What's New

🚀 Introducing axe Assistant for Microsoft Teams v1.0

Your AI-Powered Accessibility Consultant in Microsoft Teams.

We're excited to launch axe Assistant for Microsoft Teams v1.0, bringing real-time accessibility guidance directly into your workspace. It's like having an expert consultant on hand—ready to assist with WCAG compliance, code linting, and image-based alt text recommendations.

💡 Why We Built This

Accessibility shouldn't mean digging through documentation or waiting for answers. Powered by Deque University and Deque Product Docs, axe Assistant helps you:

✅ Get instant answers to accessibility questions
✅ Analyze code and images for accessibility issues
✅ Receive actionable remediation guidance
✅ Collaborate with teammates in group chats and channel conversations

🌟 Key Features

Here's how axe Assistant enhances accessibility in Microsoft Teams:

1. 🏗️ Context-Aware Guidance
   • Ask questions in personal chats, group chats, or team channel conversations.
   • Get tailored responses with relevant resources.
   • Example: "What are the WCAG requirements for accessible forms?"
2. 💬 Collaborative Conversations
   • Mention @axe Assistant in any conversation.
   • Anyone can engage in the conversation with the assistant.
   • Example: "How do I fix this React form label issue? (followed by the code you want to check)"
3. 🖼️ Image Alt Text Suggestions
   • Share a screenshot, and axe Assistant suggests alt text based on context.
   • Example: "Can you suggest alt text for this dashboard? (followed by the screenshot)"
4. 💻 Code Linting and Remediation
   • Paste code snippets for linting via axe Linter with actionable suggestions.
   • Example: "Can you check this HTML for accessibility issues? (followed by the code you want to check)"
5. 📚 Instant Knowledge Access
   • Get answers sourced from Deque University and Product Docs.
   • Example: "How do I test mobile accessibility with axe DevTools?"

🤔 What Can You Ask?

axe Assistant handles a wide range of queries:

• Accessibility Fundamentals: "What's the difference between WCAG 2.1 and 2.2?"
• Best Practices: "How do I make a modal dialog accessible?"
• Testing: "What's the best way to test for keyboard accessibility?"
• Product Guidance: "How do I integrate axe DevTools into my CI/CD pipeline?"
• Training: "What courses are available for developers?"

🚀 Getting Started

1. Install axe Assistant from your organization's Microsoft Teams app store (once your Teams administrators have uploaded the app package).
2. Add the app to:
   • Your personal scope for 1:1 chats
   • Group chats by clicking "Add app" in the chat
   • Team channels with admin approval
3. Share questions, code, or images for instant feedback.

📝 Please note:

• In group chats and channels, the assistant needs to be @mentioned and can only see the messages where it's mentioned and the last 5 messages for context. In personal chats, you can simply type your message.
• Image Handling: Although the assistant supports image analysis through both direct image pastes and file attachments, the latter is only available in personal chats due to Microsoft Teams limitations. Direct image pastes work in all conversation types.