Digital accessibility is the one topic that the entire world is talking about. Did you know that the global percentage of people dealing with disabilities is 15%? This consequently means that when you want to create a digital experience that resonates with a wider audience, taking into account everyone’s accessibility is crucial. Digital accessibility is the way to ensure that one can implement a holistic experience. Some digital accessibility tools can help you implement digital accessibility, and others can help you test it.
Staying updated and abreast of new trends can help you maximize the client experience. The tools usually work across various parameters like colour contrast, screen reader compatibility, and even keyboard navigability. However, with such varied options, it becomes difficult for most digital accessibility services & newcomers to make a choice. The more you use and test these tools, the easier it is to understand what works well for which parameter. Ready to dive deeper and learn about some amazing digital accessibility tools?
The Best Digital Accessibility Tools
Below are some of the best digital accessibility tools that you should use in 2024.
1. Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
The first tool that has completely changed the concept of digital accessibility and ensured maximum efficiency is none other than the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool. Most people refer to this tool as WAVE.
One of the most common reasons why this tool is so popular is because of the ease of use it brings. With its simplicity and convenience, the tool has taken automated testing to another level. Some of the features that add to the value of the tool are:
Features:
- Visual Feedback: You will be able to gain access to visual feedback with the help of WAVE. Once you scan your page, the tool is equipped to highlight those areas that still have accessibility issues.
- Friendly Interface: If the tool is too complicated, then it will not be appealing to the audience. WAVE is easy to use with very less complicated instructions and ample detailed instructions.
- Compatibility: And finally, this tool is also highly compatible for use across most devices. You can also use the WAVE tool very easily across all browsers and there is usually no lag at all.
2. Axe Accessibility Tool
Do you also want to use a tool that gives you a premium experience and yet it does not end up confusing you? Even if you are not a professional, the Axe Accessibility Tool is a great choice for you.
The tool is also used by thousands of users across the globe. But why has it crept up to the top?
Features
- Automated Testing: The first benefit of this tool is the automated testing it brings forth. This helps users find the problem areas more easily and fix them same with efficacy.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The Axe Accessibility tool also guarantees comprehensive coverage. This means that the scan is usually across multiple parameters for a more analytic understanding.
- Simple Integration: Axe Accessibility Tool also provides simple integration. This integration works across CI pipelines too.
3. UserWay
To enhance digital accessibility, one tool that has made an impact is the UserWay. You will be able to get a free check with this tool and that is what provides ultimate convenience for all. You do not need to pay high rates for a simple check and this helps small and mid-size businesses too.
There are tons of leading brands that also make use of UserWay. It also uses AI technology, which adds to its efficiency.
Features:
- Use of AI: One of the added features of UserWay is the integration of AI. It guarantees efficiency and also provides prompts about the areas to improve on.
- Free Cost: An initial scan is available free of cost, and it gives a preliminary idea. You can also sign up for the premium plan, which is more exclusive.
- Compliance Regulation: The tool also abides by compliance regulations and ensures maximum efficiency.
4. Access Alchemy
Digital accessibility services also make use of Access Alchemy widely across most industries. This tool can be used not only for automated testing but for manual testing as well. There are premium paid services that can provide an advanced experience for the users.
Access Alchemy is a unique tool, and some key features add to its expertise.
Features
- Holistic Audits: One of the key features of Access Alchemy is the comprehensive audits it provides. This can help you to identify which are the loopholes and how to work on them same.
- Training and Support: Access Alchemy provides extensive training resources, and you can implement them to enhance accessibility.
- Compliance Tracking: To ensure maximum digital accessibility, adherence to compliance is pivotal. This usually includes accessibility across worldwide standards like the Web Compliance Accessibility Guidelines.
- Scalability: There are very few tools that can be scaled depending on the needs of the user. This is what adds to the efficiency of Access Alchemy. You can scale the tool as per your needs. For example, if your business scales from small to midsize or even big size, then the tool can be adjusted accordingly.
5. Accessible Colors
Finding good colour contrast options that can alleviate the user experience and cater to all people with disabilities is none other than Accessible Colors. There is a free tool available at Accessible Colors that will conduct a thorough scan of your website and then provide you with the right color contrasts.
Accessible Colors brings forth some interesting key features that can enhance user experience. Both professionals and amateurs can make use of Accessible Colors to comply with the WCAG color standards.
Features:
- Detailed Color Contrast Analysis: One of the strongest points of Accessible Colors that adds to its unique feature is the detailed colour contrast analysis it offers. The tool will also analyze if the text colour complements the background.
- Data-Based Insight: The more you get data-based feedback, the easier it will be to understand and incorporate the changes. Accessible Colors allows you to get detailed data-based insights and make revisions accordingly.
- Best For Vision Impairments: A lot of people who are accessing the website often do not have optimum levels of vision charity. To ensure that even they have no problem with colour coordination, Accessible Colors is the best. Usually, people with various kinds of vision impairments are a part of the testing process.
6. Siteimprove Accessibility
Enhancing digital accessibility is a continuous procedure. Great tools will always add to the efficacy and make the process simpler. This tool is highly automated and some developers are constantly working together to improve the same.
