Having comprehensive web accessibility resources can be a game-changer when it comes to navigating the complexities of website design and ensuring user experience for all visitors.
At times, the information available online regarding web accessibility can be overwhelming—especially if you're not sure which concepts or terms apply to your specific project.
That's why we've created this helpful resource guide—to provide an at-a-glance overview of the most important topics surrounding web accessibility compliance and best practices today.
By taking advantage of this guide, you can confidently create an inclusive environment that covers their legal obligations while also providing a great experience for everyone who visits their website.
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Tools for Checking Your Website: A First Review of Web Accessibility
A first step in complying with ADA Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 guidelines for web accessibility is to determine if the content on your website is accessible to all users.
508 Compliance Web/Browser Testing Tools:
Accessibility Compliance Testing Tools:
- Pa11y: Automated accessibility tool for each page of your website
- Pa11y Crawl: Crawls each page of your website using the pa11y tool
Review: Top Web Accessibility Testing Tools [2023]
Resources and Guidelines for Getting Started with Web Accessibility
The following links provide additional resources and further reading from trusted authorities in web accessibility:
- Accessibility Basics: start here for a quick overview of web accessibility, why it is important, and tips for getting started.
- WCAG Guidelines: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world. The WCAG documents explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
- W3.org Easy Checks: this resource covers just a few accessibility issues and are designed to be quick and easy, rather than definitive. A web page could seem to pass these checks, yet still have significant accessibility barriers. More robust assessment is needed to evaluate accessibility comprehensively.
- Tota11y Accessibility Visualization Toolkit: Often times, accessibility errors are things we can't easily see. The Tota11y visualization tool is a browser extension that provides a quick way to visualize the accessibility violations that may exist on your website. Tota11y can be installed on both Firefox and Chrome.
- Incorporating Accessibility into your Development Workflow: Promet's CPACC certified developer, Katherine Shaw, developed this resource for developers looking to get started with web accessibility. She highlights several common errors, how to fix them, and provides resources for incorporating accessibility best practices into your web development projects.
- Creating Accessible Audio and Video Content: This resource from University of Wisconsin provides resources for adding captions to videos on your website or YouTube, along with transcripts for audio recordings.
- Accessibility Video Series: Developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this serious contains the following introduction to screen readers:
- “Introduction to Screen Readers” (7:06)
- “Screen Magnification and the Web” (34:44)
- “Screen Readers and the Web” (23:48)
Downloadable resources
- Free Accessibility Audit Template: This template from Promet reflects WCAG 2.1 guidelines for use by accessibility analysts and developers to detect errors missed by automated testing, which are also the issues that tend to have the greatest likelihood of exposing site owners to ADA accessibility lawsuits.
- 12-Point Design Checklist for Accessibility: Promet Source created this essential checklist for designers to go beyond what is stated in the WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
- Accessibility Checklist for Content Editors: This document provides content editors with a quick checklist based on the most current web accessibility guidelines for content editors.
- 9-Point Heuristic Checklist for Site Usability: This essential guide will help to internalize UI best practices while serving as a reminder that users also engage in mental shortcuts when they land on a site and decide whether or not to engage with the content.
Keep in mind that these resources are merely a starting point for evaluating your website. If you would like assistance in auditing your website or have additional questions, please contact us.