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Accessibility Resources

Use a combination of different accessibility tools and resources to determine if digital content meets all accessibility standards. Don’t rely only on 1 tool because there is not one single tool that can catch all errors. All tools catch less than half of the accessibility errors because they are limited on what they can check. However, accessibility tools are still worth using along with other testing methods like using native checkers and performing manual checks. 

Accessibility Perspectives

Video demonstrations from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) that show the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations.
 

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See All Perspectives Videos

 

It is best to start simple when testing for accessibility. Start with the easiest testing methods like using features and techniques already available to all users. These include using native tools and doing manual checks. Automated testing tools will still need to be used to complete testing.

  • Native Tools – use built-in accessibility checkers to help find accessibility issues in documents or other platforms. Acrobat and Microsoft have their own versions available to users when working on their applications. Also, perform easy to do computer functions like using the keyboard “Tab” key to navigate tables, webpages, links, and applications. 
  • Manual Checking – Doing a thorough review of the content after running the accessibility checkers. The checkers are great to use, but limited on what they can check for so don’t rely solely on the checkers results. Always perform a manual check to review for proper alt text, table headers, headings, descriptive link text, and color. For a more comprehensive check, become knowledge in accessibility fundamentals and use an accessibility checklist.
  • Automated Tools - Sometimes automated tools don’t find all errors but should be used to help. Use different tools to test different elements, like a color contrast checker for color issues.
    • Accessibility Evaluation Tools List (W3C) – a list of various accessibility tools suggested by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) . 
    • Accessible Name & Description Inspector (ANDI) (DHS) - an inspection tool by DHS for web pages to conformance with the Revised Section 508 Standards. 
    • ARC Toolkit (Paciello Group) – Web pages testing resources. 
    • Colour Contrast Analyser (Paciello Group) – a desktop application to check color contrast for digital content. 
    • Contrast Checker (WebAim) – a web-based color contrast checker that analyzes color contrast ratios. 
    • Contrast Triangle (Chip Cullen) – a web-based color checker to measure the contrast among text, links, and background colors. 
    • JAWS Screen Reader (Freedom Scientific) – a popular screen reader.
    • NVDA Screen Reader (NVDA team) - a free and open-source screen reader for Microsoft Windows. 
    • Siteimprove - an enterprise platform designed with accessibility scanning and optimization capabilities. Siteimprove account holders have access to Siteimprove Academy.
    • Validator (W3C) - validator to check the markup validity of many common Web page formats. 
    • Viewport Resizer – responsive Testing tool to test website responsiveness. 
    • WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WebAim) – identify accessibility errors on webpages.

Acquire valuable accessibility training from credible sources that can help individuals have a positive learning experience.

Accessibility General Guides

Documents & Content

Media and Videos

Web Development

 

Important: The resources provided are only suggestions. TEA is not responsible for training resources or 3rd party tools that have a cost, do not perform to WCAG standards, or cause issues on devices.  Partners and vendors are responsible to use them at their own discretion. 

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Contact Information

TEA Accessibility Coordinator
webadmin1@tea.texas.gov