Automated tools
Automated accessibility auditing tools check websites and apps for potential roadblocks for people with diverse needs. They can't guarantee perfect accessibility, but they're great at finding issues like missing alt text for images (important for screen readers), or low colour contrast for people with sight issues. By identifying these issues, website owners can fix them and make their digital platforms more inclusive for everyone.
Here is a list of some automated tools that are available:
Google Lighthouse
Google Lighthouse [opens in a new window] is a free tool that helps you check how easy your website is to use, especially for people on different devices or with disabilities. It runs tests and gives you a score, along with suggestions for making your website faster and more user-friendly.
WAVE
The WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool [opens in a new window] is like a website inspector for accessibility. It checks webpages for things that might make them difficult to use for people with disabilities. WAVE highlights potential issues and offers suggestions for improvement, helping you make your website more user-friendly for everyone.
AXE
The Accessibility Engine (AXE) [opens in a new window] is a behind-the-scenes tool that helps developers identify accessibility issues in websites and apps. Imagine it as a digital assistant checking if everything is clear, easy to navigate, and usable by everyone, regardless of ability. It works with popular browsers and helps developers build inclusive digital experiences.
Siteimprove
Siteimprove's accessibility checker [opens in a new window] is a digital quality assurance tool that includes the ability to scan your website for accessibility issues and errors so everyone can enjoy your website!
The positives of automated tools are time-effectiveness, consistent results, and reporting.Accessibility statements (UK only)
