Proprietary Accessibility Tools
Proprietary accessibility tools are specialized software applications developed by companies or organizations to test, evaluate, and ensure digital products (websites, apps, documents) comply with accessibility standards like WCAG, Section 508, or ADA. They often include features for automated testing, manual auditing, and reporting to identify and fix accessibility barriers for users with disabilities. Examples include tools like JAWS, ZoomText, and proprietary solutions from vendors like Deque, Level Access, or Siteimprove.
Developers should learn and use proprietary accessibility tools when building or maintaining digital products that must meet legal requirements (e.g., for government, education, or healthcare sectors) or to enhance inclusivity and user experience. These tools are essential for identifying accessibility issues early in development, reducing legal risks, and ensuring compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1/2.2, particularly in regulated industries or large-scale projects where automated and manual testing integration is critical.