Website accessibility is not just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to creating an inclusive digital space for all users. Whether you run an online store, a blog, or a corporate website, making your content accessible means everyone, including people with disabilities, can navigate and interact without barriers.
The key to achieving this lies in using the right tools to check website accessibility—but it’s not just about picking a tool. It’s about knowing how to use it effectively. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why accessibility testing is essential.
- Which of the best web accessibility testing tools can help you?
- Step-by-step methods for effective use.
- How Accessibility Assistant simplifies the process.
Web Accessibility Market Trends
| Year | Global Market Value (USD) | WCAG Version Adoption | Percentage of Accessible Websites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $490 Million | WCAG 2.0 | ~4% |
| 2023 | $720 Million | WCAG 2.1 | ~7% |
| 2025 (Projected) | $1.2 Billion | WCAG 2.2 | ~12% |
Source: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, WebAIM
This data shows that while the industry is growing, a large number of websites still fail to meet basic WCAG standards, leaving room for both improvement and legal risk.
Why You Need Tools to Check Website Accessibility
Making your website accessible is about more than meeting regulations—it’s about ensuring everyone can use and enjoy your site. Accessibility tools act as your quality checkers, helping you find and fix barriers before they affect visitors.
- Spot Hidden Issues
Accessibility tools quickly detect common problems like missing alt text, poor color contrast, keyboard navigation errors, and improper heading structure. Many also guide you through manual checks, such as using a screen reader, to understand the experience from a different perspective. - Ensure Compliance
Standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define what makes a site accessible. Tools check your site against these requirements, reducing legal risk and keeping you compliant. - Improve User Experience
A more accessible site benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. Better navigation, clear text, and readable layouts encourage visitors to stay longer and engage more. - Expand Your Audience
Over a billion people worldwide have disabilities. Accessibility tools help you make your site usable for this often-overlooked audience, increasing your reach and engagement. - Build Brand Trust
Showing a commitment to inclusivity strengthens your reputation and sends a clear message: your brand values all users equally.
In short, tools to check website accessibility help you identify problems, stay compliant, improve usability, and reach more people, while creating a positive impression of your brand.
Types of Accessibility Testing Tools
Understanding the categories helps you choose the right mix:
1. Automated Website Accessibility Tools
Scan pages quickly for common accessibility errors (e.g., missing alt text).
2. Manual Testing Tools
Used by testers to verify issues that automation might miss.
3. Browser Extensions
Provide on-the-fly accessibility checks.
4. WCAG Compliance Testing Tools
Specialized in testing against WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 standards.
5. Accessibility Audit Tools
Offer detailed reports, including recommendations for improvement.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Tools to Check Website Accessibility
Step 1: Choose the Right Tool for Your Platform
- For Shopify, WordPress, Wix, or custom sites, check tool compatibility.
- Accessibility Assistant works across multiple platforms without coding.
Step 2: Run an Initial Automated Scan
- Identify quick wins—missing alt attributes, low contrast, unlabelled form fields.
- Tools like Accessibility Assistant or WAVE provide instant issue highlights.
Step 3: Perform Manual Testing
- Test keyboard-only navigation.
- Use a screen reader (NVDA, JAWS) to simulate visually impaired browsing.
- Ensure interactive elements are fully accessible.
Step 4: Review WCAG Compliance Levels
- Level A – Basic compliance.
- Level AA – Industry standard (recommended).
- Level AAA – Maximum compliance, often for government and large organizations.
Step 5: Prioritize and Fix Issues
- Focus on critical accessibility barriers first.
- Apply design improvements for contrast and readability.
Step 6: Monitor & Re-Test Regularly
- Accessibility is ongoing—test after content updates, theme changes, or plugin installations.
Top Recommended Tools to Check Website Accessibility in 2025
1. Accessibility Assistant (Recommended)
Type: Automated + Manual + Continuous Monitoring
Features:
- Instant WCAG & ADA compliance scans.
- One-click fixes for common issues.
- Real-time monitoring and reporting.
- No-code integration for Shopify, WordPress, and Wix.
Pros:
- Works across platforms.
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Free and premium plans.
Cons:
- Advanced reporting in the premium version.
Best for: Businesses seeking a fast, accurate, and user-friendly solution.
🔗 Install Accessibility Assistant:- https://apps.shopify.com/accessibility-assistant
2. WAVE
- Highlights accessibility errors directly on the page.
- Browser extension available.
3. Axe DevTools
- Developer-focused WCAG testing.
- Integrates with CI/CD workflows.
4. Lighthouse (Google)
- Built-in Chrome audit tool.
- Checks accessibility, SEO, and performance.
5. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
- Enterprise-grade platform with detailed dashboards.
Real-World Results from Accessibility Assistant Users
Business: Mid-sized Shopify store selling handmade furniture.
Problem: Frequent customer complaints from visually impaired users about navigation.
Solution: Installed Accessibility Assistant.
Results:
- Accessibility score improved from 58% to 96% in two weeks.
- Reduced bounce rate by 23%.
- Positive customer feedback has increased.
Therefore, this demonstrates that by choosing the right tool and using it consistently, you can boost both compliance and customer satisfaction.
FAQ About Tools to Check Website Accessibility
- How to audit a website for accessibility?
You can audit a website by using accessibility testing tools to scan for WCAG and ADA compliance issues, followed by manual checks for usability. - What is a web accessibility evaluation tool?
It’s software that tests websites for accessibility barriers, helping identify and fix issues to meet compliance standards. - What are the 4 types of accessibility?
The four main types are visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive accessibility, covering different user needs and challenges. - How to do WCAG testing?
Use automated tools and manual methods to check against WCAG 2.0, 2.1, or 2.2 guidelines, ensuring your site meets the targeted compliance level. - How to check if a website is ADA accessible?
You can quickly test ADA compliance by installing the Accessibility Assistant Shopify app for instant scans, reports, and fixes.
Conclusion
Using tools to check website accessibility effectively means combining automation with manual testing and continuous monitoring. Accessibility Assistant offers a reliable, easy-to-use solution for businesses aiming to meet WCAG and ADA standards without heavy technical effort.
Ready to make your site accessible?
Get Accessibility Assistant Now and start your free scan today.