daily interactions with digital content. This approach ensures that the feedback is grounded in the real experiences of users who rely on various assistive technologies, such as screen readers or alternative navigation methods.

Individuals with disabilities can identify specific barriers that may not be apparent through automated testing tools or feedback from users without disabilities. Their perspectives are invaluable in evaluating how effectively a website meets accessibility standards, as they can offer suggestions for improvement based on personal interactions with the site. This method aligns closely with user-centered design principles, emphasizing the importance of engaging actual users in the testing process to create inclusive and effective web experiences.

Other methods, such as surveys or focus groups with designers, tend to provide more general feedback that may not adequately capture the diverse range of accessibility issues faced by users with disabilities. Automated testing tools can also help identify certain technical issues but often miss the nuances of user experience and practical usability.