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Tools

Validation

The W3C has a validator for XHTML/HTML Markup and CSS. Paste the page URL into the window and it will come up with the results.

The W3C XHTML/HTML Markup validator
The W3C CSS validator

Bobby

Bobby is an online Accessibility testing engine, it will provide a list of what needs to be corrected.

The first thing to note here is that Bobby is an automated translator and will suggest things that may not necessarily need fixing. For instance it cannot always detect wether you have provided alternatives, (such as a [D] link) and will mention the need to fix things that have already been done.

The second thing to note is that as Bobby is automated, it won't pick up errors in your code. So perhaps you have added a picture an left the ALT tag blank (alt=""). Bobby can't tell what the picture is, only that it does contain an ALT tag and it will deem this correct. Human testing is always superior.

Preview the Bobby Validator

Using Dreamweaver for Accessibility

Dreamweaver MX has DDA compliance features. To ensure this is turned on go to:
edit/preferences/accessibility/ and check all the attribute boxes.

You can also turn on XHTML by going to Validator in the same window and selecting XHTML 1.0 Transitional. When creating a new document, you can tick make XHTML compliant in the bottom right corner of the window.

In Dreamweaver MX, you can also test your website for accessibility.

1. Open the document you want to check.
2. Choose File > Check Page > Check Accessibility.

You can also check an entire site. For further information, open the Help Menu in Dreamweaver MX and search for validating your tags.

More about Dreamweaver's accessibility.

Testing

For testing, you can download various software specifically designed for people with disabilities. It is suggested that we use the most common programs though to test for the majority of users:

Screen Readers

The most commonly used Screen Reader is JAWS and it is suggested that we test with this.

Text Browsers

The most commonly used Text Browser is LYNX and it is suggested that we test with this. Extract the contents of the ZIP file and you can use it straight away - no need for installation.