Web accessibility is of utmost importance in today’s digital environment. With the increasing dependence on technology, it is crucial to ensure that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can access and use web services without barriers. This idea is where web accessibility comes into play.
However, assessing web accessibility is not always straightforward. Fortunately, in 2023, a number of tools are available to evaluate and enhance web accessibility. Coupled with the expertise of UX design and development teams like those at Valtira, the possibilities are endless. This article highlights some of these tools and elaborates on how Valtira can optimize your web accessibility.
Top Tools to Evaluate Web Accessibility
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): WAVE is a comprehensive tool to evaluate web accessibility. It provides visual feedback about the accessibility of your web content by injecting icons and indicators into your page. It checks many aspects of accessibility, such as alternative text, form labels, and contrast errors.
- AXE by Deque Systems: AXE is a robust accessibility testing tool that can be used as a browser extension or integrated into your development process. It identifies violations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and suggests possible solutions.
- Google Lighthouse: Google’s automated tool for improving the quality of web pages, Lighthouse, also includes accessibility audits. It gives you a score between 0-100, along with detailed reports and recommendations for improving accessibility.
- Tenon.io: Tenon.io is a versatile tool that can identify accessibility issues in the earliest stages of your development process. It provides actionable feedback that can be integrated into your IDE, CI/CD, or content management system (CMS).
- Color Oracle: A free color blindness simulator for Window, Mac, and Linux, Color Oracle applies a full-screen color filter to help designers verify their designs in real-time.
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech): JAWS is a screen reader that reads aloud the content of your website, allowing you to understand the user experience of visually impaired users.
How Can Valtira Help?
Valtira, with its highly skilled team of UX designers and developers, is proficient in using these tools and more to optimize web accessibility. Here’s how they can help:
1. Expert Evaluation: Valtira’s team will conduct a detailed evaluation of your website using the best tools available. This ensures that your website adheres to WCAG standards, making it accessible for everyone.
2. Designing for Accessibility: The team at Valtira understands that accessibility starts from the design phase. They design keeping all user groups in mind, thereby reducing the need for rework later.
3. Implementing Accessibility Recommendations: Using the detailed reports from the tools mentioned, Valtira’s team will ensure the recommended changes are made, thereby improving your website’s accessibility score.
4. Testing: Valtira not only implements the recommended changes but also tests them thoroughly. This includes real-time testing with users to ensure the website is genuinely accessible.
5. Ongoing Support: Web accessibility is not a one-and-done task. It needs to be maintained and updated continually to cater to evolving user needs and changing regulations. Valtira provides ongoing support to ensure your website remains accessible at all times. They also stay on top of the latest accessibility guidelines and trends, ensuring that your website stays compliant and user-friendly.
6. Incorporating Innovative Technologies: As technology progresses, so do the methods for enhancing web accessibility. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other emerging technologies can provide opportunities for improving accessibility. With their expertise, Valtira’s team can incorporate these technologies to provide a seamless and accessible experience for all users.
Web accessibility is not only about following guidelines and avoiding lawsuits. It’s about embracing the diversity of web users and creating an inclusive digital environment where everyone can participate. Leveraging the best accessibility tools and working with dedicated experts like those at Valtira can significantly enhance your website’s accessibility. This, in turn, can expand your audience reach, improve user satisfaction, and strengthen your brand reputation.
At Valtira, the focus is not just on creating accessible websites but on building digital spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Whether you’re starting a new website project or want to improve an existing one, Valtira’s team of UX designers and developers is ready to help you ensure that your digital services are fully accessible to all, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect. Reach out to the Valtira team of experts to learn more.