Limits of automated accessibility testing

Automated testing is powerful for detection and regression tracking, but it cannot determine full conformance with WCAG. The W3C states that evaluation tools can help but cannot check all accessibility aspects automatically, and that human judgement is required.

Things automated tests cannot reliably judge include:

• whether text alternatives, labels, headings and link texts are meaningful;
• whether reading and focus order is logical;
• whether instructions and error suggestions are understandable;
• captions and audio-description quality;
• behaviour with each screen reader and assistive technology;
• content that only appears after login, in specific states or at other viewports.

Our scans also sample pages and stop the journey before payment. Payment forms from providers are only tested when reachable without entering data.

TabToCart reports never state that a website is compliant. Use them to find and fix barriers, to prevent regressions, and to document ongoing effort — together with manual audits by qualified experts.