Accessibility - Common web accessibility testing tools

Body

In order to make sure your website complies with recognized accessibility standards, use website accessibility evaluation tools. These tools can assist you in identifying potential accessibility issues and barriers faster, and they can be used at any point during the web design and development life cycle. Tools can help you with fully automated tests as well as manual testing that needs human intervention.

Types of tools

Web-based
Example - Wave – Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
Browser plugin
Example - SiteImprove Accessibility Checker (Chrome and Firefox)
Desktop application
Example - The Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA) for Windows and Mac
Software application
Example - NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)
API

Visit IT Accessibility – Testing Tools for a list of the most popular tools currently in use. For a complete list of tools, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has a repository of testing tools within its Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools List.

Takeaways

An important thing to note is that an evaluation tool cannot verify all areas of accessibility standards automatically. It is necessary to use human judgment and discretion to determine actual errors. Evaluation tools can sometimes give inaccurate or misleading results which need validation. Web accessibility evaluation tools can only aid in testing for accessibility, not determine it.

Details

Article ID: 850

Created

Thu 11/7/24 12:22 PM

Modified

Wed 2/12/25 4:38 PM

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Digital Accessibility Training

This offering provides educational sessions and workshops on digital accessibility. Training covers topics such as accessibility standards, tools, and techniques to help participants create and maintain accessible digital content and services.

Website Accessibility Assessment

Website Accessibility Assessment evaluates websites for compliance with accessibility standards. This service identifies areas for improvement and provides recommendations to ensure that websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.