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7 Best WordPress Accessibility Plugins I Recommend After Testing

best wordpress accessibility plugins

A client once called me panicking. They’d received a legal letter claiming their website violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Their contact form didn’t work with screen readers. Simple as that.

Here’s the thing: over 4,600 ADA website lawsuits (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design) were filed in 2023 alone.

And most site owners have no idea their sites exclude people with disabilities.

I spent weeks testing accessibility plugins to find what actually works. Some just add fancy toolbars that don’t fix real problems. While others quietly solve issues you didn’t know existed.

In this guide, I’ll show you the plugins that made real accessibility differences on actual sites. Whether you need free fixes or premium protection, there’s a solution here that fits.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn which plugins fix real accessibility problems
  • Discover tools beginners can use without coding
  • Find solutions that work with your forms
  • Understand overlays versus code-level fixes better
  • Choose plugins matching your budget and needs

How I Test Accessibility Plugins for WordPress

I test accessibility plugins the same way you’d use them. I install each one on a fresh WordPress site and see what actually happens.

What I did to test WordPress accessibility plugins:

First, I check if beginners can set it up without calling a developer. If the settings page looks like a spaceship control panel, that’s a problem.

Next, I run the site through actual screen readers. NVDA and VoiceOver tell the truth. A plugin might claim WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance, but screen readers don’t lie about whether your site actually works.

I also check the site speed before and after. Some accessibility plugins add so much code that they slow your site to a crawl. That defeats the purpose.

Finally, I compare the free versions to the premium. You shouldn’t need to pay $500 just to add skip links. But some premium features are worth it if you’re serious about compliance.

Why Trust IsItWP?

At IsItWP, we’ve been the WordPress community’s go-to resource since 2009, helping over 2 million users choose better tools and plugins.

Unlike review sites that never actually use the products, we maintain active accounts, run real client websites, and provide ongoing WordPress consultation.

When I say I tested these accessibility plugins, I mean I installed them on actual sites and ran screen readers.

Then, I checked compliance reports and dealt with the same frustrations you’ll face if a plugin doesn’t work as advertised.

Quick Comparison of the Best WordPress Accessibility Plugins

Now, if you do not have time to go through the entire article, here is a quick comparison table to help you quickly pick the best accessibility WordPress plugins.

I detail the best feature for each tool, the pricing, if it has a free version, who it is best for, and the star ratings.

PluginRatingBest ForFree VersionKey FeatureStarting Price


🥇
Formidable Forms

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐WCAG-compliant forms✅ YesFull keyboard navigation$39.50/year


🥈
WPForms

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Beginner-friendly forms✅ YesAccessible CAPTCHA options$49.50/year


🥉
WP Accessibility

⭐⭐⭐⭐Font/contrast fixes✅ YesVisual customizationFree


4.
Accessibility WordPress Plugin

⭐⭐⭐⭐Text-to-speech❌ NoMultilingual TTS$19 License


5.
WP ADA Compliance Check

⭐⭐⭐⭐Compliance scanning✅ Yes (15 pages)Automated reports$179.99 License


6.
UserWay

⭐⭐⭐⭐AI-powered toolbar✅ YesAuto-remediation$490/year


7.
Ally by Elementor

⭐⭐⭐Simple toolbar✅ YesQuick setup$7.99/month

Apart from that, here is a table of contents where you can skip to any accessibility plugin you want to read about.

With that out of the way, let’s begin!

Best WordPress Accessibility Plugins for Every Type of Website

1. Formidable Forms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 400,000+ | Best for: WCAG-compliant form builder

formidable forms homepage

I recommend Formidable Forms for any client building forms that need to work for everyone. This is my top pick because it handles WCAG compliance automatically without custom code.

The reality is, most form builders force you to manually add ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels.

Formidable Forms bakes these into every field from the start. As a result, users with screen readers navigate forms just as easily as anyone else.

My Experience

I built a registration form for a nonprofit serving visually impaired members.

The entire form worked with keyboard navigation alone, with no mouse required. Plus, screen readers announced each field clearly.

Apart from that, error messages appeared in ways that assistive technology could understand and announce.

What Stands Out

The biggest win is how forms translate to speech automatically. Everything stays accessible without hiring a developer.

