Siteimprove browser extensions

How the Siteimprove Accessibility Checker Browser Extensions work 

Siteimprove’s Accessibility Extensions are free, browser-based tools that check your webpage in real time for accessibility issues and helps you learn how to fix them. All you need to do to use it is to download them from the Browser Web Store of your choice and run it directly in your browser.

The extensions provide intuitive visual feedback on any accessibility issues on your page. They show you exactly where on the page the issues are located, though you can also choose to view them in the page’s code. Upon selecting any highlighted issue, you will get a simple and clear explanation on how it might affect visitors, along with specific recommendations on how to fix it. Apart from this, the extensions also link you to the corresponding ACT rules that will help you resolve the issue.

Our browser extensions use the same checking engine as the Siteimprove Accessibility platform, and help to identify six key types of on-page issues, which are among the most commonly found on websites:

• Text alternatives: Highlight any non-decorative image elements on your page that do not have alternative text (alt text) that can make it easier for people using screen readers to identify them.
• Adaptable: Help to check that any on-page information is structured in a way that makes it easily digestible and understandable by screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• Distinguishable: Check that the on-page color contrast makes the content easy to view for visually challenged readers.
• Enough time: Ensure that any interactive or animated elements give users enough time to distinguish and absorb the information they are intended to deliver.
• Navigable: Ensure that when users need to navigate sequentially through content, the information is presented in an order that is consistent with the meaning of the content.
• Compatible: Check that for any user interface related components, such as form inputs, links, etc. the name and role of the element can be programmatically determined, so that it can be accessed by visitors using assistive technologies.

 Although you don’t have to sign up to use the extensions, you can choose to receive the latest tips and useful information by subscribing for updates.

Benefits of using Accessibility Checker Browser Extensions

The biggest advantage of using Siteimprove's Accessibility Checker Browser Extensions is that they save developers valuable time in identifying potential accessibility issues on their web pages by displaying them within the browser. This means that they do not need to spend time switching between various applications and can immediately identify any existing on-page accessibility issues.

The intuitive, visual feedback provided also makes it easier to understand why and how certain issues affect users, along with detailed recommendations on how to fix them.

The Browser extensions not only check web pages, including password-protected pages, but it also works on PDFs, so you can also ensure that any documents on your website adhere to the latest accessibility guidelines.

Finally, the extensions are totally free to use, which means that by simply downloading and running them, anyone can immediately gain access to a wealth of useful information on making web pages more accessible.