Complete toolkit for accessibility professionals - from screen readers to automated testing
Start with axe DevTools or WAVE (free browser extensions) for automated testing. Use NVDA (free) for screen reader testing. Automated tools find ~30-40% of issues—manual testing is essential. All these tools help test WCAG compliance.
Screen readers are essential for testing how blind and visually impaired users experience your content. Test with at least one screen reader for WCAG compliance.
Automated testing tools help identify common accessibility issues quickly. Use them as a first pass, then follow up with manual testing. Required knowledge for WAS certification.
Start with free browser extensions like axe DevTools or WAVE for automated testing. For screen reader testing, use NVDA (free for Windows) or VoiceOver (built into macOS). These tools cover most common accessibility issues.
No, automated tools catch only about 30-40% of accessibility issues. Manual testing with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and user testing is essential for comprehensive coverage. Combine automated and manual testing for best results.
NVDA is the best free screen reader for Windows. It is used by many accessibility professionals and has behavior similar to commercial screen readers like JAWS. For macOS/iOS, VoiceOver is built-in and free.
JAWS is the most widely used commercial screen reader and testing with it is recommended for enterprise applications. However, for most testing needs, NVDA (free) provides similar functionality and is acceptable for WCAG compliance testing.
The Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA) by TPGi is a free desktop app that works on all platforms. WAVE and axe DevTools also include color contrast checking in their automated tests. For WCAG AA, ensure 4.5:1 ratio for normal text.
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