Manual vs Automated WCAG accessibility checkers: What actually works in 2025

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If you believe that running just an automated accessibility checker means your website is fully compliant, thinkagain! You are dangerously exposed and a costly lawsuit could be right around the corner.

Many companies still believe automated tools can catch every accessibility issue on their website or app. But an automated WCAG accessibility checker only catches a fraction of the problems, and depending on it alone can leave your website inaccessible and your business vulnerable to lawsuits.

Web accessibility is a legal requirement in2025. People with disabilities have the right to use the internet like others. You could face serious consequences if your website is hard or impossible to use for them.

Manual accessibility audits are essential. At ADACP, we have seen how manual checks catch problems automation misses and how companies that ignore this risk costly legal battles.

Let’s understand why automated tools are not enough for WCAG Compliance. Instead, manual testing can protect your business from lawsuits.

What are WCAG Guidelines and why do they matter?

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have different versions like WCAG 2.2 and 2.1. These rules make digital content usable for people who are blind, deaf, or have motor impairments.

Governments and courts in the US, California, Europe, and worldwide expect websites to meet at least WCAG AA standards. Failing to comply means you risk legal actions under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and certain civil rights.

Why automated accessibility checkers are not enough

You run an automated tool like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse and think your site is 90% accessible. Unfortunately, automated tools are useful but limited. Relying on automation alone is risky:

1. Automated tools can only catch about20-30% of Issues

Many WCAG rules require understandingcontent context and user interaction. Machines cannot fully interpret thesethings.

Is alternative text (alt text)meaningful and descriptive?

Automation can check if alt text exists but not if it’s useful.

Is the reading order logical?

Tools cannot understand if a screen reader user hears information in a way that makes sense.

Are all interactive elements keyboard accessible?

Automation can check some but complex interactions often bypass checks.

Automated tools detect only about 25% of Level A and 17% of Level AA issues. That means 75-83%of issues can go unnoticed.

2. Automated tools miss visual and cognitive accessibility

Color contrast checking, font readability, and clear instructions require human judgment. Is a button color just bright enough for people with color blindness? Does the text use simple language that everyone can understand? Automation cannot reliably answer these.

3. False positives and false negatives create confusion

Automation tools sometimes report false positives that are not really problems. Sometimes they miss serious problem sand give false negatives. This can cause developers to waste time chasing wrong fixes or feel confident when serious issues remain.

Why manual WCAG Accessibility checker audits are the real solution

Manual audits involve trained accessibility experts using your website. They test it with keyboard-only navigation, screen readers, and other assistive technologies.  

Human experts understand user experience which is more crucial than technical compliance. Manual audits test how real users interact with your site; they identify issues that break the experience but do not show up in code checks.

Manual testing catches complex problems like pop-ups, forms, carousels, and custom widgets that require detailed examination. Humans can explore these elements and identify issues automation misses.

The best audits include real users with disabilities who give feedback about what works and what does not. This is the ultimate test of accessibility.

Why you cannot afford to ignore WCAG guidelines

Ignoring accessibility can lead to expensive lawsuits, fines, reputational damage, and lost customers.

Last year, over 1,100 web accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S. by the law firm Mizrahi Kroub. This New York-based firm and its team of nine attorneys stands out as one of the most active plaintiffs in digital ADA litigation. They are responsible for about 25% of all such cases.

In the US and California especially, digital accessibility lawsuits are growing rapidly. Lawsuits are not just for big companies. Serial litigants target small and medium size organizations. Businesses that rely on automated checks miss critical issues.

Relying only on automated tools could cost you millions

The Federal Trade Commission fined Accessible $1 million for claiming that its AI tool could automatically fix all accessibility issues. Regulators are cracking down on companies making false promises with automation-only solutions.

Such quick fix promises cannot offer true accessibility. It requires a mix of tools and human expertise.

ADACP can be your accessibility partner for 2025 and beyond

We have deep experience with every WCAG version (2.1 and 2.2) and real-world accessibility challenges. Our experts test your site using assistive tech and real scenarios. We can find issues automation misses and we bring in real users to give authentic feedback.

ADACP can ensure your website meets legal standards. Protecting your business from lawsuits by choosing our efficient accessibility services.

• Comprehensive Manual Audits
• Customized Remediation Plans
• Legal Risk Mitigation:
• Ongoing Monitoring

What you can do today to avoid accessibility lawsuits

Do not trust automation alone

Use tools as a first step, but follow up with manual audits. Get help from accessibility specialists like ADACP. We understand the nuances and legal requirements that you cannot achieve by relying on a code. Lastly, educate your developers and designers about accessibility best practices.

Plan for Continuous Updates

Keep your website updated with on going reviews because a one-time audit cannot save you from lawsuits. A continuous audit helps catch new issues as content or code changes. A practical solution is to schedule accessibility checks every 3 to 6 months or after every major update or redesign.    

Conclusion

Making your digital content accessible is not just about compliance in 2025. Now, you need to respect people’s rights and protect yourself from costly legal battles.

Automated WCAG checkers are useful tools but far from complete solutions. Manual accessibility audits are the only way to truly ensure your website is accessible and legally safe.

Book a demo with ADACP today and let our experts show you how we can help you build an inclusive digital future.