Understanding Website Accessibility Report

Understanding the Website Accessibility Report

A website accessibility report is a formal evaluation that gauges a site’s alignment with accessibility benchmarks like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). It highlights problem areas that hinder access for users with cognitive, visual, auditory, or motor challenges, along with suggestions for improvement.

These reports combine data from automated scanning tools, hands-on assessments, and real-device testing to provide a complete snapshot of the site's accessibility status.

Importance of an Accessibility Compliance Report

A detailed accessibility compliance report holds significance for the following reasons:

• Evaluates accessibility performance: Clarifies a site's overall accessibility and brings both major and minor issues to light.
• Supports remediation planning: Supplies practical insights that assist developers in implementing necessary corrections.
• Reduces legal risk: Flags potential non-compliance with WCAG 2.1 and ADA to help avoid legal actions.
• Unifies team efforts: Provides a shared document that supports collaboration among design, development, QA, and legal teams.
• Demonstrates proactive compliance: Offers documented proof of accessibility efforts during compliance audits.

Essential Elements in a Website Accessibility Report

A strong accessibility report generally includes the following parts:

A comprehensive website accessibility report typically includes several key components that provide a complete picture of a site's accessibility status. Here are the essential elements:

Executive Summary

• Overall accessibility score/rating
• Total number of issues found (broken down by severity)
• Compliance level assessment (WCAG 2.1 A/AA/AAA)
• Key recommendations for immediate action
• Estimated remediation effort and timeline

Methodology & Scope

• Pages/sections tested (sample size and selection criteria)
• Testing tools used (automated scanners, manual testing, assistive technologies)
• Standards referenced (WCAG 2.1, Section 508, etc.)
• Testing environment (browsers, devices, screen readers)
• Limitations of the audit

Issue Inventory

• Critical issues (blocking access completely)
• Major issues (significant barriers to access)
• Minor issues (usability concerns)
• Issue categorization by WCAG principle (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust)
• Frequency of issues across the site

Detailed Findings

• Specific issue descriptions with screenshots
• WCAG success criteria violations with reference numbers
• User impact explanations (how it affects different disability types)
• Code examples showing current vs. recommended implementation
• Priority ratings for each issue

Remediation Recommendations

• Step-by-step fix instructions for each issue type
• Code snippets and implementation examples
• Best practice guidelines for ongoing accessibility
• Resource links and documentation references
• Testing procedures to verify fixes

Compliance Status

• Current compliance level against relevant standards
• Gap analysis showing what's needed for full compliance
• Legal risk assessment based on jurisdiction
• Comparison with industry benchmarks

When to conduct Accessibility Audits?

Timing plays a key role in maximizing the benefits of an accessibility evaluation. Suggested audit times include:

• During initial planning or redevelopment: Identifies issues early in the development lifecycle
• Post-launch assessment: Ensures that live versions of the site meet accessibility requirements
• Periodic maintenance reviews: Conducted quarterly or biannually to ensure continued adherence
• Pre-launch of key campaigns: Ensures user accessibility during major public releases
• Upon user complaints or feedback: Acts quickly to resolve real-world accessibility barriers

Template and Example of Accessibility Reports

Here is a detailed example of a website accessibility report:

1. Executive Summary

Website: [Website Name/URL]
Audit Date: [Date]
Standards Applied: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Overall Assessment

• Accessibility Score: 72/100
• Current Compliance Level: Partially Compliant (WCAG 2.1 Level A)
• Total Issues Found: 47 issues
  
  • Critical: 8 issues
  • Major: 19 issues
  • Minor: 20 issues

Key Findings

The website demonstrates moderate accessibility implementation but requires significant improvements to achieve WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. Primary barriers include missing alternative text for images, insufficient color contrast, and keyboard navigation issues.

