As a leading provider of ePortfolio and Assessment solutions, Digication considers it their utmost responsibility to ensure that no users are excluded for any reason. For this reason, they are committed to providing a product that is fully accessible for all users. They consider this an ongoing process, requiring constant evaluation, feedback, and improvement, and an important aspect of this process is clearly documenting and communicating to their community the various accessibility measures taken. To do so, they maintain a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), which provides a thorough record of the measures they have taken to ensure that their product is accessible for those with disabilities. Today, they are publishing an updated version of their VPAT, which can be found here:
https://support.digication.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027749012
They rely on the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility, which are based upon Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, as their standard for accessibility.
While this updated version is largely similar to the previous VPAT (which can be viewed here), there are some key differences. Each criterion that has been updated is listed below.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum): The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for the following: (Level AA)
This status was updated from “Supports with exceptions” to “Supports.” They ensured the color contrast levels of Classic Digication are at least (AA) compliment.
2.1.1 Keyboard: All functionality of the content is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user’s movement and not just the endpoints. (Level A)
The text content of this section was updated to reflect the fact that certain flash based applications do not support navigation by keyboards.
2.4.5 Multiple Ways: More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process. (Level AA)
This status was updated from “Supports with Exceptions” to “Supports,” as all New Digication pages offer multiple methods to locate and access web pages.
2.4.7 Focus Visible: Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible. (Level AA)
The text content of this section was updated to reflect the fact that certain flash applications are not focusable with a focus indicator.
Section 1194.21 part (a): This sub-section’s status was updated from “Supports” to “Supports with Exceptions” because some visual features, such as resizing, require drag-and-drop interactions. While the drag-and-drop actions are not able to be activated with a keyboard, content is always read aloud via assistive technology.
Section 1194.22 part (e): This sub-section’s status was updated from “Supports” to ’N/A’ because New Digication ePortfolios do not use server-side image maps.
Section 1194.22 part (f): This sub-section’s status was updated from “Supports” to ’N/A’ because New Digication ePortfolios do not use server-side image maps.
Accessibility improvements that contributed to the VPAT changes above:
Aria Labels
- Added proper aria labels to the following areas: ePortfolio Directory, Courses, Subscriptions, People, Reports, Administration
- Improved labels for the Edit Mode/Published View toggle
- Improved labels for the Text module (no longer referred to as a button)
- Improved labels for slide buttons (Delete, Settings button) in order to make clear which slide is being affected
- For the Conversations tool:
- Added an aria-label for the comment delete button.
- Fixed role, aria-label and check state for checkboxes “Remember this selection” and “Who should see this?”
- Added an aria-label for the cancel “X” button for the “Save as Template” screen
- For the “Make A Copy” feature, added an aria-label for the “Change URL” button
- Improved label for “Add Content” to a slide button; “More Options” button; and “View All” template button
Headers
- For “Submit ePortfolios” and “Save as Template,” the headers are now accessible
- Headers structure of Library page and ePortfolio settings page has been improved
- The header structure in the left-side settings menu has been improved
Focus Handling
- Focus handling changes when the left-side settings menu opens
- Focus handling changes to template details after selecting a template
- Focus on page title after opening Library page
Screen Reader
- VoiceOver reads the instruction (press Escape) on how to close the Library when a user reaches the end of the Add Content/Library page
- Alert messages are now read aloud
- Improved the pace that the text is read when users land on the Create screen
Buttons
- The buttons for “Take Picture,” “Capture Video,” and “Record Audio” are now accessible
- On the Intro page, for any schools that still do not have New Digication enforced, buttons are now announced correctly as buttons
- Buttons which allow the user to enlarge images in published view have been added into the tab order so that they are accessible for site visitors using a keyboard
- Ensured appropriate Button elements are used in the following areas: Courses, Reports
Keyboard Access
- When editing the navigation menu, pages can now be made into subpages using keyboard only
- The image upload module can now be closed using keyboard only
Miscellaneous
- The permission search dropdown is now accessible
- Fixed text editor accessibility in the Add Assignments area
- Fixed accessibility of status key info windows
- Ensured that the text module is editable in Chrome (buttons show up now)
- In the side menu, fixed the issue wherein the menu remains expanded while accessing Slide Settings, thus making it difficult to see under the side menu
- Added proper section elements to the following areas: ePortfolio Directory, Courses, Subscriptions, People, Reports, Administration
- Fixed color contrast levels to meet WCAG AAA requirements in the following areas: Courses, Subscriptions
- Replaced Flash based features with React based components for Courses and Calendar
- Added a “Skip to main content” link to ePortfolio pages, allowing users to bypass repeated content, i.e. header controls, navigation and sidebar, for the main content of the page, i.e. slides and modules
- Added proper alt text to images in Courses
Digication would like to thank everyone who has helped us identify the accessibility improvements they have implemented and continue to work towards. If you have questions or feedback, as always, they encourage you to reach out to the team at support@digication.com.