AI Is Revolutionizing Accessibility Testing — But Not Completely
AI tools are transforming the way we check websites for accessibility. They can scan entire sites in minutes, pick up on inconsistencies in color palettes, flag missing ARIA attributes, or point out focus order issues. They are fast, scalable, and often catch things that would take hours manually.
But here’s the catch — AI doesn’t fully understand user experience. It can’t feel the frustration when a keyboard user can’t reach a button, or when a skip-to-content link technically exists but doesn’t take you to the real main content. It’s brilliant, but it’s not human.
What AI Tools Can Detect — And What They Often Miss
Some AI tools are impressively thorough: they spot inconsistent headings, tab order problems, and even color contrast issues. Others are… a little overenthusiastic, giving unnecessary alerts or highlighting issues that aren’t meaningful in real-world use.
They often miss whether a button actually works when clicked by a keyboard user, whether interactive elements are fully accessible, or if complex forms are truly usable. This is where human insight and real user testing step in.
Why Real Users Still Make the Biggest Difference
No matter how sophisticated an AI tool gets, real users reveal the lived experience of accessibility. A screen reader user might stumble over a focus trap, or notice that a “skip-to-content” link doesn’t take them where they expect. Keyboard users can highlight buttons that are technically accessible but practically impossible to navigate quickly.
AI provides data, but real users provide context, intuition, and the subtle details automation misses.
Combining AI and User Testing for Maximum Impact
The magic happens when AI and human testing work together. Use AI to catch glaring issues quickly — things like structural inconsistencies or potential contrast problems — and then validate with manual testing and real user feedback.
This layered approach ensures your website doesn’t just pass a scan; it’s actually usable and inclusive for everyone.
The Hilarious (and Frustrating) Side of AI Tools
Some of the funniest moments come from AI interfaces themselves. Tools that are supposed to help accessibility often aren’t fully accessible — menus you can’t navigate via keyboard, reports that are confusing for screen readers, or alerts that make you wonder if the AI even tested its own interface.
It’s a reminder that technology is helpful, but human judgment is irreplaceable.
Making AI Work for Real Accessibility
AI should be your assistant, not your replacement. Treat it as a fast, intelligent helper that flags potential issues, but rely on real users to confirm whether your website works in practice. Regular manual checks, keyboard navigation testing, and screen reader verification are essential steps for genuine WCAG compliance.
Need Help Navigating AI and Accessibility Testing?
If you’re unsure how to get the most from AI tools, or need guidance combining them with manual and user testing, I can help. I’ve spent years exploring these tools, laughing at their quirks, and learning how to turn reports into real accessibility improvements. Together, we can make your website truly inclusive.