Accessibility AI tools: The best tools at a glance

Selected AI tools can improve accessibility on the internet by making content more accessible for people with disabilities. In this article, we would like to introduce you to some great tools that can help you make your website accessible. You'll learn how to use automated image descriptions, easy-to-read translations and sign language tools. We will also highlight the benefits and challenges of these technologies.

The role of artificial intelligence in accessibility

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way accessibility is implemented on the web. By using AI, websites can be optimized and made more accessible. Automated translations, the generation of image descriptions and the integration of sign language tools are just some of the possibilities that AI offers to create an accessible website. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to make the online presence accessible to everyone.

Automated image descriptions and ALT texts

Automated image descriptions and automated alternative texts are a powerful tool to facilitate access to visual content for blind and visually impaired people. These AI-powered tools use computer vision (CV) to statistically calculate what is most likely to be seen in an image. The information obtained is then converted into comprehensible text descriptions using Natural Language Processing (NLP), which can be read aloud by screen readers. In this way, visual content is made accessible to people with visual impairments.

Social media services such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) already use such technologies when uploading images to automatically generate alternative texts. These automated descriptions are an important step towards greater accessibility in the digital space.

However, it is important to note that editorial revision of the automatically generated descriptions is necessary to ensure their quality and relevance. AI tools cannot always fully capture the context of an image, so human review and adaptation are crucial to ensure truly meaningful and helpful image descriptions.

Transcription of audio and video content

AI also plays a crucial role in the transcription of audio and video content. YouTube, for example, uses AI to generate automatic subtitles for videos. This function provides good access to video content for the deaf and hard of hearing. The spoken content is converted into text in real time. However, it may still be necessary to adapt these texts manually.

Recognizing accessibility problems

Tools such as Google Lighthouse use AI to analyze websites and identify areas that do not yet meet accessibility standards. This is a great tool for web developers to identify and fix these issues.

Translation into plain language

Easy-to-read language is an essential tool for communicating information clearly and comprehensibly. This is particularly important for people with learning difficulties and non-native speakers. The aim of plain language is to simplify complex information so that it is easily understandable and accessible for everyone.

Public authorities are obliged to provide texts in plain language to ensure that important information can be understood by all citizens. These clearly structured and simply formulated texts make reading easier for people with learning or reading difficulties and for people who do not speak German very well.

Modern AI technologies can support the creation of texts in plain language. With the help of Natural Language Processing (NLP), AI-supported tools such as SUMM AI and Eye-Able can read, analyze and automatically simplify existing texts. This further improves access to important information. The city of Unna plans to use such tools to increase the comprehensibility of its digital content and ensure accessibility for all citizens.

Translating texts into other languages

AI technologies such as Google Translate offer powerful tools for the automatic translation of texts that can significantly improve accessibility. These tools make it possible to translate website content into different languages in real time, which is particularly important for international users. In addition, automatic subtitles can be generated in presentations, such as PowerPoint, and translated directly while the speaker is talking. This increases the comprehensibility and accessibility of content, especially in multilingual contexts, even if it is less directly related to the web.

Sign language integration

The integration of sign language into websites is currently mainly limited to video formats. This can present challenges in displaying content for deaf users, as not all information is always easily accessible.

Sign language avatars could be a viable solution in the future to integrate sign language on websites. However, there are limitations and challenges that need to be considered to ensure comprehensive support for deaf users.

Advantages and challenges of AI-supported accessibility

The integration of AI into accessibility offers numerous advantages. It enables more accurate recognition and description of content, which is particularly beneficial for people with disabilities. Automated tools that use AI can significantly improve the quality of image descriptions and documents, making information more accessible.

AI-powered tools can significantly speed up and simplify the accessibility process. This improves user-friendliness and enables broader accessibility for people with disabilities. The use of AI can therefore lead to websites becoming more accessible for all users.

Despite the benefits, there are also challenges when implementing AI accessibility tools. The effectiveness of these tools varies greatly, and human review remains essential. Many issues cannot be technically identified and therefore require manual review by trained experts.

Legal basis and requirements

The implementation of accessibility on websites is increasingly becoming a legal requirement for website operators. Digital accessibility will be a legal requirement in Germany from June 2025.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, people with disabilities have the right to equal access to information. This also applies to communication.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG for short, provide guidelines for the accessibility of web content. They are aimed at people with disabilities and take into account various limitations, including

• Visual limitations
• Auditory limitations
• Physical limitations
• Linguistic limitations
• Cognitive limitations
• Neurological limitations

These guidelines are important to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access web content. The four principles of WCAG are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.

Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz and European Accessibility Act

The Accessibility Reinforcement Act requires the removal of barriers in digital offerings by 2025. Since 2021, federal public bodies have been obliged to make their websites accessible in order to ensure access to the internet.

The European Accessibility Act aims to improve the accessibility of products and services in the EU.

Checking and ensuring accessibility

Website operators need to take a close look at the accessibility of their websites. A critical self-test is the first step in checking accessibility. Free self-testing tools can be used to check the accessibility of websites.

Experts recommend integrating accessibility testing during the development process to improve accessibility. Regular accessibility testing ensures that the website remains accessible to all users.

Manual testing vs. automatic testing

Combining automated testing tools with manual assessments significantly improves the detection of accessibility issues. Using a combination of tools tailored to the project needs increases the effectiveness of accessibility testing.

Implementing basic accessibility testing in a CI/CD pipeline allows consistent assessments with minimal effort.

Use of problem analysis tools

Overlay tools help to identify and fix accessibility issues on websites. These tools detect accessibility issues and support the initial check, but are only complementary to manual testing. Overlay tools monitor the accessibility of the website and automatically make adjustments. The WAVE toolbar can be downloaded as an extension in the Google Chrome browser.

Manual checking is necessary when understanding context or human interpretation is required. Problem analysis tools only measure what can be technically identified, so manual review is often necessary.

Overlay tools can continuously monitor accessibility and make adjustments as needed.

Best practices for accessible web design

Technical and human expertise are necessary to make web content accessible to all people. Regular training for developers on accessibility guidelines can lead to better integration of accessibility principles in web design. Clear hierarchical structures on websites improve accessibility for screen reader users. Strong color contrasts are necessary to ensure readability for people with visual impairments.

Alternative texts for images are essential to provide information for users with visual impairments. Subtitles in videos are necessary to make content accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Navigation should also be possible via the keyboard to help users with motor impairments.

Integrating accessibility into web design is an ongoing process that adapts to new technologies and user needs.

Summary

The integration of AI into the accessibility of websites and online stores offers numerous advantages, from automated image descriptions to translations into plain language and sign language integration. However, there are also challenges that need to be overcome to ensure comprehensive accessibility. By combining AI-powered tools and human expertise, we can create a more inclusive digital world. If you would like to learn more about accessibility in online stores, take a look at our article on accessible online stores! We are also happy to support you in setting up an accessible online store or website. Do you already have a website or online store and would like to adapt it to the legal requirements for digital accessibility? Then contact us for an initial consultation!