A useful website should work for as many people as possible, including people who use a keyboard, zoom in, or rely on a screen reader. You do not need specialist software to spot some common barriers. These checks are a starting point, not a full accessibility audit or proof that a site meets a standard.
Try moving around without a mouse
Open a page and use the Tab key to move through its links and controls. The focus should be visible as you move. Check that you can reach the main menu, buttons and form fields, and that the order makes sense. Press Enter or Space to activate a control, and use Shift plus Tab to move back. If you get stuck, cannot see where you are, or a control only responds to a mouse, note the page and what happened.
Zoom in and check the layout
Increase the browser zoom and make the text larger. Look for text that overlaps, disappears, or forces you to scroll sideways to read ordinary page content. Check that buttons and links remain visible and usable. A page does not need to look identical at every size, but its content should still be accessible.
Check the headings
Headings help people scan a page and understand its structure. Read the page headings on their own. Do they describe the sections that follow? A heading should be a real heading in the page, not just a line made to look larger or bolder. If several sections have no clear heading, add or rename headings so the order is easy to follow.
Look at images and links
Ask what each important image adds. If it carries information, its text alternative should explain the useful point, rather than simply say “image”. If it is only decoration, it should not add distracting words for someone using a screen reader. Read links out of context too. “Read our opening hours” says more than “click here”.
Test a form from start to finish
Can you tell what each field is for before typing? Labels should remain clear when a field is filled. Try leaving a required field blank and submitting the form. Any error should explain what needs fixing and where, without relying on colour alone. Check that the message is readable and that the form can be completed with a keyboard.
A practical first pass
- Use Tab and Shift plus Tab to check keyboard access and visible focus.
- Zoom in and check that content still fits and remains readable.
- Scan the headings and make sure they describe the sections.
- Check the purpose of important images and links.
- Send a test form and read the labels and error messages.
- Write down the exact page and issue, then fix the clearest barrier first.
These quick checks can help me spot some common issues, but they cannot tell me whether a website is fully accessible. I would treat them as a first pass, not a full accessibility audit. If you would like a hand checking your own site, get in touch.