Automated tools for testing website accessibility have evolved and provide a good starting point for testing, addressing patterns of errors in code and design that humans can be aware of, and catching issues before web developers go to hit ‘publish.’
Every website owner should perform a preliminary examination using free online tools. EcomBack recommends installing Google Chrome Extension tools such as WAVE from WebAIM and Google Lighthouse.
However, these inspections do not address all potential problems. These examinations are only designed to be quick and painless rather than definitive. A website may appear to pass these checks yet still have significant accessibility barriers. To evaluate accessibly fully, a more thorough evaluation is needed.
Online businesses need to hire an expert website accessibility consultant like EcomBack to assess their site. Learn about our ADA WCAG Compliance services below.
Here is how to use either WAVE or Google Lighthouse in only four to five easy steps.
How to Use Wave:
WAVE displays errors and warnings in-line, so you may quickly identify the component of your page that’s causing the problem. It also provides such as what the error is, how it affects various sorts of users and a recommendation on how to solve it.
- Enter in the Google search bar: ‘Wave for Google Chrome.’
- The first link should be WAVE Evaluation Tool. Click on this and then select ‘Add to Chrome.’ It will then get added to the tab bar.
- Go to your online store and click on the WAVE icon.
- WAVE will summarize how many errors and contrast errors are on the site. You can click on ‘Details’ for more in-depth notes. You may do this for every page on your website.
How to Use Google Lighthouse:
The Google Lighthouse accessibility audit generates a comprehensive report that gives information on all the tests that passed in addition to the ones that failed.
- In Google Chrome, go to your website link.
- Right-click anywhere on your online store main page (or whatever page you want to check for accessibility). Click on ‘Inspect.’
- Click on the tab labeled ‘Lighthouse’ and select ‘Accessibility’ from the Categories section and ‘Desktop’ from the Device section.
- Select ‘Generate Report.’
- If your report result isn’t a number between 85 and 90, this is a big problem.
Hire an Expert ADA WCAG Compliance Consultant at EcomBack
Web accessibility is becoming increasingly important as more and more people use the internet. Whether you realize it or not, your website may be inaccessible to those with disabilities.
We recommend making ADA compliance a top priority because not only does it give your site an advantage over others, but it also allows you to stay ahead of the game and avoid litigation. All websites should be prepared to make adjustments for disabled users.
From UX and content creation to development, EcomBack specialists are well-versed in ADA compliance standards. Get a free ADA audit and consultation today!
