In today’s digital landscape, web accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about making sure everyone can easily use and navigate online spaces. Today, Global Accessibility Awareness Day, or GAAD, is a great reminder to check on our digital presence to ensure we’re accessible for all in every space, including online. The purpose of this holiday is to get everyone thinking, talking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, as well as people with different disabilities.
At Amramp, we understand that a website that’s easy for everyone to use isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Whether someone is using a screen reader, navigating with a keyboard, or needing other assistive technologies, web accessibility ensures that no one is left out.
It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about creating a more inclusive online world where everyone can participate equally. So, when we talk about the importance of web accessibility, we’re not just ticking boxes; we’re opening doors.
The GAAD Foundation was created on the 10th anniversary of GAAD with a mission to “disrupt the culture of technology and digital product development to include accessibility as a core requirement.” Colorado’s new Technology Accessibility Cleanup bill (which requires more web accessibility), helps move that mission forward. To celebrate the bill, we wanted to share some tools web developers can use to see if their website is accessible.
Checking for Overall Accessibility
Texas Tech Online Accessibility Education
Texas Tech University has an excellent section on how to make your materials accessible. If you’re brand new to accessibility, then this is a fantastic place to start.
Chrome Extension WAVE Evaluation Tool
The WAVE Evaluation Tool checks for WCAG 2.1 compliance (the current version is 3, but it’s still a good starting point), color contract, links, alt text, and more.
This inspects your website for Accessible names and descriptions (think Alt text). It gives practical advice to improve accessibility and checks for 508 Compliance.
This free tool will let you know if you website is ADA and WCAG compliant.
Accessibility Insight is a tool that checks for WCAG 2.1 compliance, as well as checking for issues related to keyboard access. You can either download it to a Windows computer or use the browser extension for Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
QualWeb Web Accessibility Evaluator
A comprehensive tool that allows you to check against WCAG and ACT Rules.
Color Contrast
Colour Contrast Analyzer (CCA)
A free tool to check your text and visual elements for color contrast for those with color-blindness or low vision impairments.
You can input the codes of the foreground and background to see if there is enough contrast.
Epilepsy
Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool (PEAT)
Most people think of color contrast and alt-text when they think of accessibility. It’s more than that, it’s also meant to keep the web safe for those with epilepsy. That’s what this tool checks for. It’s only available on windows.
Alt Text
Image Description Training Tool
For those who are not suer what to write in that at textbox The Benetech Initiative has got you covered! Their comprehensive (and free) training will help you learn when and how to describe images as well as having a practice module.
SEO Site Checkup – Image Alt Test
The Image Alt Test allows you to see if you have alt text for all of your graphics. It’s not only good for your SEO, it’s good for the community.
SEOptimer – Image Alt Tag Checker
Another SEO Optimizer to help you make sure your website has alt descriptions for all of your graphics.
Captions and Subtitles
vizard helps you generate captions! Captions are not just helpful for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. They’re also beneficial for those with ADD or Auditory processing disorders or anyone who can’t use headphones at the moment.
This tool allows for auto subtitles for up to 1 hour of content per month.
ScreenReaders
Don’t forget to check using Screen readers!
Here are some free screen readers:
ChromeVox a web extension for Chrome Browsers
Is there a tool you love that we didn’t mention? Let us know!
Disclaimer: These software listings are sourced from online platforms, and we haven’t tested them ourselves. We do not endorse or promote any specific software, vendor, or associated groups mentioned here. Users should conduct their own research before using any software listed.