I also tested error handling, and messages displayed clearly for both sighted users and screen readers.

►Pros

  • Full WCAG compliance works out of the box
  • Screen readers handle forms seamlessly without extra code
  • Complete keyboard navigation built into every form
  • Error handling clear for all users regardless of ability

►Cons

  • Premium pricing higher than basic form builders
  • Advanced features have learning curve for beginners
  • Some accessibility features require Pro version
  • Might be overkill for simple contact forms

My Verdict: Formidable Forms is best for WordPress site owners who serve users with disabilities and need forms that just work. Choose this when WCAG compliance matters, and you want it handled automatically.

Check out my latest Formidable Forms review.

[Get Started with Formidable Forms Here]

Pricing: Free Lite version; Pro plans from $39.50/year

2. WPForms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 6,000,000+ | Best for: Beginner-friendly accessible forms

wpforms homepage

I recommend WPForms for any beginner who wants to make their forms accessible without technical knowledge.

Apart from helping with accessibility, this form builder can also help you stop losing customers at the form stage.

Here’s what most don’t realize: inaccessible forms cost actual sales. A restaurant client watched customers abandon their reservation form because screen readers couldn’t navigate it.

WPForms prevents this by handling accessibility automatically.

My Experience

I replaced a broken contact form that blocked visually impaired users. The plugin installed in minutes and added proper ARIA labels without requiring code.

Even better, the honeypot CAPTCHA stopped spam while letting everyone through.

What Actually Works

Smart error handling makes the real difference. When someone misses a field, screen readers announce it immediately. Plus, accessible alternatives replace barriers like image-based verification.

►Pros

  • 6 million active installs prove compatibility across themes
  • Accessible CAPTCHA options don’t block assistive technology users
  • Proper semantic markup works without custom code
  • Free Lite version handles basic accessible contact forms

►Cons

  • Default border contrast needs CSS adjustment for full compliance
  • Date picker not fully keyboard-accessible yet
  • Terms explicitly disclaim full WCAG compliance
  • Required field indicators could use darker color

My Verdict: WPForms is best for beginners who need accessible forms without hiring developers. Choose this when you want proven compatibility and don’t want to write code.

Check out my updated WPForms review for more details. You can also compare WPForms and Formidable Forms to see how the number one and two accessibility plugins on this list compare.

[Get Started With WPForms Here]

Pricing: Free Lite version; paid plans from $49.50/year

3. WP Accessibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 10,000+ | Best for: Font size and contrast adjustments

wp accessibility homepage

I turn to WP Accessibility when clients need visual customization options for their visitors.

I particularly love how this plugin solved one of the major accessibility problems. It allows an elderly or visually impaired audience to read tiny text on a beautiful but inaccessible design.

Too many designers forget that not everyone sees the same way. Some visitors need larger fonts while others struggle with low contrast. This plugin gives each person control over how they view your site.

My Experience

Installation took seconds, and visitors immediately had options to adjust font sizes and switch contrast modes.

One client reported fewer readability complaints after adding it. Apart from that, the grayscale and high contrast options helped users with different visual needs without rebuilding the theme.

How It Handles Visual Barriers

Font controls let visitors enlarge text until they can read it. On the other hand, contrast adjustments help people with color blindness or low vision.

On top of that, it works with every theme and top page builders I’ve tested.

►Pros

  • Completely free with no premium upsells or limitations
  • Compatible with all themes and advanced plugins tested
  • Visitors control their own viewing experience preferences
  • Simple setup process perfect for complete beginners

►Cons

  • Only handles visual adjustments, not code-level fixes
  • Doesn’t fix underlying accessibility issues in content
  • Limited to font and contrast features exclusively
  • Won’t help with form accessibility or navigation

My Verdict: WP Accessibility works best when you need to give visitors visual control. Pair it with code-fixing plugins for comprehensive accessibility coverage.

[Get Started with WP Accessibility Here]

Pricing: Free

4. Accessibility WordPress Plugin (CodeCanyon) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: Premium plugin | Best for: Text-to-speech functionality

accessibility plugins

I use Accessibility WordPress Plugin when clients serve international audiences or users with reading difficulties.

Text-to-speech became essential after working with a training site where learners struggled with written content but absorbed information perfectly when listening.

