AI Tools for Better Web Accessibility
TL;DR:
- AI tools help spot common accessibility problems like poor colour contrast and missing alt text
- These tools give you a good starting point but won't catch everything
- You still need specialist accessibility tools and real user testing for proper compliance
- AI works best when combined with hands-on testing from actual users with disabilities
AI is becoming a useful ally for web designers who want to make their sites more accessible. These tools can quickly scan your website and flag potential barriers that might stop people with disabilities from using it properly.
The main areas where AI shines include spotting colour combinations that don't have enough contrast, finding images without proper alt text, and identifying navigation elements that might confuse screen readers. It's like having a first pass checker that catches the obvious stuff before you dig deeper.
What AI Gets Right
AI tools excel at pattern recognition, which makes them good at finding repeated accessibility issues across your site. They can process large amounts of content quickly and flag problems based on established guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
For colour contrast issues, AI can scan every text and background combination on your pages and tell you which ones fall below the required ratios. This saves hours of manual checking and helps you spot problems you might have missed.
The tools are also decent at identifying structural problems. They can flag headings that skip levels (like jumping from H1 to H3), missing form labels, and images without alternative text. These are the building blocks of accessible web design.
Where AI Falls Short
The problem with AI accessibility tools is they can't understand context the way humans do. They might flag an image as missing alt text when it's actually decorative and should be marked as such. Or they could approve alt text that's technically present but completely unhelpful.
AI also struggles with more complex accessibility issues. It can't tell you if your navigation makes logical sense to someone using a keyboard, or whether your content is written in plain language that's easy to understand.
Most importantly, AI tools can't replicate the real-world experience of someone with a disability trying to use your website. They work from rules and patterns, not lived experience.
Building a Complete Testing Approach
The smart approach is using AI tools as your first line of defence, then following up with proper accessibility testing. Run your designs through AI scanners early in the process to catch the obvious problems.
After that, use dedicated accessibility tools like axe or WAVE that go deeper than basic AI scanning. These tools understand WCAG guidelines better and can spot more nuanced issues.
The final step is testing with real users. Nothing beats having someone who actually uses assistive technology try to navigate your site. They'll find problems that no automated tool will catch.
Making AI Work for You
When you're using AI accessibility tools, treat their findings as suggestions rather than definitive answers. A tool might flag something as a problem when it's actually fine in context, or give something a pass when it needs work.
Use the AI results to prioritise your manual testing. If an AI tool flags certain pages or elements as having multiple issues, those are good candidates for deeper review.
Don't rely on a single AI tool either. Different tools use different approaches and will catch different problems. Running a few different scans gives you better coverage.
Common AI Tool Limitations
AI tools often miss dynamic content that gets loaded after the page renders. If your site uses a lot of JavaScript to update content, you'll need to test those interactions manually.
They also struggle with context-dependent accessibility. A feature might technically meet guidelines but still create a poor experience for users with disabilities. AI can't make those judgment calls.
Some tools give false positives for decorative elements or generate overly technical reports that don't help you understand what actually needs fixing.
FAQs
Can AI tools replace manual accessibility testing?
No. AI tools are helpful for catching obvious problems quickly, but they miss context and nuance that manual testing reveals. Use them as a starting point, not a complete solution.
Which accessibility issues do AI tools catch best?
Colour contrast problems, missing alt text, heading structure issues, and form labelling problems. These are clear-cut technical issues that follow specific rules.
How often should I run AI accessibility scans?
Build them into your regular design workflow. Run scans during development and before major launches. Many tools offer automated scanning that can alert you to new issues.
Do AI accessibility tools work with all website builders?
Most work with any website, but some integrate better with specific platforms. Check if your chosen tool has plugins or extensions for your website builder.
Jargon Buster
WCAG – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the international standard for web accessibility
Alt text – Alternative text that describes images for screen readers
Colour contrast ratio – The difference in brightness between text and background colours
Screen reader – Software that reads website content aloud for people with visual impairments
Assistive technology – Tools and devices that help people with disabilities use websites and computers
Wrap-up
AI accessibility tools are genuinely useful for improving web design, but they work best as part of a broader testing approach. Use them to catch the low-hanging fruit and guide your manual testing efforts, but don't stop there.
The goal isn't just to pass automated tests – it's to create websites that actually work well for people with disabilities. That requires combining AI efficiency with human insight and real-world testing.
Ready to level up your web design skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth courses on accessibility, design, and building websites that work for everyone.