Here are a number of accessibility validation tools that are available both on-line and in some cases in downloadable format. I have used all of these and don't really have a preference since they all do things in slightly different ways. Not all are equal. Their recommendations can create a certain amount of challenges in terms of getting your pages to "pass". Sometimes these validators will provide conflicting information. It should also be noted that the term "validation" is bit of a misnomer. Some accessibility experts contend that there is no software that can accurately and consistently test HTML or CSS pages. I don't believe that they view the software as useless - just caution the user to realize that this is a tool that doesn't not do a complete job and you as the designer should not become complacent.
As a first step, your pages are going to need correct DOCTYPE information and ideally should be validated for correct HTML and CSS first. The following are all free on-line services.
An easy solution is to install the AIS Web Accessibility Toolbar which is installed in your browser (IE only) and has links to many of these validation tools.
Now, there is a similar Accessibility Toolbar for Mozilla/FireFox! Download the Mozilla-Firefox accessibility extension which provides testing for Section 508 and WCAG related requirements.
There is also a beta version of a new tool called the Functional Accessibility Evaluator that tests for functional accessibility features of web resources related to Section 508 and WCAG.
Both of these tools are under development and would be interested in feedback.
Note that Macromedia Dreamweaver 2004 and Microsoft FrontPage 2003 both come with accessibility validation tools built in.
The WebABLE Accessibility Monitor is a fee-based online service, made possible by a partnership between the WebABLE, a Web accessibility portal, and Hi Software, the makers of the AccVerify evaluation and repair software. This service provides scheduling of monitor services, customizable reports, email alerts, W3C WAI and Section 508 reporting and other features. It can monitor entire sites.
More information is available at accessibilitymonitor.com
The following are plug-ins for FrontPage and Dreamweaver that will check and update your code to make it accessible.
If you own the MX 2004 version of the Dreamweaver Suite which includes Dreamweaver, Flash, Cold Fusion, etc., there are accessibility checkers and features already built into the product. If you have an older version of these products you may download plug-ins at the Macromedia website
Likewise, the 2003 version of Microsoft FrontPage has some new accessibility features built-in. However older versions do not and you can find some plug-ins and add-ons at the Hi Software website.
InFocus, by SSB Technologies, was one of the first commercial products created for Web accessibility evaluation and repair. InFocus is a standalone software program which developers can install, then use to check entire sites for potential Web accessibility problems. The program can flag problems based upon Section 508 standards, and works with pages created with common HTML editors, such as Dreamweaver™, FrontPage™ and GoLive™.
Information about InFocus can be found on the SSB Technologies site
Crunchy Technologies is the maker of the PageScreamer family of products. Among them are:
These products check for Section 508 violations.
Information is available on the Crunchy Technologies Web site (currently off line).
This family of tools was developed by Hi Software.
Information is available at Hi Software.com
NetCentric Technologies's CommonLook family of software products is designed to greatly simplify the process of verifying the compliance of websites and various types of documents with accessibility and a wide variety of other standards (including Common Look and Feel, Section 508 and W3C standards). 'Out of the box' and without customization they provide an immediate solution.
Information is available from NetCentric Technologies
Low cost way to learn about accessibility, tests web pages for W3C WAI WCAG and S.508 compliance. Integrated with Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia HomeSite. Accessible to persons with disabilities, supports Windows 2000/XP, Macintosh OS X, Linux and Unix.
Information is available from Deque Ramp
Watchfire provides several software products and services to identify, measure and prioritize security, privacy, quality, accessibility, and compliance risks that exist on corporate web properties.
Information about Watchfire products and services
* This info borrowed from the WebAIM site and the WAI site.
revised: 04/20/2006