Reading disabilities affect more people than you’d think. Dyslexia, low literacy, and visual impairments all benefit from having content read aloud.

This accessibility plugin automatically detects your site’s language and converts text to speech without requiring any configuration.

My Experience

Setting up Accessibility WordPress Plugin required just uploading and activating. The plugin immediately offered visitors speech in their own language.

I tested German and Japanese content, and both worked without manual selection. The distraction blocker cleared the screen so users focused only on the content.

What Makes It Different

Automatic language detection saves you from managing translations manually.

Visitors hear content in six languages based on your site. Beyond that, distraction blocking helps users concentrate without visual clutter.

►Pros

  • Comprehensive multilingual support for international audiences
  • Distraction blocking feature helps users focus
  • Automatic language detection requires no configuration
  • One-time payment instead of recurring subscription fees

►Cons

  • Premium pricing with no free version available
  • Limited to text-to-speech features exclusively
  • Requires CodeCanyon purchase and account setup
  • May be expensive for small sites with tight budgets

My Verdict: This accessibility plugin for WordPress makes sense for international sites or businesses serving users with reading disabilities. Skip it if you only need basic visual adjustments.

[Get Started with Accessibility WordPress Plugin Here]

Pricing: $19 for the License

5. WP ADA Compliance Check⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 3,000+ | Best for: Scanning and compliance reports

wp ada compliance check

I pull out WP ADA Compliance Check when clients think their site is accessible but want proof. The scanner catches issues on a “compliant” site that would’ve caused legal trouble later.

Most site owners have no idea what’s broken until someone complains or sues. Scanning shows exactly what’s wrong in reports, and anyone can understand.

My Experience

Running the first scan took minutes and revealed missing alt text, heading structure problems, and contrast issues I’d missed.

The reports break down each problem with clear explanations. It flagged specific posts and pages rather than vague warnings.

Where It Actually Helps

Detailed reports show exactly which pages have problems and what needs fixing. The free version handles small sites well. Pro scans unlimited pages and automatically fixes 28 common errors.

►Pros

  • Free version available to start identifying issues
  • Clear actionable reports anyone can understand
  • Compatible with major page builders like Elementor
  • Pro version includes automatic fixes for common errors

►Cons

  • Free version limited to only 15 pages
  • Pro pricing higher than some competing tools
  • Theme file scanning only available in Pro
  • Automatic corrections require paid upgrade

My Verdict: Start with the free version to find problems, then upgrade to Pro if you need automatic fixes across your entire site.

[Get Started with WP ADA Compliance Check Here]

Pricing: Free basic (15 pages); Pro from $179.99 for the license

6. Accessibility by UserWay ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 80,000+ | Best for: AI-powered visitor toolbar

userway homepage

I consider UserWay for larger operations worried about legal exposure. This toolbar became valuable after a client needed multilingual accessibility that no code-fixing plugin could handle alone.

Visitor-facing toolbars let each person customize their experience without rebuilding your site. AI scans content every 24 hours and generates missing alt text automatically.

Companies like Chevron and Verizon use this approach, which shows enterprise confidence in the technology.

My Experience

Testing the free version showed contrast and text sizing options worked immediately. Premium unlocked AI remediation that caught images without descriptions.

The litigation support includes attorney consultation. That said, a 2024 lawsuit challenged compliance claims, so understand the limitations.

Understanding Overlay Reality

Toolbars supplement good design but never replace proper accessible development. AI-generated alt text helps, but isn’t perfect.

Premium tiers make more sense for businesses facing lawsuits than sites just trying to be inclusive.

►Pros

  • AI-powered auto-remediation scans content continuously
  • Free version available for basic features
  • Premium includes legal consultation and support
  • Used by major enterprises like Chevron

►Cons

  • Premium pricing very high for small businesses
  • 2024 lawsuit raised questions about compliance claims
  • Overlays don’t fix underlying code problems
  • Some users report persistent admin banner notifications

My Verdict: UserWay works for businesses needing litigation support more than actual accessibility fixes. Understand what overlays can’t do before relying on them.

[Get Started with UserWay Here]

Pricing: Free basic version; premium $490-$3,990/year

7. Ally by Elementor (Formerly One Click Accessibility) ⭐⭐⭐

Active installs: 400,000+ | Best for: Simple toolbar with quick setup

ally web accessibility

I often recommend Ally for Elementor users despite the February 2025 rebrand creating friction.

