How to test accessibility before sending?
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Accessibility testing shouldn't be a checkbox you rush through on send day. It's not complicated, and when you build it into your template review process, it becomes automatic.
Start with automated checks. Run your email code through a color contrast validator. Check the HTML with a semantic validator. these catch missing alt text, heading structure problems, and link issues. Tools like Litmus and Email on Acid have built-in accessibility audits. They're quick and catch obvious issues.
Listen to it with a screen reader. Download VoiceOver (Mac) or NVDA (free, Windows). Open your email in your email client and listen. Does the content flow logically? Can you understand everything? Are headings in the right order? This takes 10 minutes and reveals problems automated tools miss. The screen reader doesn't lie.
Test keyboard navigation. Can you access every link by pressing Tab without a mouse? If you can't get to something with the keyboard, neither can many users. Zoom to 200%. Does the layout still work? Is text readable? Preview with images off. Does the email still make sense? Your alt text should carry the weight. Check readability. Are sentences short? Is vocabulary clear? Accessible language helps everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Next step: Pick your most-sent template. Test it right now using at least two methods: automated check (use Review My Emails Accessibility Checker) and screen reader test (5 minutes with VoiceOver or NVDA). Note what breaks. That's your starting checklist for future emails.
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