Accessibility Checkers
Accessibility checkers are tools that help identify potential barriers in digital content, such as missing alternative text, insufficient color contrast, unclear document structure, and other accessibility issues. Many programs include built-in accessibility checkers, while others offer browser extensions or online tools to help evaluate websites, documents, presentations, and other digital resources. Using accessibility checkers is an important step in creating and maintaining accessible digital content. These tools can help you recognize issues, understand why they matter, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Below are accessibility checkers and resources to help you review your digital content before sharing it with students, families, employees, and the community.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s built-in Accessibility Checker helps identify potential accessibility issues in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It provides recommendations for improving accessibility, including alternative text, document structure, and other features.
Adobe
Adobe Acrobat Pro includes accessibility tools that can help evaluate PDFs for issues involving document tags, reading order, alternative text, and other accessibility requirements.
Google
Grackle offers accessibility checking tools for Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. These add-ons help identify potential accessibility barriers, including issues with document structure, alternative text, and other accessibility features. Grackle also provides guidance for addressing identified issues and improving the accessibility of digital content.
Grackle Accessibility Add-ons:
Canva
Canva includes a built-in accessibility checker that helps identify potential accessibility issues in designs, presentations, and other digital content. The checker reviews elements such as color contrast, alternative text, and other accessibility features, providing recommendations to help improve accessibility before sharing or downloading a design.
Canvas Pages & Content
Canvas includes a built-in accessibility checker within its Rich Content Editor. It helps identify certain accessibility issues in content created directly within Canvas, such as headings, images, tables, and color contrast.
Color Contrast
The WebAIM Contrast Checker allows you to compare foreground and background colors to determine whether they meet WCAG contrast requirements.
Websites & Web Content
WAVE is a free accessibility evaluation tool that helps identify potential accessibility errors, contrast issues, and structural elements on webpages. It provides visual feedback directly on the page, making it easier to understand where issues may exist.
Accessibility checkers are valuable tools for identifying potential barriers, but they cannot detect every accessibility issue. Some aspects, such as meaningful alternative text, clear instructions, and logical reading order, require human review. Even when a document or webpage passes an automated accessibility check, barriers may still exist. For a more thorough evaluation, combine accessibility checkers with manual review, keyboard navigation, and assistive technology testing when appropriate.
When reviewing your content:
- Run an accessibility checker. Use the built-in or recommended tool for the program you’re working in.
- Review the results. Identify issues and understand the recommendations provided.
- Make improvements. Correct the issues using the accessibility guidance and resources available on the CSD Digital Accessibility website.
- Check your work again. Rerun the checker and manually review your content to ensure the improvements work as intended.