The plugin went from “One Click Accessibility” to “Ally” and now requires an Elementor account, frustrating longtime users who valued the original simplicity.

The rebrand added AI scanning to detect 180+ issues, improving the free version significantly. However, Elementor states this isn’t a substitute for proper audits and won’t make sites legally compliant alone.

My Experience

Even with the free standalone plugin, Ally setup now means creating an Elementor account first, adding an extra step.

Once connected, the toolbar appeared with font adjustments, contrast modes, and link highlighting. The AI scanner flagged real problems, though free features handle basics for most small sites.

Why Simple Sometimes Works

The 400,000+ install base proves people want straightforward solutions. Free features cover what visitors need for visual customization. Just don’t expect this to solve serious accessibility problems.

►Pros

  • Massive install base proves stability and compatibility
  • Free core toolbar features work without payment
  • Minimal performance impact on site speed
  • Quick setup process perfect for beginners

►Cons

  • Now requires Elementor account after rebrand
  • Mixed reviews following the account requirement change
  • Explicitly not substitute for professional accessibility audit
  • AI features locked behind premium tiers only

My Verdict: Choose this if you’re already using Elementor or just want a free basic toolbar. Don’t rely on it for compliance.

[Get Started with Ally Here]

Pricing: Free standalone plugin available; Comes with Elementor free version; Pro starts at $7.99/month as part of Elementor plan

Great! That’s my list of the best accessibility WordPress plugins. But it is also important that you find the right plugin that meets your needs. I’ll break that down next.

How to Choose the Right Accessibility Plugin

Picking the right accessibility plugin depends on what problems you’re actually trying to solve. Here’s how to narrow down your options based on your situation.

By Budget

Free/Starting Out

Growing Business ($50-200/year)

  • WPForms or Formidable Forms handle your form needs properly.
  • If visitors need customization options, UserWay’s free version adds a toolbar without costing anything.
    • This combination covers most small business accessibility requirements without breaking the bank.

Enterprise/Legal Concerns ($500+/year)

  • UserWay Premium includes litigation support and attorney consultation.
  • Pair it with WP ADA Compliance Check for automatic fixes across unlimited pages.
    • This setup matters more for businesses facing compliance pressure or operating in heavily regulated industries.

By Technical Skill

Complete Beginners

  • WP Accessibility and Ally, formerly One Click Accessibility, both install in seconds and work immediately.
    • You don’t configure anything complicated or write code.
    • Visitors get customization options while you focus on content.

Intermediate Users

  • WPForms or WP ADA Compliance Check gives you more control without requiring developer skills.
    • The interfaces make sense, reports explain problems clearly, and you can fix issues yourself following the guidance provided.

Developers/Agencies

  • Formidable Forms and WP ADA Compliance Check offer the flexibility you need.
    • You get granular control over accessibility features while automatic fixes handle repetitive tasks.
    • The Pro version’s white-label reporting works perfectly for client projects.

By Primary Need

Form Accessibility

  • WPForms or Formidable Forms, depending on your budget and complexity requirements.
    • Both handle ARIA labels, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility automatically.
    • Forms represent your biggest legal risk, so invest here first.

Visual Adjustments

  • WP Accessibility gives visitors control over fonts and contrast without you rebuilding anything.
    • It’s free and works with every theme tested.

Visitor Customization Toolbar

  • UserWay or Ally depending on whether you need AI features.
    • Free versions cover basics.
    • Premium makes sense only if you need litigation support or advanced scanning.

Compliance Scanning

  • WP ADA Compliance Check identifies exactly what’s broken and where.
    • The free version handles small sites.
    • Upgrade to Pro when you need unlimited scanning and automatic fixes.

Text-to-Speech

Legal Protection

  • UserWay includes attorney consultation and litigation support programs.
    • This matters more for businesses worried about lawsuits than for sites just trying to be inclusive.

The Best Combination Approach

No single plugin solves everything.

This combination costs nothing and covers the essentials.

Then, upgrade individual pieces as your needs grow rather than buying expensive premium packages upfront.

FAQs: Best WordPress Accessibility Plugins

Can accessibility plugins guarantee WCAG compliance?