Siteimprove Accessibility is highly advanced in the domain of technical errors and conducts in-depth thorough research. There is a free version available, however the premium range offers you much more usable features.
Features:
- Monitoring: Siteimprove Accessibility is a highly recommended tool for its monitoring benefits. It also helps you stay updated on new domain trends.
- Dashboard: The tool’s best feature is its high-functioning dashboard, which will highlight your website’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Automation: Gone are those days when the only norm for accessibility checks was based on manual inputs. Siteimprove Accessibility brings in automated checks, eliminating the possibility of errors.
7. NonVisual Desktop Access
There is one favourite that most of the digital accessibility services make great use of – NonVisual Desktop Access. With more than 15 years of experience in the domain, this tool offers you high-quality precision in areas like high-quality screen readers and complete accessibility tests.
The best thing about this tool is that it fits the purpose and is extremely useful for those who are visually impaired.
Features:
- Free Usage: The best thing about NVDA as a tool is that it is under the affiliation of free and open-source networks. This means that you can easily use the tool without any kind of added charges, making the tool accessible.
- Screen Reader: The best thing about NonVisual Desktop Access is that it comes with a robust functioning screen reader. There is also a text-to-speech option that can easily support those who depend on Braille.
- Compatibility: And finally, the best thing about NonVisual Desktop Access is none other than the compatibility it offers.
8. Tota11y
Digital accessibility is of top priority and one tool that can be used across platforms with ease is Tota11y. This is a toolkit that allows you to visualize the entire website and how it would look. There are various accessibility features that Tota11y offers and you can get a complete idea of how the audience will react to them same.
The best thing about Tota11y as a platform is that it gives you new ideas about how to tackle accessibility issues.
Features:
- Modular Features: In today’s world, having access to the best modular features is indeed crucial. Tota11y offers you various plugins and each of them is aimed towards different variants of color contrasts. It also works on ARIA landmarks.
- Open Source: Digital accessibility is still developing and implementing the same can be costly for a lot of businesses. This is a tool you can use without having to pay a single penny.
- Weakness Highlights: The best part about using this tool is that it gives you a comprehensive idea of the weak areas. The tool will highlight which are the compliance issues and how you can work on them same.
9. Ally Toolbar
If you want to get a simple yet detailed insight into the entire website, including the loopholes and the areas of improvement, then Ally Toolbar is the one. Digital accessibility services make use of the Ally Toolbar widely – both because of the ease of handling and the associated costs.
Ally Toolbar is a quirky platform and it has redefined the way most people fear incorporating accessibility features. You can easily integrate this tool across various platforms and this will not bring down the usability at all.
Features:
- Detailed Feedback: one of the best features of the tool is that you will be able to get detailed feedback. This will not only give you an idea about which are the potential accessibility issues, but you will also know the best ways to fix them.
- Thorough Checks: The Ally Toolbar allows you to get access to the thorough checks which opens a pool of information.
- User-Friendly Usage: And finally, one of the best things about the tool is the absolute ease of use. Even if you are new in the domain, you can use the tool with minimum hassles.
10. Google Lighthouse
Finally, one of the revolutionary tools that still plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital accessibility is Google Lighthouse. The best thing about Google Lighthouse is that it will conduct not only audits on basic parameters but also on more detailed areas.
Google Lighthouse, as the name suggests, is from the house of Google and, hence, revolutionary in its approach. The seamless experience makes it a flagship digital accessibility tool.
Features:
- Critical Reports: Instead of the simple generic reports, Google Lighthouse gives you access to detailed reports. This is usually detailed and helps you understand each of the areas that need to be improved.
- Integrated with DevTools: Google Lighthouse is also integrated with the best in class, top DevTools. This means that as developers, one can simply run the audit from the browser directly.
- Progressive Web App Audits: Finally, one of the features that makes Google Lighthouse so innovative in its approach is the Progressive Web App Audits. It helps you to ensure that the web application is accessible and optimized as well.
Conclusion
Digital accessibility services are professional endeavors that can enhance your experience and help you get access to the best results. If you want to work on your digital experience and ensure that the audience gets access to the best, then these digital accessibility tools are your best friend. Digital accessibility helps you as a business as well to widen your horizons and reach out to more people.
Key Takeaways:
- Digital accessibility is essential, as 15% of the global population deals with disabilities, making inclusive digital experiences crucial.
- Key features include visual feedback, AI integration, automated testing, detailed reports, colour contrast analysis, screen reader compatibility, and modular plugins.
- Many tools are user-friendly and open source and offer free versions, making them accessible to small and mid-sized businesses.
- Tools like Google Lighthouse and Axe integrate seamlessly into development environments, supporting continuous accessibility testing.
- Ensuring compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1, Section 508, and ARIA is a common feature across these digital accessibility tools.
- Tools like Access Alchemy offer scalability to accommodate growing business needs.
- Tools like Siteimprove Accessibility provide continuous monitoring and updates to stay current with guidelines.
