Testing Tools & Resources
Accessibility testing tools catch some website code errors, but not all. Digital.gov notes, “Automated testing can find some accessibility issues, but only manual testing will catch everything.” Human testing is essential, but automated tools can be a helpful starting point. Manual testing is strongly encouraged.
Accessibility Plugins & Overlays
Avoid using accessibility overlays or plugins on your website. These plugins falsely claim to remedy accessibility problems but in fact they cause even more problems for people who use assisitive technologies.
Browser Tools
- ANDI Bookmarklet Bookmarklet provided by the Social Security Administration
- AXE DevTools Extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
- Image Alt Text Viewer Extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
- Show Headings Extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
- WAVE Extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
Installable Apps
You may need to contact your administrator to install these applications on your computer.
- Color Contrast Analyser Free for Mac and Windows
- NVDA Screen Reader Free, Windows only
- PAC PDF Accessibility Checker Free, Windows only
- TalkBack Screen reader preloaded on Android devices
- VoiceOver Screen reader preloaded on iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS devices
- Windows Narrator Screen reader preloaded on Windows devices
Websites
- Color Blindness Simulator Works by previewing an uploaded image
- Color Contrast Checker Use this if you can’t install the Color Contrast Analyser app
- Screen Reader User Survey Annually-updated screen reader user statistics
- WAVE Website Use this if you can’t install the browser extension
- WebAIM Million Annually-updated overview of common website accessibility problems
Training & Learning Resources
- DHS Trusted Tester Certification Free accessibility testing training from DHS
- How to Use VoiceOver Instructions for using VoiceOver on iOS or iPadOS
- How to Test Accessibility with Android TalkBack Harvard-produced instructions for quick testing with TalkBack
- Section 508 Accessibility Testing Baseline Guide Section 508 testing process which can help test vendor products
Accessibility Standards
Accessibility guidelines such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and standards aren’t unique to Louisiana. They apply to everyone and are established by industry leaders, government regulations, and academic research.
Section508.gov
U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973Louisiana Governor’s Office
Louisiana Office of Disability AffairsWCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.1 Standards