Immediate Action Required

1. Add alternative text to all informational images (Critical - 1 week)
2. Improve color contrast ratios across the site (Critical - 2 weeks)
3. Fix keyboard navigation for dropdown menus (Critical - 1 week)
4. Add proper form labels to all input fields (Major - 2 weeks)

2. Methodology & Scope

Audit Scope

• Pages Tested: 25 pages across main sections
• Sample Selection: Homepage, key landing pages, forms, e-commerce flows
• User Journeys: Registration, purchase process, content consumption

Testing Methodology

• Automated Testing: axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse
• Manual Testing: Keyboard navigation, screen reader testing
• Assistive Technologies: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge

Standards Applied

• Primary Standard: WCAG 2.1 Level AA
• Secondary References: Section 508, ADA compliance best practices

3. Issue Inventory

Issues by Severity

Issues by WCAG Principle

Top 5 Critical Issues

1. Missing Alternative Text - 18 pages affected
2. Insufficient Color Contrast - 15 elements affected
3. Keyboard Navigation Failures - 12 components affected
4. Missing Form Labels - 8 forms affected
5. No Focus Indicators - Site-wide issue

4. Detailed Findings

Critical Issue #1: Missing Alternative Text for Images

WCAG Reference: 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)
Severity: Critical
Affected Pages: 18 out of 25 pages tested
User Impact: Screen reader users cannot understand image content

Current Issue:

<img src="product-hero.jpg" width="500" height="300">

Recommended Fix:

<img src="product-hero.jpg" alt="Woman using laptop while sitting in modern office chair" width="500" height="300">

Testing Method: Use a screen reader to navigate images and verify that descriptive alt text is present.

Critical Issue #2: Insufficient Color Contrast

WCAG Reference: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)
Severity: Critical
Affected Elements: Button text, form labels, navigation links
User Impact: Users with low vision cannot read text clearly

Current Issue:

• Primary button: Light gray text (#999999) on white background
• Contrast ratio: 2.8:1 (fails WCAG requirement of 4.5:1)

Recommended Fix:

• Use darker text color (#333333) for contrast ratio of 12.6:1
• Update CSS: color: #333333;

Testing Tools: WebAIM Contrast Checker, Chrome DevTools Color Picker

Who should use a Website Accessibility Report?

Organizations with a digital presence can benefit significantly from accessibility reports, such as:

• Digital agencies building websites and applications for clients
• SaaS providers and enterprise platforms striving for regulatory compliance
• Educational institutions and government bodies obligated to meet legal standards
• Online businesses aiming to reach broader user demographics
• Internal departments in charge of legal compliance and quality assurance

Steps to Build a Website Accessibility Compliance Report

Here is a step-by-step outline for compiling an accurate and effective accessibility report:

1. Set audit parameters: Choose target pages, templates, and interactive flows to review.
2. Select evaluation standards: Use WCAG 2.1 Level AA as a reference for all checks.
3. Run accessibility tests:
   
   • Apply automated tools such as BrowserStack Accessibility Tool, Lighthouse, or Pa11y to catch common issues.
   • Perform manual testing for keyboard navigation and screen reader behavior.
4. Log and categorize issues: Capture details including screenshots, error locations, and affected components.
5. Classify severity: Prioritize issues based on impact level—critical, moderate, or minor.
6. Provide recommended fixes: Include technical or design-based resolutions for each issue.
7. Assemble findings: Develop a comprehensive report with a summary and detailed logs.
8. Conduct validation testing: Re-audit to verify that the applied changes have resolved the problems.

