axe-core: Open Source Accessibility Testing for Better AI and Web Tools

When you build tools with axe-core, an open source accessibility testing engine developed by Deque Systems that scans web content for compliance with WCAG standards. It's not just for developers—it’s for every nonprofit using AI to reach more people. Also known as Axe, it runs inside browsers, CI/CD pipelines, and testing frameworks to find problems like missing alt text, poor color contrast, or keyboard traps before they reach users. If your nonprofit uses AI chatbots, donation forms, or program portals, axe-core is the quiet guardian that makes sure no one gets left out.

Accessibility isn’t a feature—it’s a requirement. And it’s not just about legal compliance. People with vision, motor, or cognitive disabilities rely on properly built websites to access services, donate, or sign up for programs. Tools like AI-powered form builders, platforms that generate user interfaces from natural language prompts often skip accessibility checks because they’re fast and easy. But without axe-core, an automated testing tool that detects accessibility violations in real time, those same tools can accidentally lock out the very people nonprofits exist to serve. Even generative AI, systems that create text, images, or code using machine learning models can produce content that’s visually appealing but completely unusable for screen reader users if not tested properly.

What you’ll find in this collection are real-world examples of how nonprofits are using axe-core to audit their AI tools, integrate it into their development workflows, and train staff to spot accessibility gaps before launch. You’ll see how teams running vibe-coded apps, deploying LLMs for customer service, or building multimodal interfaces are embedding accessibility from day one—not as an afterthought. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re battle-tested tactics from organizations that had to fix broken forms, rewrite confusing chatbots, or avoid lawsuits—all by starting with a simple scan.