How Accessible.org Determines the Scope for Accessibility Audits

How to Determine the Scope for an Accessibility Audit

When conducting an accessibility audit, defining the right scope is essential to balance thoroughness with efficiency. Rather than auditing an entire website, which would be impractical and costly, the goal is to focus on key areas that deliver the most value. Here’s how to determine the scope for an accessibility audit:

1. Identify Key Pages and User Flows

  • User Flows: Start by reviewing common user journeys. For instance, on an e-commerce site, this might include the homepage, product pages, cart, and checkout screens. Auditing these pages ensures you cover the most important pathways.
  • Page Layouts: Look for recurring layouts, such as collections or product pages. Even if a layout appears multiple times, auditing it once is sufficient to address any potential accessibility issues across the site.

2. Include Important, Legal, and Unique Content

  • Primary Pages: Ensure you include critical pages like the homepage, product pages, and the contact page. These pages are essential for most user interactions.
  • Important Pages: Don’t forget legal or compliance pages such as privacy policies, terms of service, or accessibility statements. These pages have legal significance, and issues on them could impact the site’s compliance.
  • Unique Content: Unique content can include things like maps, surveys, reviews, or PDFs. These elements may not be obvious in user flow or page layouts, but if they introduce accessibility challenges, they must be included in the audit.

By focusing on these areas, you ensure a comprehensive audit without unnecessary repetition. If you’re unsure about the scope, it’s always helpful to collaborate with the client to identify what’s most critical for their site.

Key Takeaways

  • Focus on user flows, primary pages, and important layouts.
  • Include legal pages and any unique content that could introduce accessibility issues.

This method allows you to provide an effective, targeted accessibility audit without overwhelming your resources.