Recommended Tools for Generating Accessibility Reports

Various tools exist to support the creation of accessibility compliance reports. Here are a few widely used solutions:

1. BrowserStack Accessibility

Developer: BrowserStack
Type: Accessibility testing platform
Best For: Teams looking for real-device testing and scalable compliance insights

Key Features:

• Real-device testing – Tests accessibility across 3,500+ real devices and browsers
• No-code cloud-based execution – Run accessibility tests without local setup
• WCAG 2.1 compliance reports – Downloadable reports with fix recommendations
• Visual context – Includes screenshots, severity tagging, and clear issue documentation
• CI/CD integration – Seamlessly integrates with development workflows and automation

Report Output:

• WCAG 2.1-compliant reports with actionable insights
• Severity-tagged issues and clear classification of issue priorities
• Screenshots and visual context for easy understanding
• Reports designed for technical and non-technical teams
• Immediate testing results with clear recommendations for fixes
• Utilizes historical health trends and smart issue summaries
• CI/CD tool integrations for ongoing testing
• Catch complex issues like color contrast, reflow, and focus visible across web pages at once
• Downloadable, audit-ready report output

2. Lighthouse

Developer: Google
Type: Built-in browser tool and CLI
Best For: Performance and accessibility auditing

Key Features:

• Multi-category auditing - Accessibility, performance, SEO, and more
• Built-in Chrome DevTools - No additional installation required
• Mobile and desktop testing - Comprehensive device coverage
• Scoring system - Provides overall accessibility score
• CI/CD integration - Automated testing in development pipelines

Report Output:

• Overall accessibility score (0-100)
• Categorized issues with impact assessment
• Opportunities for improvement
• Passed audits summary

3. Siteimprove

Developer: Siteimprove
Type: Enterprise accessibility platform
Best For: Large organizations with multiple websites

Key Features:

• Comprehensive site monitoring - Continuous accessibility tracking
• Priority-based reporting - Focuses on high-impact issues first
• Integration capabilities - Works with popular CMS platforms
• Team collaboration - Multi-user workflows and task assignment
• Historical tracking - Monitor accessibility improvements over time

Report Output:

• Executive dashboards with key metrics
• Detailed issue reports with priorities
• Progress tracking and trend analysis
• Compliance status reporting

4. Tenon

Developer: Tenon LLC
Type: API-based accessibility testing service
Best For: Developers needing API integration

Key Features:

• API-first approach - Easy integration with existing tools
• Batch testing - Test multiple pages simultaneously
• Customizable reporting - Flexible output formats
• WCAG compliance focus - Specifically designed for WCAG conformance
• Developer-friendly - JSON output and detailed technical information

Report Output:

• JSON-formatted issue reports
• WCAG success criteria mapping
• Issue severity and confidence levels
• Remediation guidance

5. Level Access AMP

Type: Accessibility management platform
Best For: Enterprise accessibility programs

Key Features:

• Continuous monitoring - Ongoing accessibility tracking
• Integration capabilities - Works with existing development tools
• Training resources - Built-in accessibility education
• Compliance tracking - Monitor progress toward accessibility goals

Report Output:

• Comprehensive accessibility scorecards
• Trend analysis and historical data
• Compliance status reports
• Remediation planning tools

Choosing the Right Tool for Accessibility Reporting

Here is how you must choose the right tool to generate Website accessibility report:

• Scope of Testing: Choose a tool based on the depth of testing you need, whether it’s for specific elements or an overall site audit.
• Automation vs. Manual Testing: Balance automated scans for quick checks with manual testing to catch complex issues.
• Integration with Development Tools: Look for tools that integrate seamlessly with your CMS, development platforms, and workflow.
• Reporting Features: Choose tools that offer clear, detailed reports with actionable recommendations and visual aids.
• Cost and Licensing: Consider your budget and whether you need a free tool or a paid one for advanced features.
• Support and Resources: Opt for tools with strong customer support, documentation, and training resources.
• Accuracy and Reliability: Ensure the tool is reliable, adheres to WCAG standards, and is updated regularly.

For teams that prioritize real-device testing and comprehensive reports, BrowserStack excels. It offers real-device testing across 3,500+ environments, cloud-based execution, and downloadable WCAG 2.1-compliant reports with clear recommendations. Unlike others, BrowserStack adds visual context, severity tagging, and a collaborative format, making it user-friendly for both technical and non-technical teams. 

Tools like Lighthouse, Pa11y, and Tenon provide automation and command-line integrations, ideal for quick, technical checks. 

