Developing with Accessibility in Mind at Microsoft

Learn how you can support the Global Accessibility Awareness Day GAAD by using tools like Accessibility Insights & Visual Studio to find accessibility issues in development.

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Microsoft
•
Nandita Gupta
•4 min read•beginner•
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Overview

The article emphasizes Microsoft's commitment to accessibility in software development, particularly on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). It highlights tools like Accessibility Insights for Web and Visual Studio's Integrated Accessibility Checker to help developers create inclusive applications.

What You'll Learn

1

How to use FastPass to identify high-impact accessibility issues quickly

2

How to utilize Visual Studio’s Integrated Accessibility Checker for real-time feedback

3

Why manual inspection is necessary alongside automated tools for comprehensive accessibility testing

4

How to incorporate accessibility practices into your development life cycle

Key Questions Answered

What tools does Microsoft provide for accessibility testing?
Microsoft offers Accessibility Insights for Web and Visual Studio’s Integrated Accessibility Checker. Accessibility Insights helps developers identify accessibility issues through automated checks and manual assessments, while the Integrated Accessibility Checker provides feedback directly within the Visual Studio IDE.
How can developers quickly identify accessibility issues?
Developers can use the FastPass feature in Accessibility Insights for Web to catch common, high-impact accessibility issues in under 5 minutes. This tool leverages automated checks powered by axe-core to enhance the accessibility testing experience during UI code writing.
What is the purpose of Quick Assess in Accessibility Insights?
Quick Assess is designed to go beyond automated checks by offering 10 manual tests that help identify deeper accessibility issues. Each test includes explanations and resources to assist developers in fixing identified problems, ensuring a more thorough assessment.
Why is accessibility important in software development?
Accessibility is crucial as it ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use technology effectively. By integrating accessibility into the development process, developers can create equitable digital experiences that enhance user satisfaction.

Technologies & Tools

Tool
Accessibility Insights For Web
Used for identifying and fixing accessibility issues in web applications.
IDE
Visual Studio
Provides integrated tools for accessibility checking within the development environment.
Library
Axe-core
Powers automated accessibility checks in Accessibility Insights.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Incorporate accessibility testing early in your development cycle using FastPass to identify issues quickly.
By catching high-impact accessibility issues early, developers can save time and resources, ensuring a more inclusive product from the start.
2
Utilize Visual Studio’s Integrated Accessibility Checker to receive immediate feedback on accessibility issues.
This tool allows developers to address accessibility concerns in real-time, making it easier to implement fixes as they code.
3
Engage in manual testing alongside automated tools to ensure comprehensive accessibility coverage.
Automated tools can miss nuanced accessibility issues, so manual inspection is essential for a thorough evaluation.

Common Pitfalls

1
Relying solely on automated tools for accessibility testing can lead to missed issues.
Automated tools are helpful but can overlook nuanced accessibility problems that require manual inspection for resolution.