TYPO3 Live Accessibility Checker: Monitor Issues While You Create

TYPO3 Live Accessibility Checker in CKEditor enables editors to spot and correct accessibility issues, such as missing alt text and heading errors, instantly while creating content.

How the Accessibility Checker Works

Integrated within TYPO3’s CKEditor, the accessibility checker offers real-time feedback as you create your content. Here’s how it works:

• Instant detection: The tool scans your content as you write, highlighting accessibility issues such as missing alt text, poor heading structure, or incorrect link text.

• Simple explanations: The checker provides clear descriptions of the issues, along with easy-to-follow steps on how to fix them.

• Non-intrusive: It runs in the background, offering feedback without interrupting your workflow or distracting you from writing.

Why This is a Game-Changer for Content Teams

Using the live accessibility checker helps streamline the content creation process:

• No need for advanced accessibility knowledge: The tool is designed to be easy to use, with simple explanations that guide editors on how to correct issues.

• Consistency across content: It ensures every piece of content adheres to the same accessibility standards, making your site more accessible for all users.

• Save time and effort: By addressing accessibility issues while you work, you eliminate the need for time-consuming revisions and manual checks later on.

• Legal and ethical benefits: Helps ensure that your content complies with accessibility regulations (such as WCAG), lowering the risk of legal challenges.

How It Works Seamlessly with Your Editing Process

Here’s how the checker integrates into your normal editing routine:

1. Begin editing your content in CKEditor.

2. As you write, the tool automatically flags any accessibility issues that arise.

3. Click on a flagged issue to see a detailed explanation and how to fix it.

4. Apply the suggested fix, and the issue will disappear.

5. Publish your content, confident that it meets accessibility standards.

This integration ensures that accessibility checks are part of your editing flow, rather than a separate step after content is created.

Types of Issues the Checker Identifies

The accessibility checker is designed to catch several common issues that can affect the accessibility of your content:

Text Alternatives

• Missing alt text: Ensure all images are described with alt text so screen readers can interpret them.

• Vague alt text: Replace vague descriptions like "Image of…" with more specific, meaningful descriptions.

• Overly long alt text: Keep alt text short and to the point—ideally under 150 characters.

Links and Navigation

• Unclear link text: Ensure every link includes descriptive text that clearly explains its purpose.

• Generic link text: Avoid using phrases like "Click here" or "Read more" in favor of text that describes the link’s destination.

• Links opening in new windows: Make sure users know when a link opens in a new tab, to avoid confusion.

Document Structure

• Improper heading hierarchy: Ensure headings follow a logical order (e.g., don’t jump from H2 to H4).

• Empty headings: Remove any headings that don’t have meaningful content.

• Misused headings: Avoid using bolded text as a substitute for proper headings.

Content Quality

• Text in all caps: Avoid using all caps for long sections of text, as it can be harder to read and may cause confusion.

• Tables missing headers: Ensure all tables include headers for clarity.

• Missing captions or transcripts: Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to make them accessible to a broader audience.

Indicator System

• Red indicators: These highlight issues that need to be addressed immediately.

• Yellow indicators: These are less urgent issues that require further review but aren’t critical.

How It Makes a Difference in Content Creation

Consider how this tool changes the content creation process:

• Without the checker: Accessibility issues like missing alt text, poor heading structure, or vague link text may go unnoticed until after the content is published.

• With the checker: These issues are flagged as you work, allowing you to correct them before publishing, ensuring accessible content from the start.

The tool is great at catching common accessibility problems, but more complex issues, such as advanced ARIA roles or custom widgets will still need manual checks.

Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever

As the digital world becomes more inclusive and laws surrounding accessibility tighten, ensuring that your content is accessible is a must. The live accessibility checker makes it easier to comply with legal requirements while improving the user experience for all your site’s visitors.