Axe DevTools

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name: axe-accessibility description: Accessibility testing and remediation using the axe MCP Server. Use when creating or modifying UI code (HTML, JSX, TSX, Vue, Svelte, CSS) to ensure accessibility compliance. Triggers on tasks involving web pages, components, forms, navigation, modals, tables, images, or any user-facing markup. Also use when explicitly asked to check accessibility or run an axe scan.

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axe Accessibility Skill

Test web pages for accessibility violations and get AI-powered remediation guidance using the axe DevTools MCP Server.

Prerequisites

Docker running locally

AXE_API_KEY environment variable set

Docker image pulled: dequesystems/axe-mcp-server:latest

Tools

The wrapper script at scripts/axe-mcp.js (Node.js — no extra dependencies) provides two tools:

analyze

Scan a live web page for accessibility violations. Requires a URL (works with localhost).

node scripts/axe-mcp.js analyze 

Returns JSON-RPC response. The violations are in result.content[0].text (JSON string) under the data array. Each violation has: rule, impact, description, selector, source, helpUrl.

remediate

Get AI-powered fix guidance for a specific violation. Handles HTML with quotes/brackets safely.

node scripts/axe-mcp.js remediate    [pageUrl]

Returns general_description, remediation, and code_fix in result.content[0].text.

tools-list

List available MCP tools.

node scripts/axe-mcp.js tools-list

Workflow

When modifying UI code and a live page is available:

1. Analyze — node scripts/axe-mcp.js analyze 2. Parse — extract violations from the JSON response 3. Remediate — for each unique rule violation, call remediate with ruleId, element HTML, and issue description 4. Apply — implement the recommended code fixes in source 5. Verify — re-run analyze to confirm zero violations

When no live page is available (static code review), apply accessibility best practices directly:

Images: alt text (or alt="" for decorative)

Forms: inputs need associated elements

Interactive elements: keyboard accessible, visible focus

Color contrast: WCAG AA (4.5:1 normal text, 3:1 large text)

ARIA: valid, complete, not redundant with native semantics

Headings: proper hierarchy (h1 → h2 → h3)

Dynamic content: focus management for modals, SPAs, live regions

Notes

Each remediate call uses AI credits from your organization's allocation

The analyze tool spins up a real browser in Docker — allow ~30s for results

Works with localhost URLs for local development testing

> Note: Requires a paid Axe DevTools for Web subscription.

Support

For technical support, bug reports, and feature requests:

Email: helpdesk@deque.com

Support Portal: support.deque.com

Support Guide

Pricing & Sales

Product Page: deque.com/axe/mcp-server

Contact Sales: deque.com/contact

About Deque

Deque Systems is the trusted leader in digital accessibility.

LinkedIn: Deque Systems

Docker running locally

AXE_API_KEY environment variable set

Docker image pulled: dequesystems/axe-mcp-server:latest

Each remediate call uses AI credits from your organization's allocation

The analyze tool spins up a real browser in Docker — allow ~30s for results

Works with localhost URLs for local development testing

> Note: Requires a paid Axe DevTools for Web subscription.