With the ever-increasing number of users with disabilities, it is very crucial to ensure that a website is ADA and WCAG Compliant. Unfortunately, not many organizations can perform such verification or certification and it requires in-depth knowledge as well as expertise about the matter. In this article, we’ll share with you a good list of website accessibility checkers and what they have to offer. We’ll also throw in a few things to expect from website accessibility checkers and why compliance to ADA and WCAG regulations are important.
Why WCAG Compliance Is Significant
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance is actually quite important in any website considering that a huge number of users online belong to users with disabilities. Along with that, here are a few more reasons why WCAG compliance is of utmost importance for a website.
Legally Required
One of the main reasons why you should not ignore web accessibility compliance is because it is legally required. Many countries especially the United States adhere to laws encompassing website accessibility in order to cater to users with disabilities. failure to meet such legal requirements may require organizations to incur penalties, fines and even reputational damage. Having to comply with WCAG will guarantee that your website meets the needs of such standards and keeps you away from any lawsuits.
Promote Inclusivity and Equal Access
As you make your website compliant to such laws, you are giving equal opportunities to all users – especially users with disabilities. A compliant website allows users with disabilities to conveniently and comfortably navigate through your website. Through a WCAG compliant website, you are breaking any barriers between general users and those with disabilities such as those with visual and hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, motor disabilities, and other physically challenged users.
Expands Your Audience
Having been able to reach out to users with disabilities, you are also able to increase your audience and customer base. Every year, more and more users with disabilities are starting to use the internet much like normal people do. This is through the help of assistive technology devices which enable them to effectively navigate through a website. By simply having your website WCAG compliant, you are increasing the number of your potential customers.
Positive Impact on Brand Image
As you comply with ADA laws and regulations, not only are you considering users with disabilities, you are also establishing your name in this regard. As your website becomes compliant or certified, it demonstrates your commitment towards diversity and inclusivity. As your reputation improves, it also gives a boost on your rankings on search engines thus providing your website better productivity and profit potential.
Website Accessibility Checkers For ADA
Now that you know the significance of getting ADA compliant, let us check some of the best and most reliable organizations that perform website accessibility checks.
WebAIM Wave Evaluation Tool
This is a web accessibility checker that enables you to enter your URL to generate a detailed report regarding the accessibility of your website. In addition, it shows any accessibility issues that your website may be facing and might face in the future. Also, it delivers suggestions as well as comments on how to improve your website based on WCAG standards and requirements.
AChecker
The good thing about AChecker is that it is absolutely free to use and provides a good report regarding the accessibility status of your website. This checker evaluates the standing of your pages regarding WCAG 2 and WCAG 2.1 standards and guidelines. Just like WebAIM, it also provides suggestions and recommendations on how to improve your websites accessibility. Unfortunately, a free account on AChecker only provides you with the basic features and tools.
Axe by Deque
Axe by Deque is an open-source web accessibility tool which integrates with various browsers such as Google, Bing, Mozilla, and others. As it can be integrated with commonly used browsers, it provides automated accessibility testing in the area of WCAG 2.1 and ADA requirements and laws. It comes with an array of extensions, integration options, and command-line tools for various development preferences.
Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
Another website accessibility checker you can opt for is SiteImprove which offers an array of tools for website optimization, accessibility checker, and accessibility improvement. It scans through your pages for any issues regarding accessibility and provides an organized list of errors and issues that needs to be addressed depending on its severity. Furthermore, it provides you with suggestions as well as tips on how you can further improve compliance to WCAG and ADA laws.
Lighthouse
Another open-source tool for website accessibility checking that is developed by Google is the Google Lighthouse. Apart from the scan and automated check, it also features an accessibility audit feature which evaluates your pages for best accessibility practices. As it scans your pages, it points out issues that needs to be address, and gives recommendations as well as suggestions on how you can make your accessibility better.
Tenon
Tenon is also a good option for a website accessibility checker if you prefer a commercial accessibility testing tool. It is available with automated as well as manual testing functions. While the automated testing feature makes faster scans and checks, it doesn’t provide a thorough job and thus doesn’t provide much detail on certain issues. Manual checks on the other hand takes longer to finish a scan or check but provides a good report on issues. Both modes provide valuable recommendations as well as suggestions on how to boost website accessibility.
Our Final Thoughts
Remember that while these checkers and tools can help you identify possible issues with regards to your websites’ accessibility, it is important to choose which option fits your requirements. As you choose your ideal check, you may want to consider factors such as size of your website, amount of time required for the accessibility check, features and functions available, and also the fees involved. Furthermore, make a background check on your prospective accessibility checker. Ask around from previous customers and check to see if they are qualified to perform the checks.
In addition, while automated provides a quick scan and check of your website, it may not provide accurate results. Instead, a manual check performed by a reliable checker is much more accurate and provides better evaluation than that of an automated checker.
In a way, making sure that your website is accessible to all kinds of users – especially to users with disabilities, is your way of promoting inclusivity and equality among all users. Have your website checked for accessibility now and you’ll be sure to reap its benefits later on.
