Most of the online compliance checking platforms offer rather a lot of advice, which if truth be told is either very hard to interpret or impossible to act on. Are there services that offer more practical and easily actionable advice?

Yes, there are several services and tools designed to offer more practical and easily actionable advice for web accessibility compliance. These services focus on providing clear, understandable recommendations that can be more easily implemented, especially for users who may not have extensive technical knowledge. Here are some notable options:

1. axe Accessibility Checker (by Deque)

  • Features:
  • Browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
  • Provides clear, actionable feedback on accessibility issues.
  • Includes detailed guidance on how to fix identified issues.
  • Integrates with development tools for automated testing.
  • Advantages:
  • Offers step-by-step solutions.
  • Designed to be user-friendly, even for those with limited technical skills.

2. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

  • Features:
  • Browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
  • Highlights accessibility issues directly on the page with clear icons.
  • Provides a summary of errors, alerts, and features.
  • Offers detailed explanations and recommendations for fixes.
  • Advantages:
  • Visual feedback makes it easier to understand where issues are.
  • Offers suggestions in plain language, making it easier to act on.

3. Accessible Color Picker (by Toptal)

  • Features:
  • Tool specifically for checking color contrast ratios.
  • Provides immediate feedback on whether a color combination meets WCAG standards.
  • Suggests alternative colors if the current combination fails.
  • Advantages:
  • Simple and focused on color accessibility.
  • Provides practical, easily actionable suggestions.

4. AChecker (Accessibility Checker)

  • Features:
  • Online tool for evaluating web accessibility.
  • Offers detailed reports with explanations of each issue.
  • Allows users to select specific guidelines to check against (e.g., WCAG 2.0, Section 508).
  • Advantages:
  • Customizable checks based on different standards.
  • Provides clear descriptions and practical advice for each issue.

5. Tenon

  • Features:
  • Comprehensive accessibility testing tool.
  • Provides actionable feedback with links to additional resources and code examples.
  • Integrates with various platforms, including CMSs and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Advantages:
  • Designed for developers and non-developers alike.
  • Offers practical solutions and educational resources.

6. Siteimprove

  • Features:
  • Full suite of tools for web accessibility, SEO, and analytics.
  • Provides actionable insights and step-by-step guides to resolve issues.
  • Includes a “Digital Certainty Index” to prioritize issues based on impact.
  • Advantages:
  • Comprehensive and user-friendly dashboard.
  • Practical advice tailored to the user’s level of expertise.

7. Microsoft Accessibility Insights

  • Features:
  • Free, open-source accessibility testing tools.
  • Browser extension and desktop application versions available.
  • Provides clear guidance and actionable insights for fixing issues.
  • Advantages:
  • Detailed issue descriptions with actionable advice.
  • Free to use and well-supported by Microsoft.

8. Pa11y

  • Features:
  • Automated accessibility testing tools.
  • Offers a dashboard and CI integration for continuous monitoring.
  • Provides practical recommendations for resolving issues.
  • Advantages:
  • Focuses on providing actionable feedback.
  • Useful for ongoing accessibility maintenance.

Choosing the Right Tool

When selecting an accessibility compliance checking tool, consider the following:

  • Ease of Use: Choose a tool that presents findings in a clear, understandable way.
  • Actionable Feedback: Look for tools that provide specific, practical recommendations for fixing issues.
  • Integration: Consider how well the tool integrates with your existing workflow and tools.
  • Support and Resources: Tools that offer additional educational resources, documentation, and support can be invaluable.

By selecting the right tool, you can ensure that the advice you receive is not only comprehensive but also practical and easily actionable, making it easier to achieve and maintain web accessibility compliance.