Accessibility Testing Services have gained quite some traction in the digital world lately. As more and more website owners begin to prioritise inclusivity and deliver exceptional user experiences, the role of Automated Accessibility Testing Extensions has become even more pertinent. There are guidelines like the WCAG 2.1 that need to be adhered to and best practices and recommendations from W3C that you can refer to. However, if you have tried everything and are still stuck with low website accessibility, you need a solution that you could run on your website to identify issues promptly. This is exactly where Automated Accessibility Testing Extensions come in.
Now, with a whole list of these extensions available online, finding the ones that work the best can be challenging. That’s why we have shortlisted the 7 best Automated Accessibility Testing Extensions you can use on your Chrome browser.
But first, What are Accessibility Testing Tools?
Simply put, accessibility testing tools can help you identify accessibility issues that might go unnoticed. These can be related to colour contrast on some pages and none on others, no ALT tags on images, empty header tags, placeholder text instead of text fields that screen readers find hard to read, and missing labels on the newsletter sign-up form, etc.
Accessibility testing tools come in different formats- browser extensions and command-line tools. In this blog, we will only be focusing on browser extensions for automated accessibility testing.
1. Accessibility Analyzer
Accessibility Analyzer is a browser extension for Chrome that conducts quick accessibility audits of web pages. It is an exceptional free resource that provides valuable insights into non-functional code that might cause accessibility-related problems.
However, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of accessibility issues, the tool should be combined with manual checks and other testing methods as part of an overall accessibility testing process.
Feature Highlights:
- Provides a consumer-friendly revel in by permitting users to look into problems within the Developer toolbar, minimizing the number of interactions required to apprehend the problem.
- Utilizes the WCAG Guidelines 2.2 as a reference to investigate webpages for accessibility problems, both online and offline.
- Offers comprehensive accessibility pointers that offer particular facts for knowledge and addressing accessibility problems.
- Enables customers to look into troubles inside the Developer toolbar, facilitating less complicated information and less person interactions.
- Download the audit file in .Xls format for free with custom developer comments.
2. Axe DevTools
Axe DevTools is a Chrome browser extension that is also available for Firefox and Edge. Primarily used for web testing, the extension can also be used on iOS and Android mobile devices. In addition to testers, developers can also use this tool during the development process to identify and fix issues easily.
Feature Highlights:
- Scan the specific area of the webpage that you want to check.
- Download a comprehensive report on the accessibility issues based on priority.
- Intelligent Guided Testing (IGT) using ML, for issues related to tables, keyboard navigation, modal dialogues, interactive elements, structure, images and forms.
- Detect up to 80% of digital accessibility issues through Automated Testing.
3. Wave
The Wave Chrome extension is a full-featured, easy-to-use website accessibility checker. This accessibility testing extension provides detailed information about potential accessibility issues, making it easy for developers and designers to pinpoint and fix problems. It’s like having your very own accessibility lifeguard ensuring a safe web experience for all users. Wave is beyond just a testing tool, and can also educate users about the accessibility issues that you need to pay attention to.
Feature Highlights:
- Adds an error icon and indication visual overlay to the webpage you’re auditing.
- Icons provide you with information and recommendations about the accessibility issues detected.
- Points users to the troublesome code via annotated HTML popping up in the bottom panel of the screen.
4. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
Remember Inspector Gadget? Well, the “Siteimprove Accessibility Checker” is your digital Inspector Gadget for web accessibility. It digs deep into the code, uncovering potential issues and providing clear solutions. This Chrome gadget provides instant analysis and testers can filter the results based on their difficulty level, responsible person and element type. Every issue can be reviewed so testers can get detailed info on the same. This extension also allows you to view the content from the perspective of the colour-blind as well.
Feature Highlights:
- Covers three levels of WCAG, WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices, and Accessibility Best Practices.
- Choose between specific standards or apply them all during the filtering process.
5. ARIA DevTools
One of the other automated accessibility testing Chrome extensions is ARIA DevTools designed specifically to check ARIA. The term “ARIA,” or “Accessible Rich Internet Applications,” refers to a collection of characteristics and roles that outline how to improve digital accessibility and increase the usability of web content and applications for people with disabilities.
Feature Highlights:
- Allows you to view your website as presented by screen readers.
- Displays all page elements like headings, images, tables, forms and more based on their ARIA roles in a list format.
- Explains things like improper use of ARIA roles, absent ARIA labels, and insufficient keyboard support.
Wrapping Up
With more and more websites populating the internet, ensuring accessibility is the need of the hour. And, Automated Accessibility Testing tools like the ones discussed in this blog will help users navigate the complexities with ease. Try out these Chrome extensions and you are well on your way to building accessible and more inclusive web solutions.
