Effective Accessibility Testing Methodologies and Seamless Accessibility Integration in Mobile Applications

In order to simplify the life of citizens, online services were developed and provided through web and mobile applications. To ensure that all citizens can benefit from it, web as well as mobile applications must be all inclusive means accessible. An accessible mobile application is not only advantageous for users with severe disabilities but also accommodates the users with situational disabilities, temporary disabilities, native language speakers and senior citizens. This paper focuses on accessibility aspect of mobile applications. It shows accessibility evaluation of three major e-governance mobile applications in India and based on it recommends a simple testing methodology. Implementation of this simple testing methodology during application development will help make all mobile applications accessible and hence all inclusive. The paper also discusses the accessibility concerns which not allow the disable to use the application and remediation on these issues. Through the inclusion of proposed testing methodology as a part of software development lifecycle, one can ensure that no one is left behind in availing the services through mobile applications.