Digital Engineering & Technology | Elearning Solutions | Digital Content Solutions

  1. Home
  2. Accessibility Solutions
  4. WCAG Accessibility Checker: What it is and Why You Need it
WCAG Accessibility Checker: What it is and Why You Need it
Gokulnath B
April 19, 2024

WCAG Accessibility Checker: What it is and Why You Need it

In today’s day and age, accessibility on the web is increasingly important. Not only should websites be accessible to all potential customers, but they must also meet the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

To ensure a website meets these guidelines, businesses should consider utilizing website accessibility testing. This blog features everything you need to know about the WCAG accessibility checker, its features, and why you need one for your website.

So let’s dive in!

Table of Contents:

What is a WCAG Accessibility Checker? 

A WCAG accessibility checker is an online tool for testing the accessibility of web content for people with disabilities. It assesses a range of features, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ensuring that content is accessible to all users.

The WCAG testing tool looks for potential issues related to text alternatives, keyboard access, color contrast, and other accessibility standards.

The most important feature of a WCAG accessibility checker is that it is an automated tool that can evaluate a web page in around 3 hours on average. A small website can be assessed using an accessibility tool in less than a day. It also provides detailed reports and recommendations on how to fix any issues identified.

It is especially important for developers to use the tool on a regular basis to ensure that their websites are accessible and compliant with accessibility standards.

Also Read: Accessibility Testing: All You Need to Know About Accessibility Testing

Top Features of WCAG Accessibility Checkers

The most important features of the WCAG accessibility checkers include the following:

  • Automatic Web Access Checks: WCAG accessibility solutions and WCAG checkers automatically check if a web page complies with accessibility rules and regulations.
  • Manual Web Access Checks: Manual web access checks allow users to check accessibility against specific criteria.
  • Testing Scenarios: Users can create scenarios to test how a web page behaves in different situations.
  • Accessibility Results: Results are presented in a detailed report showing which WCAG criteria have been met and which need further attention.
  • Accessibility Status: This feature provides detailed information on the current status of a website, including any potential problem areas.

Overall, using a WCAG accessibility checker is a great way for developers to ensure their websites fully comply with accessibility standards. It provides them with detailed information on the current status of a website and helps them identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.

How Does a WCAG Accessibility Checker Work?

A WCAG accessibility checker works by scanning a website or digital content and identifying accessibility issues based on the WCAG 2.1 criteria. The tool uses algorithms and heuristics to identify any accessibility barriers and provide guidance on how to fix them.

When a user inputs a website into a WCAG checking tool, it analyzes the content and generates a report listing all the potential accessibility issues. The report may include a list of errors, warnings, and suggestions for improvement based on the WCAG guidelines.

In addition, the website accessibility testing tool may highlight specific areas of the website that are not accessible, such as images without alt text, videos without captions, or text that is too small. It may also provide guidance on how to fix these issues, for example, adding alt text to images or using a larger font size.

Also Read: Hurix Delivers Content that Meets WCAG & Accessibility Standards

Top 8 Reasons Why You Need a WCAG Accessibility Checker For Your Website

WCAG accessibility checkers can automatically identify and flag any potential issues with a website’s content or design. They help ensure that a website meets all the guidelines and standards required for accessibility, ensuring it can be enjoyed and used by people with all types of disabilities.

Here are the top 8 reasons why you need a WCAG testing tool for your website:

  1. More Accessible Content: WCAG accessibility checkers can detect any potential issues with the website’s content, ensuring that it is easy to understand and can be used by people with all types of disabilities.
  2. Increased Engagement: Making sure that your website meets all the WCAG standards will result in increased engagement from customers who have disabilities or who require assistive technology.
  3. Improved Brand Value: Having a website that is fully accessible will help improve your brand value, as potential customers will know that your company is committed to making sure that everyone can access its content.
  4. Easily Integrate Accessibility Tools: With WCAG accessibility checkers, it is easy for any website to integrate accessibility tools and features, making sure that everyone can enjoy the content on it.
  5. Increase SEO Rankings: Websites that are accessible to a wide range of users tend to rank higher in search engine rankings. Search engines recognize websites that provide a good user experience and reward them accordingly.
  6. Avoid Accessibility Flaws: Accessibility issues can be difficult to detect. A WCAG accessibility checker can detect potential flaws such as inaccessible text, lack of alternative text for images, and poor keyboard navigation.
  7. Get an Objective Opinion: Having a third party assess the website for accessibility can provide an objective opinion on the website’s overall level of accessibility compliance.
  8. Keep Up With Industry Standards: WCAG guidelines are constantly changing and evolving. Regularly using a WCAG accessibility checker can help ensure the website stays updated with the latest industry standards and is accessible to all.

The End Note

Web accessibility testing tools are essential for website owners who want to create an inclusive and user-friendly online environment for everyone.

By ensuring that your website adheres to WCAG guidelines using a WCAG compliance checker, you can make your website accessible to people with disabilities, as well as those who use assistive technologies.

Ultimately, investing in an accessibility tool can benefit your website in numerous ways, including improved user engagement. So, take the time to understand the importance of WCAG accessibility, and make sure your website is accessible to all.

Hurix Digital is a digital learning solutions company that specializes in providing web accessibility solutions for organizations. Through our strong focus on inclusivity, we provide a range of web accessibility solutions and services.

Our team of accessibility experts uses the latest assistive technologies and techniques to ensure that their client’s websites and digital content are fully accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Contact us today to know more!