Developers working to improve the accessibility of their digital products have access to a wide range of tools that can help identify barriers and improve usability. These tools support everything from automated testing to assistive technology validation, helping teams detect issues early and integrate accessibility into everyday development workflows.
While tools are valuable, they are most effective when paired with a strong understanding of accessibility standards and user needs. Combining accessibility education with practical testing tools enables development teams to identify issues faster and build more inclusive digital experiences.
Accessibility testing tools developers can use
Developers can use a variety of tools to identify and resolve accessibility issues throughout the development process. Some commonly used accessibility tools include:
- ARC Toolkit Chrome extension for fast page-level accessibility testing
- JAWS screen reader for testing real assistive technology experiences
- JAWS Inspect for screen reader compatibility testing
- Chrome DevTools and Safari Web Inspector for inspecting accessibility attributes
- Automated accessibility monitoring tools for continuous site evaluation
Using a combination of automated tools, manual testing, and assistive technologies provides the most reliable accessibility testing approach.
Build accessibility knowledge alongside the right tools
Understanding accessibility standards and assistive technologies is essential for developers who want to build inclusive digital experiences. Resources from organizations such as the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) provide guidance on accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), helping developers understand how accessibility requirements apply to modern web development.
By learning how users interact with digital content through assistive technologies and accessibility tools, developers can more effectively identify barriers and design better solutions from the start.
Use accessibility testing tools during development
Accessibility testing tools help development teams identify potential issues quickly and integrate accessibility into regular development workflows.
Tools such as ARC Toolkit, a free Chrome extension from Vispero, provide developers with fast insights into accessibility errors on individual pages. By scanning a page and highlighting potential accessibility issues, ARC Toolkit allows teams to begin remediation earlier in the development process.
Using accessibility testing tools during development helps teams catch issues before they reach production and encourages developers to build accessibility awareness into everyday testing routines.
Test compatibility with assistive technologies
Accessibility testing should also include validation with assistive technologies used by people with disabilities.
For example, JAWS, the world’s most widely used screen reader, allows developers to experience how blind or low-vision users interact with websites and applications. Testing with a screen reader helps uncover issues that automated tools may miss, such as incorrect reading order, missing labels, or confusing navigation patterns.
Tools such as JAWS Inspect can also help development teams validate screen reader compatibility more efficiently, allowing accessibility issues to be identified earlier in the testing process.
Leverage built-in browser developer tools
Modern browsers include powerful developer tools that can support accessibility testing. Tools such as Chrome DevTools and Safari Web Inspector allow developers to inspect HTML structure, review accessibility attributes, and evaluate page elements that affect usability.
Because these tools are already integrated into development workflows, they provide an accessible starting point for teams looking to incorporate accessibility checks into everyday debugging and testing.
Combine automated monitoring with manual testing
Automated accessibility testing tools provide valuable insight into common accessibility issues across large websites or applications. While automated tools cannot replace manual testing, they help teams establish a baseline understanding of accessibility and track progress over time.
Platforms such as ARC Monitoring allow organizations to continuously evaluate accessibility across digital properties, helping teams identify trends and prioritize improvements more effectively.
Automated monitoring, when combined with manual testing and assistive technology validation, creates a stronger accessibility testing strategy.
How developers can integrate accessibility testing into their workflow
Accessibility testing works best when it becomes part of everyday development workflows rather than a final compliance step.
Development teams can integrate accessibility into their workflow by:
- Scanning pages during development using accessibility testing tools
- Validating accessibility with screen readers such as JAWS
- Reviewing HTML structure and accessibility attributes using browser developer tools
- Monitoring accessibility over time using automated testing platforms
By testing early and often, developers can resolve accessibility issues before they become larger remediation projects.
Take the next step in your accessibility journey
Improving digital accessibility is an ongoing process. Every organization begins in a different place, and progress happens through continuous learning, testing, and improvement.
Even small improvements can remove meaningful barriers for users. By combining accessibility education with the right tools, development teams can build more inclusive digital experiences and strengthen accessibility across their websites and applications.
If your organization is looking to assess accessibility, improve testing practices, or build a stronger accessibility program, Vispero’s accessibility experts can help guide the next step in your accessibility journey.