Making your website accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it can also save you from legal nightmares. If your site isn’t usable by people with disabilities, you could face lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
But don’t panic! There are amazing tools that can help. These tools test your site, fix issues, and make sure everyone can enjoy your content. And the best part? Most of them are easy to use, even if you’re not a tech wizard.
Let’s check out the top 10 website accessibility tools that can help you stay compliant and lawsuit-free!
1. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
Why it rocks: WAVE gives you instant feedback on your pages. It highlights missing alt text, poor contrast, and more. Just enter your URL and you’re off to the races!
2. axe Accessibility Checker
Why it rocks: This browser extension is loved by developers. It breaks down issues and tells you how to fix them. Plus, it’s free and open-source.
3. Lighthouse
Why it rocks: Already built into Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse checks performance, SEO, and accessibility. You don’t even need to install anything!
4. AccessiBe
Why it rocks: Automatic AI-powered tool. It scans your site and applies changes so users can interact with it in ways that suit their needs—keyboard navigation, text size changes, and more.
5. UserWay
Why it rocks: It offers a beautiful accessibility widget. Just add one line of code to your site. Users can then adjust text, contrast, and other settings.
6. Tenon
Why it rocks: Tenon is great for teams. It has APIs that you can integrate into your build pipeline. That means you catch problems before your site goes live.
7. Tota11y
Why it rocks: It’s light and helpful. This bookmarklet from Khan Academy adds an overlay to your page. It shows where your site does well—and where it needs help.
8. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
Why it rocks: Real users rely on screen readers like NVDA. Try your site with it to experience what blind users go through. It’s free and widely used.
9. Color Oracle
Why it rocks: This tool simulates color blindness. You’ll see how your site looks to users with various vision limitations. Then, you can pick better color combos.
10. AudioEye
Why it rocks: AudioEye offers real-time monitoring and fixes. It has certified experts who help keep your site up to date with accessibility laws.
Bonus Tips to Stay Out of Trouble
- Use alt text for all images.
- Make sure your buttons and links are labeled clearly.
- Include keyboard navigation support.
- Test your site with a screen reader.
- Check color contrast for readability.
Why This Matters
Accessibility isn’t just for a few people—it’s for everyone. Millions of users rely on assistive tech to browse the web. If your site doesn’t work for them, they’re locked out. And that’s not a good look for your brand.
Oh, and the lawsuits? They’re no joke. Businesses both big and small have been sued. Prevention is cheaper, easier, and way better than dealing with legal threats.
Final Thoughts
So don’t wait! Use these tools to make your site inclusive and friendly for all users. And you’ll sleep better at night knowing you’re doing the right thing—legally and ethically.
P.S. You’ll probably gain more happy visitors too!