Web accessibility validation and repair: which tool and why?

The Internet may seem accessible to those using standard equipment such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but in reality many who are using non‐standard devices or software to surf the Web will face difficulties accessing information. These alternative methods require that Web sites be designed to accommodate this need. Although many are knowledgeable about the US legislation Section 508 dealing with this issue, less is known about what other countries require. This paper provides an overview of the accessibility standards outlined by the Canadian Government for its Web sites. It also contains a review of four software products designed to assess violations of these standards. Each software tool is compared on a series of practical and functional indicators. For small to medium sites, A‐Prompt and Bobby are recommended and for large or multiple sites, InFocus and AccVerify are better choices. Limitations of each software product are also noted.