Making your website accessible is only the first step. To maintain compliance and usability, you need a system to track accessibility progress over time.
Without tracking, new updates can introduce issues, fixes may go unverified, and accessibility efforts lose momentum. This guide explains how to measure improvements and keep accessibility on track.
Why Tracking Accessibility Matters
Accessibility is not static.
Websites change constantly with:
- New content
- Design updates
- Plugin installations
- Feature additions
Tracking helps you:
- Identify trends
- Prevent regressions
- Prove compliance efforts
- Prioritize fixes
Establishing an Accessibility Baseline
Start by creating a baseline report.
This includes:
- Running an accessibility checker scan
- Documenting major WCAG issues
- Listing high-impact errors
- Recording accessibility scores or metrics
This baseline serves as your starting point for improvement.
Using Accessibility Checkers for Ongoing Tracking
Accessibility checkers are ideal for tracking changes.
They can:
- Run scheduled scans
- Compare reports over time
- Highlight new vs resolved issues
- Track progress visually
Automated tracking saves time and ensures consistency.
Key Accessibility Metrics to Monitor
Some helpful metrics include:
- Number of WCAG violations
- Severity of issues
- Pages affected
- Recurring problem types
- Fix completion rates
Monitoring these helps focus on high-impact areas.
Conducting Periodic Manual Reviews
Automated tools don’t catch everything.
Manual reviews should include:
- Keyboard navigation tests
- Screen reader checks
- Form usability testing
- Content accessibility reviews
Manual insights provide real-world validation.
Creating an Accessibility Improvement Plan
After each scan or audit:
- Prioritize critical issues
- Assign fixes
- Set deadlines
- Re-test after updates
This creates a continuous improvement cycle.
Reporting Accessibility Progress to Stakeholders
Accessibility reports help:
- Demonstrate effort
- Show measurable improvement
- Support compliance documentation
- Build organizational awareness
Clear reporting keeps accessibility visible and valued.
Common Challenges in Accessibility Tracking
Some common problems include:
- Inconsistent testing schedules
- Ignoring content updates
- Relying on one-time audits
- Not documenting fixes
Consistency is key to success.
Best Practices for Long-Term Accessibility Success
- Schedule regular scans
- Track metrics monthly
- Review content accessibility
- Update training for teams
- Monitor third-party tools
Accessibility improves when it’s part of routine workflows.
Final Thoughts
Tracking website accessibility progress ensures your efforts lead to lasting improvements. By using accessibility checkers, setting benchmarks, and performing regular reviews, you can maintain WCAG and ADA compliance while creating better experiences for all users.
Accessibility is a journey — tracking keeps you moving forward.
