WAVE, developed by WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) at Utah State University is a widely-used web accessibility evaluation tool. It serves as a browser extension and online service, offering comprehensive assessments of web content for accessibility compliance. WAVE scans web pages and provides visual feedback, flagging potential issues and areas of improvement, such as missing alt text, contrast errors, and structural problems. Its user-friendly interface and real-time evaluations make it a valuable resource for developers, designers, and content creators striving to enhance web accessibility. WAVE plays a significant role in promoting inclusive digital experiences by equipping users with the tools needed to create accessible websites and applications.
Deque axe-core is a powerful, open-source JavaScript library dedicated to enhancing web accessibility. Developed by Deque Systems, it empowers developers, testers, and accessibility professionals to identify and rectify accessibility issues within web applications effortlessly. axe-core provides a rich set of rules and best practices, enabling automated scans of web pages to highlight violations, such as missing alt text, improper ARIA roles, and keyboard navigation problems. With its versatility in integration, command-line interface, and customization options, axe-core stands as a vital tool for early detection and resolution of accessibility challenges, fostering inclusive and accessible web experiences.
ANDI (Accessible Name and Description Inspector) is an Accessibility plugin developed by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid web developers and testers in assessing the accessibility of web content. It focuses on evaluating the accessibility of user interface elements by providing insights into their programmatically determined names and descriptions, critical components for screen reader users. ANDI scans web pages, highlighting elements that lack proper names or descriptions and offering suggestions for improvements. This tool enhances the accessibility testing process by simplifying the identification and rectification of accessibility issues, ensuring that web content is more inclusive and usable for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Google Lighthouse, a part of the Chrome Developer Tools, serves as a powerful accessibility testing tool with a focus on web performance and user experience. Within its comprehensive suite of capabilities, Lighthouse offers a dedicated accessibility audit feature. This audit assesses web pages against recognized accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It detects issues like missing alternative text for images, inadequate semantic structure, and contrast errors, helping developers identify areas where web content may be inaccessible to users with disabilities. Lighthouse provides a clear accessibility score and actionable recommendations, empowering web developers to prioritize and address accessibility concerns and thus create more inclusive digital experiences.