Best Tools for Accessibility Testing

Creating inclusive and accessible user interfaces is not only a best practice but also a legal requirement. As more and more users rely on assistive ...

technologies to use digital platforms, making your designs accessible to everyone is paramount. This blog post introduces some of the best accessibility testing tools available and will help you create user-friendly interfaces that cater to all users, including those with disabilities.

1. Accessibility Inspectors
2. Accessibility Testing Suites
3. Automated Testing Tools
4. Manual Testing Tools
5. Training and Education
6. Conclusion

1.) Accessibility Inspectors

a. Wave Evaluation Tool

The Wave Evaluation Tool (WAVE) is one of the most widely used web accessibility evaluation tools. It scans websites and provides detailed reports on potential issues related to accessibility, such as color contrast errors, missing form labels, and inaccessible content. WAVE is free and can be integrated into various browsers like Firefox and Chrome.

b. Axe Browser Extension

Developed by Deque Labs, Axe is a powerful browser extension that can identify over 20 different types of accessibility issues on web pages. It's comprehensive and provides actionable results to help developers improve the accessibility of their websites.

2.) Accessibility Testing Suites

a. Google Lighthouse

Lighthouse is an open-source tool by Google that can be run directly in Chrome DevTools or via command line. It offers automated audits for performance, accessibility, progressive web apps, and more. By analyzing the results, you can identify areas where your website's accessibility could be improved.

b. Tenon

Tenon is a commercial tool that provides detailed reports on accessibility issues across websites or mobile applications. It includes features like automated testing for WCAG 2.1 compliance and manual checks to ensure comprehensive coverage of potential problems.

3.) Automated Testing Tools

a. Accessibility Insights

This is an open-source tool developed by Microsoft that uses AI to scan websites for accessibility issues, including those related to color contrast, keyboard navigation, and more. It's versatile and can be used in various environments from local machines to Azure cloud services.

b. APCA - Automated Page Contrast Analyser

APCA is a tool designed specifically for checking the contrast between text and its background on web pages. High contrast ratios are crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. APCA provides detailed reports on issues related to low contrast that need attention.

4.) Manual Testing Tools

a. Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA) Plugin

For mobile and desktop applications, the CCA plugin helps in analyzing color contrasts visually. This is invaluable during the UI design phase where you can immediately see if colors chosen will have sufficient contrast to be legible for users with low vision or color blindness.

b. VoiceOver on macOS

While not a standalone tool, VoiceOver (built-in on macOS) is a powerful screen reader that comes with MacOS and can be used to test the accessibility of web content. It's particularly useful for checking how well your site performs when navigated via voice commands and ensuring all interactive elements are keyboard accessible.

5.) Training and Education

a. WebAIM Contrast Checker

This is an excellent resource provided by the Web Accessibility Initiative at the University of Illinois (WebAIM). It helps in checking color contrast ratios quickly, which can be particularly helpful when designing or testing for accessibility during different phases of your project lifecycle.

b. InVision Accessibility Plugin

For designers using InVision for prototyping and collaboration, there's an accessibility plugin that allows you to run quick checks on prototypes. This is a great way to ensure that accessibility features are considered early in the design process, reducing the need for costly rework later on.

6.) Conclusion

Ensuring your UI/UX designs are accessible involves more than just following guidelines; it requires tools and techniques that can objectively analyze your work's compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1 or 2.2. By using a combination of automated, manual, and browser-based tools as outlined above, you can significantly enhance the accessibility of your digital products. Remember, every additional user who can interact with your application is a valuable one, making accessible design not just good practice but essential for growth and inclusivity in technology.

Best Tools for Accessibility Testing