For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

WebAIM WAVE Toolbar

There are many tools available for checking the accessibility of web sites. IRT suggests using the WebAIM WAVE Toolbar for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge:

  • It’s easy to install and use. Other accessibility checkers require you to go to their website and paste in the URL of the site you want to check, upload files, or even code. Often the reports are hard to understand, especially if you don’t have a background in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The WAVE toolbar installs easily in the Firefox, Chrome, and Edge browsers.
  • It accommodates both experienced and beginning users. The WAVE toolbar allows experienced users to thoroughly evaluate accessibility concerns such as order of content, markup, and proper use of CSS. Beginning users can also easily understand what is working and what needs to be fixed.
  • It educates. Through its association with WebAIM, the leading resource for information on web accessibility, the WAVE toolbar provides links to extensive information on creating and maintaining an accessible web presence.
  • It's free! The WAVE toolbar is a free service provided by WebAIM.

Using the WAVE Toolbar

Open your browser and go to the webpage you want to evaluate. Then run the WAVE toolbar to see the results of the accessibility check. Through a system of icons and markers, you can quickly see if there are any major accessibility problems.

For additional instructions on using the WAVE toolbar, please view the video “Introduction to WAVE” published by WebAIM, the creators of the WAVE toolbar:

A Necessary Caveat

If no errors have been found after an evaluation, you will receive a message stating, "WAVE has detected no accessibility errors, but you must still check your page to ensure it is actually accessible."

In other words, simply evaluating a web page with any web accessibility checker does not guarantee that the page is accessible. A human being should also give it a careful review!

Resources