Making your website accessible is not just good practice, but also necessary in today's digitally-first world. A sizable section of your audience may be lost if your website isn't designed to support the millions of Americans who live with disabilities.
Even worse, you may be putting yourself at risk for legal action. The good news? Making your website more inclusive doesn't have to cost a bunch. A website accessibility checker free for websites can assist you in identifying problems and addressing them immediately.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Let's first discuss the definition of accessibility before moving on to tools. The usability of your website for those with disabilities, such as those who have visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments, is referred to as website accessibility. Regardless of ability, the aim is to make sure that everyone can access, comprehend, and engage with your content.
Screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigability, image alt text, adequate color contrast, and video captions are examples of common website accessibility checker features. Publicly accessible websites in the United States are expected to adhere to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
Why Accessibility Matters In The U.S.
Legal Compliance: Non-compliance can result in expensive legal issues due to the increase in ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawsuits, which primarily target small businesses.
SEO Advantage: Well-structured, user-friendly websites are favored by search engines, and accessibility enhancements provide just that.
Larger Audience Reach: More users, especially those who are elderly or temporarily disabled, can access your material thanks to inclusive design.
Positive Brand Image: Loyalty and trust are increased when you demonstrate your concern for inclusiveness.
Free Website Accessibility Checker Tools To Try
To find out how your site is doing, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars or be a developer.
Here are a few website accessibility free tools:
1. WAVE by WebAIM: WAVE, one of the most popular tools, shows accessibility problems on your page as a visual overlay. It draws attention to mistakes including low contrast, missing alt text, and structural issues. Enter your URL to get results right away.
2. axe DevTools (by Deque Systems): This Chrome and Firefox browser plugin gives developers comprehensive information on accessibility problems. It offers suggestions on how to fix what's broken and is easy for beginners to use.
3. Lighthouse by Google: Lighthouse performs accessibility, SEO, and performance assessments as part of Chrome DevTools. It gives each measure a score and makes recommendations for how to make it better. For website owners who like to see a more comprehensive picture of the health of their site, it's an excellent starting tool.
4. Accessi.org Free Accessibility Test: For non-technical consumers, this is a simple choice. You can get a downloadable accessibility audit that covers everything from screen reader problems to mobile responsiveness by simply entering your domain.
5. Site improve Accessibility Checker: This Chrome extension is ideal for content editors since it gives you real-time feedback while you make changes to your website. It's excellent for identifying minor problems before they become active.
What To Do After Running A Website Accessibility Checker
The first step is to use a website accessibility checker. After completing a scan:
Prioritize fixes: Prioritize fixing important mistakes first, such as poor contrast and omitted image descriptions.
Work with your developer: Work with a coder to make more complicated adjustments (such as ARIA labels or navigation structure).
Retest frequently: Being accessible is a continuous process. After each significant site upgrade, test.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It's simple to forget the fundamentals, even when using tools. Be wary of:
- Using color alone to communicate information
- Using link wording that isn't descriptive, like "click here,"
- Ignoring accessibility on mobile devices
Conclusion
One of the best and simplest things you can do to improve your website is to use a free website accessibility checker. It helps safeguard your brand and increase your online visibility in addition to making your content more approachable and inclusive.
By 2025, accessibility will be expected rather than optional. Many of the tools are available for free. Therefore, start creating a website that genuinely works for everyone by taking the first step today.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a completely free website accessibility checker I can use today?
Yes! Tools like WAVE, Google Lighthouse, and axe DevTools are free and easy to use.
Q2. What are the most common accessibility issues found on websites?
Missing alt text, low color contrast, broken heading structure, and lack of keyboard support are common problems.
Q3. Do free accessibility checkers fix the problems too?
Most tools identify and explain the issues but don’t fix them automatically. However, they guide you on how to resolve each error.
Q4. Can I get sued if my website isn’t accessible?
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), lawsuits for non-accessible websites are increasing, even against small businesses.
Q5. How often should I run a website accessibility checker?
You should test your website after every major update and at least once a quarter to ensure ongoing compliance.
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