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Accessibility · Guide and template

Record an accessibility first pass

Check a few common barriers and create a useful issue log for follow-up.

Go to the template

Before you start

You need a starting point for reviewing a web journey, with a clear record of what was and was not checked.

You’ll have: Reproducible observations, their impact and an explicit list of checks still needed.

How to use it

  1. 1. Set a small, explicit scope

    Choose a page or task. Record the version, browser and device so another person can repeat your observations.

  2. 2. Try the basic checks

    Use the keyboard to reach and operate controls, look for visible focus, enlarge text, and inspect headings, labels and image alternatives. Follow W3C WAI’s Easy Checks for the procedure and expected behaviour.

  3. 3. Write issues someone can investigate

    For each barrier, record the steps, expected and observed behaviour, task impact and evidence. Mark unknowns as not checked. Assign a follow-up owner and repeat the affected task after a change.

An example

Illustrative observation: “After opening the date picker with the keyboard, I could not return to the page. This prevented me from completing the booking.” Record the environment and steps alongside it.

Keep in mind: This is a preliminary check, not a full accessibility evaluation or compliance certificate. Passing these checks does not establish that a service is accessible.

Use the template

Copy it into your own document or download the Markdown file. Fill it in with your team, using the guide above. No account or email is required.

Download .md

Preview the blank template
# Accessibility first-pass log

## Scope
- Page or journey:
- Date and version:
- Browser and device:
- Checks performed:

## Check status (record issues separately)
- Keyboard operation and visible focus: observed / issue / not checked
- Text enlargement: observed / issue / not checked
- Heading structure: observed / issue / not checked
- Labels and instructions: observed / issue / not checked
- Image alternatives: observed / issue / not checked

## Issue (repeat as needed)
- Short title:
- Steps to reproduce:
- Expected behaviour:
- Observed behaviour:
- Effect on completing the task:
- Evidence reference (avoid personal information):
- Relevant guidance:
- Follow-up owner:
- Retest result and date:

## Coverage still needed
- Assistive technologies and environments:
- Participant perspectives:
- Other criteria or journeys:

These notes record a first pass, not a conformance determination.

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Cumulative · Record an accessibility first pass
Guide: https://cumulative.com.au/resources/accessibility-first-pass

This is a preliminary check, not a full accessibility evaluation or compliance certificate. Passing these checks does not establish that a service is accessible.