dev-accessibility-audit

Accessibility audit workflow

Use this workflow when a frontend change or existing UI needs accessibility review.

Steps

1. Define the scope.

   • Pages, routes, components, dialogs, forms, tables, navigation, or flows.
   • Target platforms and any stated compliance level.
   • Known user complaints or previous violations.

2. Collect evidence.

   • Source components and templates.
   • Existing tests, Storybook stories, screenshots, or browser states.
   • Design tokens for color, spacing, focus, and typography.

3. Check core interaction requirements.

   • Semantic HTML and landmark structure.
   • Keyboard-only navigation and visible focus.
   • Logical tab order and focus trapping for modals.
   • Labels, descriptions, errors, and required field announcements.
   • Button, link, menu, tab, combobox, table, and dialog roles.

4. Check perception and responsiveness.

   • Color contrast and non-color cues.
   • Text wrapping and zoom behavior.
   • Hit target size for touch interfaces.
   • Motion, animation, reduced-motion support, and loading states.

5. Validate with available tools.

   • Run lint, tests, browser inspection, accessibility tree snapshots, axe-like checks, or manual keyboard smoke tests when available.
   • Record what was not tested when assistive technology is unavailable.

6. Prioritize remediation.

   • Blocking issues that prevent task completion.
   • High-risk WCAG or keyboard failures.
   • Usability improvements and regression tests.

Output

Return:

1. Scope reviewed
2. Blocking accessibility findings
3. Important non-blocking findings
4. Recommended fixes
5. Validation performed
6. Residual risk and untested assistive technology

Do not

• Do not claim formal WCAG compliance without the required test evidence.
• Do not rely only on automated checks.
• Do not add ARIA when semantic HTML already solves the problem.
• Do not ignore keyboard and focus behavior.