Virtual Conference Pricing & Information Now Posted (Agenda will be announced Oct. 5)
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You are here: Home » Artificial Intelligence, Other, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access » Accessibility, Automated Testing and AI Agents – Reality Check

Accessibility, Automated Testing and AI Agents – Reality Check

Scheduled at 8:30 in Denver 1-3 on Thursday, November 19.

#43216

Speaker(s)

  • Chad Hester, VP, North America, BarrierBreak

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 2-hr
  • Format: Lab
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Automated tools and AI agents promise fast, scalable accessibility testing—but how do they compare to real human evaluation? In this session, we’ll test the same interface using automation, a custom AI accessibility agent, and manual testing. You’ll see what each approach catches, what they miss, and where false confidence can creep in. Walk away with a practical, layered strategy that combines automation, AI, and human insight to build more accessible experiences.

Abstract

Automated accessibility tools promise fast, scalable results. AI agents promise even more—context, reasoning, and insight. But how do these approaches actually compare to real human testing?

In this session, we'll put them head-to-head.

Using the same interface, we'll examine results from:

  • Automated accessibility testing tools.
  • A custom AI agent designed with accessibility-focused evaluation skills.
  • Manual testing with keyboard and assistive technologies.

You'll see where each approach succeeds, where it fails, and more importantly, what each one completely misses.

This isn't just a comparison of tools. It's a reality check on what "accessible" really means in practice.

By the end of this session, you'll walk away with a practical, layered testing strategy that combines automation, AI, and human insight to create more inclusive digital experiences.

Keypoints

  1. Understand what automated accessibility tools actually test—and what they don’t
  2. Learn how AI agents can extend accessibility testing (and where they fall short)
  3. See real examples of issues only discoverable through manual testing

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Other, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Chad Hester

Chad Hester has more than 20-years of development experience and the last 10-years focused primarily on accessibility. He combines his experience with leadership of people, processes and projects together to provide you and your with expertise in implementing strategies to be a better team member for your company and infuse digital accessibility in your product offerings.