No plugin guarantees full WCAG compliance on its own. Plugins help fix common issues, but true accessibility requires proper design from the start. Plus, regular testing with actual assistive technologies. Think of accessibility plugins as helpful tools, not magic solutions. You’ll still need manual reviews and possibly professional audits to ensure your site truly works for everyone.

Do I need both an overlay and a code-fixing plugin?

The best approach layer different solutions together. Code-fixing plugins like WP Accessibility handle underlying HTML problems. Overlays like UserWay give visitors customization options. Forms need specialized plugins like WPForms. Combining these approaches covers more ground than relying on any single plugin type alone.

Will accessibility plugins slow down my site?

No, most lightweight plugins like WP Accessibility add minimal performance impact. Overlay toolbars with heavy AI features can increase load times slightly. WP ADA Compliance Check runs scans in your admin area without affecting front-end speed. Test your site speed before and after installation to measure the actual impact.

Are free accessibility plugins good enough?

Yes, free plugins handle many accessibility requirements well. WP Accessibility, WPForms Lite, and WP ADA Compliance Check’s free version covers the essentials for small sites. Upgrade to premium versions when you need unlimited scanning, automatic fixes, or litigation support—not just because free seems insufficient.

What’s the difference between overlays and code fixers?

Overlays add toolbars that let visitors customize their experience with font sizes, contrast modes, and other adjustments. Code fixers change your actual HTML, adding ARIA labels, skip links, and proper semantic markup. Overlays help individual visitors. Code fixes improve your site’s foundation for everyone using assistive technology.

Which plugin works best with WooCommerce?

WPForms handles checkout and contact forms accessibly. WP ADA Compliance Check scans product pages and identifies issues specific to eCommerce layouts. Formidable Forms works if you need complex multi-step checkout processes. Combine form plugins with scanning tools for comprehensive WooCommerce accessibility coverage.

Do accessibility plugins work with page builders?

Absolutely, most accessibility plugins work with Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi, and other major page builders. WP ADA Compliance Check explicitly supports these tools. One Click Accessibility (Ally) integrates directly with Elementor. Test compatibility with your specific page builder before committing to premium versions.

How do I know if my site is accessible?

Use WP ADA Compliance Check to scan for technical issues. Then test manually with actual screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver. Navigate your entire site using only a keyboard. Better yet, hire someone with disabilities to review your site and provide real feedback about barriers they encounter.

Final Verdict: Should I Make My WordPress Site Accessible?

Yes, you should 100% make your site more accessible.

Remember that panicked client who received the ADA lawsuit letter? Their problem started with an inaccessible contact form that blocked screen reader users.

You don’t need to wait for a legal letter to fix accessibility issues. Start with the free tools available right now.

The most important thing? No plugin replaces accessible design from the start. Test your site regularly with actual screen readers and navigate using only your keyboard.

I also recommend you consider hiring people with disabilities to review your site and identify real barriers.

Accessibility isn’t a checkbox you mark once. It’s an ongoing commitment to making sure everyone can use your site regardless of their abilities.

Resource Center

Accessibility works best when paired with other aspects of running a successful WordPress site. Here are some resources that complement what you’ve learned about making your site more accessible.

AI-Powered WordPress Tools:

Modern AI tools can help automate some accessibility improvements.

User Feedback and Analytics:

Understanding how visitors use your site helps identify accessibility barriers.

  • Read our complete UserFeedback review to see how heatmaps and surveys reveal where users struggle with navigation or interaction.

Site Building and Design:

Building an accessible site from the start saves time later.

Maintenance and Communication:

Keeping your accessible site running smoothly requires ongoing attention.

With these guides, you not only learn about how to support accessibility to the less abled, but also how to improve your overall user experience.

Is there any accessibility tool I missed? Drop a comment and tell me which.

Comments   Leave a Reply

  1. Thank you

  2. Thanks for the effort to shortlist and do the writeups.
    I was expecting to see a table of the key features of ADA compliance and how well each of the solutions handle them. That would help to narrow down the choice for me.

    1. Hey Zai, we will see if we can add a table in the next update. Thanks for mentioning it.

  3. Your number 2, Genesis Accessibility, hasn’t been tested with the latest 3 major releases of WordPress. How old is this article?

    1. Thank you! Just removed it from the list

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