What kind of software can help a web developer check her online content for accessibility issues?

Introduction

Web accessibility is a crucial aspect of web development, ensuring that websites are usable by people with disabilities. As a web developer, it is essential to check your online content for accessibility issues to ensure that all users can access and interact with your website. Fortunately, there are several software tools available that can assist web developers in this process. In this article, we will explore the different types of software that can help a web developer check their online content for accessibility issues.

Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

Automated accessibility testing tools are software programs that can scan web pages and identify potential accessibility issues. These tools use predefined rules and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to evaluate the accessibility of a website. Some popular automated accessibility testing tools include:

1. WebAIM’s WAVE: WAVE is a free web accessibility evaluation tool that provides visual feedback and suggestions for improving accessibility. It highlights potential issues directly on the web page and provides detailed reports.

2. Axe: Axe is an open-source accessibility testing tool developed by Deque Systems. It integrates with popular web browsers and provides real-time feedback on accessibility issues. Axe can be used as a browser extension or integrated into development workflows.

3. AChecker: AChecker is an online accessibility checker that allows web developers to evaluate web pages against various accessibility standards. It provides detailed reports and offers suggestions for improving accessibility.

Manual Accessibility Testing Tools

While automated accessibility testing tools can identify many accessibility issues, some issues require manual testing. Manual accessibility testing tools help web developers conduct in-depth evaluations and identify issues that automated tools may miss. Here are a few examples of manual accessibility testing tools:

1. Screen Readers: Screen readers are software programs that read aloud the content of a web page for users who are visually impaired. By using screen readers like NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) or JAWS (Job Access With Speech), web developers can experience their websites from an accessibility perspective.

2. Keyboard Navigation: Keyboard navigation is an essential aspect of web accessibility. Web developers can use keyboard-only navigation to test the accessibility of their websites. By navigating through the website using only the keyboard, they can identify any issues related to focus management, interactive elements, and keyboard traps.

Browser Developer Tools

Modern web browsers come equipped with developer tools that can aid in testing web accessibility. These tools provide insights into the structure and behavior of web pages, helping web developers identify and fix accessibility issues. Some commonly used browser developer tools include:

1. Chrome DevTools: Chrome DevTools is a set of web developer tools built into the Google Chrome browser. It offers various features, such as inspecting HTML elements, analyzing network requests, and auditing web page performance and accessibility.

2. Firefox Developer Tools: Firefox Developer Tools is a similar set of tools provided by Mozilla Firefox. It includes features like the Inspector, Network Monitor, and Accessibility Inspector, which can help web developers test and debug their websites for accessibility.

Conclusion

Ensuring web accessibility is a responsibility that every web developer should embrace. By utilizing software tools specifically designed for accessibility testing, web developers can identify and rectify potential issues, making their websites more inclusive and accessible to all users. Automated accessibility testing tools, manual testing tools like screen readers and keyboard navigation, and browser developer tools all play a crucial role in this process.

References

– WebAIM’s WAVE: wave.webaim.org
– Axe: www.deque.com/axe
– AChecker: www.achecker.ca
– NVDA: www.nvaccess.org
– JAWS: www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws
– Chrome DevTools: developers.google.com/web/tools/chrome-devtools
– Firefox Developer Tools: developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Tools