Making your website accessible isn’t optional anymore. It’s a must. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because the law requires it in many countries. Also, it opens your business to millions of people with disabilities.
TL;DR
Web accessibility tools help you make your site usable for everyone. There are many tools out there, from simple scanners to full automation platforms. Some are best for small businesses, others for large enterprises. The key is to pick a solution that fits your needs and your budget.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means building your site so people with disabilities can use it. This includes those with:
- Visual impairments (like blindness or color blindness)
- Hearing issues
- Motor challenges (trouble using a mouse)
- Learning or cognitive differences
Accessible websites use features like screen reader support, keyboard navigation, and readable fonts. Accessibility not only helps users; it also boosts SEO and improves user experience for everyone.
Why Use an Accessibility Tool?
You could do all the work by hand. But it’s complex. Accessibility standards—like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)—are detailed and tricky. A good tool helps find and fix problems fast.
There are two main types of tools:
- Testing Tools – They scan your site and tell you what’s wrong.
- Automated Solutions – They fix things automatically or give you a menu of accessibility features.
Top Accessibility Tools Compared
1. axe Accessibility Checker (by Deque)
This is a free browser extension. It’s perfect for developers. You run it on a webpage and it highlights issues based on WCAG rules.
- Pros: Free, trusted by big companies, very detailed
- Cons: Not for beginners, no automated fixes
2. WAVE by WebAIM
WAVE gives you a colored overlay on your site to show accessibility issues. Just enter a URL, and you’ll get an instant report.
- Pros: Easy to use, visual feedback, browser plugin available
- Cons: Limited guidance on fixing issues
3. Lighthouse (built into Chrome DevTools)
This Google’s tool checks for accessibility (among other things like performance and SEO) and gives a score out of 100.
- Pros: Already built into Chrome, easy to run
- Cons: Only a starting point, limited scope
4. AccessiBe
AccessiBe is a paid, fully automated solution. It installs a JavaScript snippet that adds an accessibility menu to your site. It also uses AI to improve screen reader compatibility and navigation.
- Pros: Fast and easy setup, automatic updates, compliance guarantee
- Cons: Ongoing subscription cost, some critics say it doesn’t fix deeper accessibility problems
5. UserWay
UserWay offers a free accessibility widget and a paid AI-powered version. Their platform is used by companies like Coca-Cola and eBay.
- Pros: Free option available, scalable for large sites
- Cons: Widget can feel generic, quality depends on setup
6. Siteimprove
This is a full-feature digital experience platform. Accessibility is just one part of what it does. It’s best for big teams and enterprise websites.
- Pros: Deep analytics, integrates with CMS
- Cons: Expensive, can be overwhelming for small teams
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Business
Picking a tool depends on your team, your budget, and your site size. Here’s how to think about it:
For Small Businesses
If you run a small site or shop, go with a simple plug-and-play solution.
- Best options: UserWay (free widget), AccessiBe (plug-and-play AI)
- Why? Fast to set up and low maintenance
For Mid-Sized Companies
You need a mix of automatic tools and manual checking to ensure quality.
- Best options: axe + AccessiBe, or WAVE + UserWay Pro
- Why? Balance between control and automation
For Enterprises
Your site is big and your audience is global. You need detailed reports and legal compliance.
- Best options: Siteimprove, Deque axe Monitor
- Why? Full control, team collaboration, risk management
Other Helpful Accessibility Features
Aside from tools, your site can offer features like:
- Text resizing toggles
- High contrast mode
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Skip to content links
These don’t always show up in testing tools. But users love them!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying only on automation – AI tools are great, but not perfect
- Skipping manual testing – Real users and screen readers are still the best testers
- Forgetting about mobile – Your site has to be accessible on phones too
- Not updating regularly – Accessibility needs to be part of your ongoing web strategy
Final Thoughts
Web accessibility is more than just checking a box. It’s about real people being able to experience your website. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop or a global brand, there’s a tool out there for you.
Start with something simple. Learn and grow. Accessibility is not a one-time task—it’s a journey. A rewarding one!
Make your site friendly for everyone and watch your audience grow.
