2025 will be the year of accessibility. Regulations will be enacted in the EU in early summer, initially targeting online shop operators. However, the topic will become more prominent regardless, which is a significant step in the right direction. In the spirit of these upcoming changes, today’s plugin is the Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker.
This plugin, developed and maintained by accessibility experts, aims to run several automated checks directly within WordPress. Earlier this year, I interviewed Amber Hinds, co-founder of Equalize Digital, for our English-language podcast. You can listen to the interview in the KrautPress Podcast.
Like most of the other plugins featured in our Advent calendar this year, the Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker can be installed directly from the WordPress.org plugin directory. After activation, it informs users about a more feature-rich paid version and integrates its testing interface directly into the post and page editor.
Below the editor, various tabs in the Accessibility Checker section provide insights into several tests. With great attention to detail, the plugin offers guidance on identifying and solving issues. For example, I discovered a few flaws in our theme here at KrautPress and plan to address them over the Christmas holidays—not because the new accessibility regulations will apply to us, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
In general, the Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker assesses the site’s compliance with WCAG 2.1 AAA standards but also points out that not all tests can be effectively automated. For a thorough evaluation, you should reach out to an expert.
The paid version can get quite pricey, but it offers significantly extended functionality, that will be worth the premium if you create sites for clients.