Generative AI is Empowering Developers to Bridge the Digital Disability Divide

With the release of a new coding assistant, developers can drive accessibility, usability, and ADA compliance.

Users with disabilities and older people face countless usability barriers online, most rooted in inaccessible coding practices. Developers under intense pressure to “put things out there, fast” must stop and think, who are they leaving behind?

This is a serious issue because there are 200,000 new websites created every day, yet over 90% are not accessible. While generative AI's rapidly expanding capabilities deploy on business applications, the most socially impactful apps do not always launch with accessibility in mind. Unfortunately, this includes some of the most influential companies in the world: see Meta’s new launch of Threads.

Generative AI has immense potential to simplify developers' work, transforming code to be more accessible without requiring specialized knowledge of the WCAG guidelines. UserWay (TASE:UWAY), the market leader in web accessibility, has built and leveraged AI tools for companies and developers to help close the digital divide throughout the development lifecycle. This is why the company launched a new, free coding assistant promoting accessible coding practices: FixMyCode.ai.

FixMyCode.ai is a new specialized genAI tool trained in digital accessibility and ADA compliance. It allows developers to create inclusive and usable end-user experiences more easily while meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

After its release on Product Hunt, FixMyCode debuted as the #1 Product of the Day. Developer reviews such as Yevhen Matskal, a QA Engineer for Rozetka, a leading e-commerce site based in Ukraine, boasts, “This application is fantastic! It's user-friendly, visually appealing, and has great features.”

Another review by Balamurali shows that the tool uncovers knowledge that otherwise would go unnoticed, “This is super cool! I am not a full-time developer but rather work in product with a basic understanding of code - for people like me to have a helping hand that can solve these specific problems is super helpful!”

Optimizing code for accessibility and usability, FixMyCode.ai understands conversational inputs, allowing developers to request tasks like "Create an accessible HTML form." Alternatively, developers can submit their existing code for analysis and enhancement.

The tool not only generates accessible code but also provides detailed explanations of the modifications made, serving as an educational resource for developers to enhance their accessibility skills.

FixMyCode provides developers with several key features:

• Context: FixMyCode is trained to generate code as an experienced web developer and a digital accessibility expert.
• Expertise: FixMyCode draws knowledge from the latest WCAG Guidelines and HTML best practices.
• Specifications: The model is trained to generate code snippets, rectify potential accessibility issues, and explain the process.
• Education: FixMyCode clearly explains how the provided code addresses and rectifies accessibility issues.
• Engagement and Specifications: FixMyCode is friendly and tailored to its mission is to supply developers with accessible and inclusive code to improve the digital experience.

Tools leveraging GenAI could be a game-changer for how developers code accessible experiences. However, some are skeptical. Many developers try to over-simplify FixMyCode by claiming it is just a ChatGPT prompter trained for accessibility. Yet, training ChatGPT to respond like FixMyCode would be challenging when developers don't know what they are looking for regarding accessibility. FixMyCode brings expertise from the world's leading company in digital accessibility tools.

To further promote accessible coding practices and educate developers on accessibility's importance alongside the tool, UserWay launched the AI for Accessibility Discord community. This community serves as a platform for developers to connect, exchange insights, and foster awareness about accessibility, inclusivity, and usability online. Join the conversation on Discord and follow UserWay on Twitter to stay updated and engage with fellow accessibility enthusiasts.

Let’s highlight the importance of digital inclusivity and how AI can help us achieve a more inclusive digital world, faster: JOIN US!