Humans are the only species for whom tool use is a defining and universal characteristic.
What I value most in good tools is how they embody the toolmakers knowledge and the expertise related to the tasks and needs they were designed to address. They crystallize, refine, and facilitate the sharing of this knowledge and expertise. Good tools can provide solutions while teaching you more about the underlying problems.
When approaching a new domain, finding and deeply learning about available tools can be a great introduction to learning about the domain.
In the last year I've been learning deeply and applying the concepts and principles of accessible digital product design. Here is a list of tools and resources I've found particularly useful.
WebAim Color contrast checkerContrast is a measure of the difference in perceived 'luminance' or brightness between two colors. Having enough contrast is vital to ensure users with visual disabilities, must be able to perceive content on the page.
Deque color contrast checkerMuch like the WebAim contrast checker but it uses a different algorithm and can give slightly different results. It's worth testing with both tools if your values are just barely meeting minimum contrast requirements.
pagespeed.web.devAnalyze your implementation with PageSpeed Insights. Get your PageSpeed score and use PageSpeed suggestions to make your web site faster and more accessible.
WebFXAn objective reading grade level assessment tool. Ensure your language is clear and understandable to your target audience.
WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation ToolsWAVE® is a suite of evaluation tools that helps authors make their web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities.
ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (APG) PatternsLearn how to make accessible web components and widgets with ARIA roles, states and properties and by implementing keyboard support. Provides one or more ways of implementing each pattern, demonstrated with functional examples.
Aria attributes; A quick guideDevelopers should be able to understand what aria attributes do and when to use them and, most importantly, when not to use them.
Accessibility in government, GOV.UK blogA blog that documenting how the GDS accessibility team is rebuilding inclusive digital services across the UK Government.
foreveryone.design67% of accessibility defects originate in the design process. Shift the fix left by using this library of high-quality resources for UX/UI designers.
Deque: Accessibility BootcampA two-day bootcamp to equip individuals across various technical roles with the fundamental knowledge and domain specific practical a11y skills.
IAAP Certification programThe IAAP Certification program offers professional credentials in accessibility, validating knowledge and skills in creating inclusive digital and physical environments.
