What if I told you that with just a few free tools, you could make your website accessible to millions more users? That’s not just a dream — it’s the responsibility of developers and designers who care about inclusivity. But here’s the catch: If your site isn’t accessible, you’re leaving gaps that exclude users, hurt your brand, and limit your reach.
So, let’s fix that. In this article, I’ll walk you through my top free tools for testing web accessibility. These tools help you spot, correct, and prevent issues so your site works for everyone.
Start with the End User: Screen Readers
When it comes to web accessibility, the end goal is creating experiences that work for all users — including those who rely on screen readers. Tools like JAWS and NVDA are critical for testing your site’s usability for visually impaired users.
A screen reader acts as a bridge, converting text into speech or braille output. But what happens when buttons don’t have proper labels? Instead of hearing “Submit,” users might hear something like “button123.” Frustrating, right?
Screen readers also depend on well-structured navigation. Proper headings, landmarks, and a logical tab order are essential. Testing with JAWS or NVDA allows you to experience your website as a visually impaired user would. Then, you can fix what doesn’t work and create an inclusive, frustration-free experience.
Analyze Structure with ANDI
Once you understand the user’s perspective, it’s time to dig into your site’s technical structure. That’s where ANDI (Accessible Name and Description Inspector) comes in.
ANDI is a simple yet powerful tool that visually highlights your site’s accessibility features — or lack thereof. Here’s what makes it a must-have:
- Tab Order: ANDI lets you see the order in which elements are accessed via the keyboard. This helps you ensure a logical flow for users who can’t rely on a mouse.
- Heading Hierarchy: It shows whether your headings are properly structured, which is critical for screen reader navigation.
- Missing Labels: ANDI flags elements like buttons or input fields that lack descriptive labels, so you can add them before users encounter confusion.
It’s like having X-ray vision for your site’s accessibility flaws. But the best part? ANDI gives you actionable insights that are easy to implement.
Scan Quickly with Deque’s axe DevTools
What if you need to identify accessibility issues fast? That’s where Deque’s axe DevTools shines. This browser extension scans your site and flags up to 40% of common accessibility issues, including:
- Missing alt text for images
- Improper ARIA roles
- Poor color contrast
But here’s the catch: Automated tools like axe DevTools only catch part of the problem. Accessibility also requires real-world testing with tools like screen readers and manual checks. That’s why I recommend starting with axe DevTools for a high-level view, then diving deeper with tools like ANDI and stringent manual tests.
Prevent Issues with Axe Accessibility Linter
But wait what if there’s a tool that can help you catch issues while you’re writing code? Sounds too good to be true! right?
Enter the axe Accessibility Linter, a tool that works directly in your code editor. Forget to add alt text? The linter flags it. Use the wrong ARIA role? It corrects you.
Here’s why this tool is a game-changer: It integrates seamlessly with IDEs like VS Code and WebStorm, allowing you to catch and fix problems in real-time. Instead of retrofitting accessibility into your project later, you build it in from the start.
Bring It All Together
Let’s recap:
- Use screen readers like JAWS or NVDA to understand the user experience.
- Leverage ANDI to analyze your site’s structure, including tab order and heading hierarchy.
- Run quick scans with Deque’s axe DevTools to catch common issues.
- Integrate axe Accessibility Linter into your workflow to prevent problems as you code.
But tools are just the beginning. Then comes action — testing, fixing, and iterating to create truly inclusive experiences.
Final Thoughts
The web is for everyone, and it’s our job to make it accessible. With these free tools, you’re already one step closer to creating a better, more inclusive digital world.
Got questions? Let’s talk in the comments! And if you found this article helpful, share it with your team or fellow developers. Together, we can build a web that works for everyone.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of my employer or organization.