With the increasing importance of digital presence, having a website that is accessible to everyone is more crucial than ever. Accessibility not only provides equal access to users with disabilities but also plays a significant role in enhancing search engine optimization (SEO) and improving user experience.
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In this blog, we’ll be delving into the top 8 website accessibility tools that can help ensure inclusivity and compliance, making your website accessible to all.
What are Website Accessibility Tools?
Website accessibility tools are special software programs or online services that analyze and test websites for any accessibility issues. These tools help identify any barriers that users with disabilities might face when trying to access a website.
By using these tools, website owners can identify areas where their website’s design or functionality can be improved to make it more accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
These tools are essential in ensuring that everyone can access a website’s content and services without any difficulties.
Some of the common website accessibility evaluation tools are wave, axe, siteimprove accessibility checker, and more.
Related: Benefits of Website Redesign Service and Strategy
Top 8 Website Accessibility Tools
Here’s a table of the best eight website accessibility tools that you must be aware of:
| WAVE | AccessLint: AccessLint |
| aXe | Accessibility Insights |
| Tenon.io | Funkify |
| Siteimprove Accessibility Checker | Color Contrast Analyzer |
Let’s know more about these tools:
1. WAVE
It is a free website accessibility tool that provides detailed reports on website accessibility. It identifies errors, alerts, and features that require attention. The tool is available both online and as a browser extension.
Some features of Wave tool:
- Provides a contrast ratio analysis of website elements.
- Allows users to filter results by error, alert, feature, or structure.
- Offers keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation.
2. aXe
It is a free and open-source accessibility testing tool that analyzes websites for accessibility issues. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and provides recommendations on how to fix them. aXe is available as a browser extension and can be integrated into development environments.
Some features of aXe tool:
- Offers customization options to test against specific accessibility guidelines.
- Provides an automated rule selection feature.
- Allows users to export reports in various formats.
3. Tenon.io
It is a cloud-based accessibility testing tool that offers automated testing for web applications and websites. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and offers integration with popular development environments such as Visual Studio and Eclipse.
Some features of Tenon.io tool:
- Offers integration with third-party testing tools such as Selenium.
- Provides a customizable ruleset that can be adjusted to fit specific accessibility needs.
- Offers a command-line interface for easier integration into development workflows.
4. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
It is a free browser extension that analyzes websites for accessibility issues. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and offers recommendations on how to fix them. The tool also offers integration with popular content management systems such as WordPress and Drupal.
Some features of Siteimprove Accessibility Checker tool:
- Provides a side-by-side comparison of the website’s accessibility status before and after making changes.
- Offers a feature to ignore false positives.
- Provides a bookmarklet feature for easier testing of password-protected or intranet sites.
5. AccessLint
AccessLint is a free accessibility testing tool that integrates with development environments such as GitHub and Bitbucket. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and provides recommendations on how to fix them. AccessLint also offers integration with popular development environments such as Visual Studio and Eclipse.
Some features of AccessLint tool:
- Allows users to set up custom rules for accessibility testing.
- Provides continuous testing and reporting on code changes.
- Offers a webhook feature to integrate with other tools such as Slack.
6. Accessibility Insights
Accessibility Insights is a free website accessibility testing tool that offers automated testing for web applications and websites. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues and offers integration with popular development environments such as Visual Studio and Eclipse.
Some features of Accessibility Insights tool:
- Offers a wide range of testing options, including keyboard navigation and ARIA testing.
- Provides a “needs review” feature to flag potential issues that require manual testing.
- Offers a detailed report on accessibility issues broken down by severity level.
7. Funkify
Funkify is a browser extension that simulates different disabilities to help developers understand how users with disabilities access websites. It offers a range of simulation options, including visual, cognitive, and motor disabilities.
Some features of Funkify tool:
- Offers a range of simulation options, including dyslexia and ADHD.
- Provides a feature to test for screen reader compatibility.
- Allows users to save and share their simulations with others.
8. Color Contrast Analyzer
Color Contrast Analyzer is a free tool that analyzes the color contrast of a website’s design. It ensures that the website’s content is easily readable for users with visual impairments. The tool provides detailed reports on color contrast and offers recommendations on how to improve contrast.
Some features of Color Contrast Analyzer tool:
- Provides a preview of how text and images will appear to users with visual impairments.
- Offers a feature to automatically adjust color contrast to meet accessibility guidelines.
- Allows users to adjust color settings and save them for future use.
Also read: How to Secure Your WordPress Website from Hackers?
What Are Website Accessibility Standards?
Website accessibility standards refer to guidelines and requirements that ensure websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. These standards are intended to make web content and applications more usable and accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
The common website accessibility standards are:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines provide a standard for web accessibility. They cover a wide range of accessibility issues, including website design, content structure, and coding practices.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It applies to websites and other digital content, requiring them to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 508
These accessibility standards were developed by the U.S. government and require federal agencies to make their websites and digital content accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA)
ARIA is a set of attributes that can be added to HTML to improve the accessibility of dynamic content and user interfaces. It provides additional information to assistive technology devices like screen readers.
Related: Understanding Website Analytics: Tools and Metrics to Improve Your Site
Benefits of website accessibility tools
Website accessibility tools have many benefits for website owners, developers, and users, including:
1. Identifying accessibility barriers
Accessibility tools help identify any accessibility barriers that users with disabilities might face when accessing a website. This information can then be used to improve the website’s accessibility and provide equal access to all users.
2. Saving time and money
By identifying accessibility issues early in the development process, website accessibility tools can help save time and money that would otherwise be spent on fixing issues later on.
3. Improving user experience
Accessibility tools help ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access a website’s content and services. This can lead to improved user experience and satisfaction.
4. Complying with accessibility standards
Website accessibility tools help website owners and developers comply with accessibility standards such as WCAG, ADA, and Section 508.
5. Enhancing reputation and brand image
By demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, website owners and developers can enhance their reputation and brand image as inclusive and socially responsible.
Also read: How to Troubleshoot Website Downtime Issues?
Conclusion
In conclusion, website accessibility is crucial in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their ability, can access and use a website. The use of website accessibility tools can greatly assist website owners and developers in identifying accessibility issues and making necessary improvements.
The top 8 website accessibility tools mentioned in this article provide a range of features and functionalities to help ensure website inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards. By implementing these tools and addressing accessibility issues, website owners and developers can create a more accessible and inclusive online experience for all users.
