Manual accessibility auditing tools are more like checklists and testing methods used by real people to see if a website or app is accessible. This might involve using a screen reader (software that reads text aloud) to see if someone with vision problems can navigate the site or checking colour contrast to ensure good visibility for people with low vision. These manual checks help identify areas where a website might be difficult to use for people with disabilities.

Here is a list of some manual tools that are available:

Keyboard

Test Primo VE accessibility with just your keyboard. Using the Tab, Enter, and arrow keys. While testing, can you reach every page element, like links, buttons, and forms? If not, users who rely on keyboards might struggle too!

Screen readers

Screen readers convert text and digital elements on a page into spoken words using artificial voices. This allows people who are blind or have low vision to access and understand information on computers. The synthetic voices can sometimes sound robotic or unnatural to those unfamiliar with them. Testing Primo VE with a screen reader reveals issues like missing image descriptions or unclear button labels, ensuring everyone can access information.

Colour contrast analyser

A colour contrast analyser [opens in a new window] helps ensure there's enough difference between Primo VE's background and text. This is crucial for people with low vision or colour blindness, making sure they can easily read and understand the content.

Google DevTools

Built into your Chrome browser, Google DevTools [opens in a new window] has an accessibility audit feature. It checks your website for common issues that could make it difficult for people with disabilities to use.

WCAG 1.4.12 Text Spacing Bookmarklet

This browser bookmarklet [opens in a new window] allows users to increase the font size and spacing. A bookmarklet is a small JavaScript program that you can add to your web browser as a bookmark. When you click on it, it runs a specific function on the webpage you're currently viewing. 

The positives of manual tools are that they can provide more detailed feedback. It can identify complex issues. Free to use.

The disadvantages of manual tools are that they can be time-consuming. It can be subjective.