Common Challenges in Accessibility Compliance Reports

Accessibility audits frequently reveal recurring usability barriers. Below are examples of typical issues along with their real-world impact:

• Missing alternative text: Images lack descriptive tags, making content inaccessible to users relying on screen readers.
• Low contrast between text and background: Insufficient visual contrast affects readability for users with vision impairments.
• Form inputs without labels: Fields are missing proper identifiers, confusing screen reader users during data entry.
• Menus inaccessible via keyboard: Navigation cannot be performed without a mouse, preventing access for users with motor disabilities.
• Incorrect heading structure: Pages skip heading levels or use them inconsistently, disrupting content flow for assistive technology.
• Ambiguous link labels: Vague phrases like “click here” do not provide context, making navigation difficult.
• No visible keyboard focus: Users navigating with a keyboard cannot determine where they are on the page.
• Incorrect ARIA implementation: Misused or unnecessary ARIA roles can mislead screen readers and other assistive tools.
• No skip navigation option: Users are forced to tab through repetitive elements instead of jumping to main content.
• Unannounced dynamic content: Popups, form errors, or content updates occur without being communicated to assistive technologies.

How to Interpret Website Accessibility Reports Effectively?

Interpreting a website accessibility report effectively requires a clear understanding of the key findings, prioritizing issues, and knowing how to take action on the identified problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Understand the Report Structure: Familiarize yourself with the report layout, focusing on sections like critical issues, warnings, and informational notes for easy navigation.

2. Focus on WCAG Compliance Levels: Prioritize fixing Level A (Critical) issues first, followed by Level AA (Recommended), and address Level AAA (Optional) last.

3. Prioritize Based on User Impact: Rank issues by how they affect users with disabilities, addressing high-impact problems like missing alt text and poor color contrast first.

4. Examine Visual Context: Look for visual aids such as screenshots or videos in the report to better understand and locate accessibility issues.

5. Identify Fix Recommendations: Review the actionable suggestions in the report for addressing accessibility issues, such as code adjustments or design improvements.

6. Collaborate with Your Team: Ensure non-technical teams, like content creators or designers, understand accessibility issues and work with developers for fixes.

7. Regularly Reassess Your Website: Conduct ongoing accessibility assessments to maintain compliance and ensure that new content doesn’t introduce new barriers.

Legal Frameworks and Compliance Mandates

Accessibility reports must be aligned with recognized regulations to support legal readiness. These include:

• WCAG 2.1 (Level AA): The global standard that defines accessible design and development requirements.
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): U.S. regulation mandating equal access to digital content for individuals with disabilities.
• Section 508: U.S. federal rule requiring government websites and IT systems to be usable by people with disabilities.
• EN 301 549: European Union standard that mandates accessibility for public sector websites and apps.
• AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act): Canadian law requiring digital accessibility for businesses and public organizations in Ontario.

An accessibility report helps confirm a site’s compliance by documenting adherence to these legal frameworks and identifying where further work is needed.

Presenting Accessibility Insights to Stakeholders

To gain support for accessibility improvements, present the report findings in a strategic and relatable way:

• Show real-user impact: Include examples, quotes, or metrics that illustrate how inaccessibility affects daily user interactions.
• Communicate legal exposure: Reference actual cases or compliance fines relevant to the organization’s industry.
• Highlight business value: Emphasize benefits such as enhanced SEO, broader reach, and improved customer satisfaction.
• Outline phased plans: Propose prioritized rollouts of fixes, grouped into manageable development sprints.
• Include visuals: Use annotated screenshots or summaries from the report to clearly convey problem areas.

Conclusion

The most impactful accessibility reports prioritize clarity and actionability over exhaustive documentation. They address critical access-blocking issues first, followed by major barriers that significantly impact user experience. 

Successful reporting also recognizes that compliance is an ongoing journey requiring regular audits, continuous monitoring, and iterative improvements.