Using Automated Tools For Functional Testing
Accessibility evaluation tools perform web page automated checks, but each is designed for a specific target audience based on a specific conformance standard. So, it is important to choose an appropriate evaluation tool for the intended reporting purpose. Consider the standards and guidelines used by the different accessibility evaluation tools. There are currently two standards and guidelines most commonly used: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Section 508 of the United States Rehabilitation Act.
Automated Validation Tools (AVT)
Some tools are available at a web site where they are able to evaluate the content of a page quickly and easily without downloading or installing an application. Other options include tools that are created as extensions to a browser, and some tools require installation on your hard drive or server. Some tools are simple and limited and evaluate just one page at a time. While other tools are very detail oriented that are able to examine large sites and check for a variety of errors. Many tools can only perform an evaluation and may be free to use, but many commercially available tools provide repair guidance in addition to the evaluation process.
Check out some Automated Accessibility Evaluation Resources
Automated Report Test Results
Accessibility report styles differ widely depending on the target audience, such as web designers and developers or executives and management, but in general tend to be very lengthy and challenging to decipher. Although evaluation tools can identify accessibility issues, they cannot determine if a product complies with expected conformance levels and is usable by assistive technologies. That is, tools can identify images that are missing alt text, but they cannot determine how appropriate the text is in describing the image.
Dave Rupert: Nine things automated accessibility tests can’t test