What are accessibility tools and how are they used?

Digital accessibility plays a crucial role in inclusion on the internet. Accessibility tools help make websites and digital applications accessible to everyone. We take a look at what accessibility tools are available, how they work, and why they are essential for legal compliance.

What are accessibility tools?

Accessibility tools are software or online tools designed to improve digital accessibility. They help developers, designers, and businesses identify and remove barriers to make websites and applications more accessible to people with disabilities.

These tools support various aspects of accessibility, including color contrast testing, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.

What types of accessibility tools are available?

There are different types of accessibility tools that perform different tasks depending on their function:

• Automated web accessibility testing tools: These programs analyze websites and digital content for accessibility issues by automatically identifying errors in areas such as HTML structure, color contrast, or alternative text.
• Manual accessibility evaluation tools: These require human interaction to evaluate specific aspects of accessibility, such as the usability of a page with a keyboard or the comprehensibility of content.
• Screen readers and assistive technologies: These tools help users with visual impairments convert content into spoken or tactile language. Examples include JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
• Color contrast analyzers: These tools check whether the contrast between text and background complies with WCAG standards and is therefore easily readable for people with visual impairments.
• Keyboard navigation testing tools: These help to ensure that all interactive elements of a website can be operated without a mouse, using only the keyboard.
• Live Accessibility Overlays: These technologies offer real-time adjustments to the website, such as changing font sizes or colors, to improve accessibility. One example is the Website Accessibility Widget.

How do web accessibility tools help improve website accessibility?

Web accessibility tools make it easier to identify and remove barriers. They help developers and website operators to:

• Identify inadequate alternative text for images.
• Analyze color contrasts to ensure content is readable.
• Optimize navigation for keyboard users.
• Resolve compatibility issues with screen readers.
• Perform automated tests to ensure accessibility standards are met.

A detailed accessibility audit can help identify and resolve existing issues.

What aspects are checked by web accessibility tools?

Web accessibility testing tools check various aspects of accessibility, including:

• Text alternatives: Is there a description for each image?
• Color contrast: Is the text legible for people with visual impairments?
• Structure and semantics: Are HTML elements used correctly?
• Keyboard accessibility: Can the website be used without a mouse?
• Multimedia accessibility: Are subtitles and transcripts available?
• WCAG compliance: Does the website meet the requirements of the WCAG test?

Why are web accessibility tools important for regulatory compliance?

Accessibility is not only ethically sound, but also required by law. Many countries, including Germany, have strict regulations governing digital accessibility. Companies that fail to meet these requirements risk legal consequences and heavy fines.

Some relevant legal principles:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Internationale Standards für Barrierefreiheit im Web.
• Barrier-Free Accessibility Act (BFSG, Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz): Requires many companies to provide barrier-free digital services.
• Disability Discrimination Act (BGG, Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz): Accessibility regulations for public bodies.

An accessibility certificate can help companies demonstrate their compliance and protect themselves from legal risks.

Do you already have the right tools?

Accessibility tools are essential for designing accessible websites and digital applications. They not only help companies comply with legal requirements, but also contribute to a better user experience.

Want to make sure your website is accessible?

• Let our accessibility consulting team help you.
• Conduct an accessibility audit.
• Get accessibility certification to document your compliance.