Introduction
This case study highlights the efforts made by a local government research platform to improve accessibility. The platform recognized the importance of ensuring that its website is accessible to all users, taking steps to ensure that it complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA.
Problem
Before the accessibility updates, the platform's website was not fully accessible. Lack of compliance made it challenging and sometimes impossible for users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard navigation. The website needed proper landmarks, headings, contrast, and alternative text for images, making it difficult for users with visual or cognitive impairments to navigate and understand the content since this platform is needed to reach as many people as possible.
Solution
An exhaustive website audit was conducted, with results that guided our approach toward the compliance effort. The audit identified areas that needed improvement, and a team of developers and designers worked together to create a roadmap for making the necessary updates to ensure that the website complies with WCAG 2.1 level AA.
The accessibility updates included:
- Improving color contrast to ensure that text was easily readable.
- Adding proper landmarks and headings to improve the structure of the content.
- Adding alternative text for images and multimedia content to describe it to users who cannot see them.
- Making sure all interactive elements, such as forms and buttons, were accessible by keyboard navigation.
- Rewriting complex copy that could be more understandable.
- Making sure all task flows can be performed with assisted technologies.
- Improving color contrast to ensure that text was easily readable.
- Adding proper landmarks and headings to improve the structure of the content.
- Adding alternative text for images and multimedia content to describe it to users who cannot see them.
- Making sure all interactive elements, such as forms and buttons, were accessible by keyboard navigation.
- Rewriting complex copy that could be more understandable.
- Making sure all task flows can be performed with assisted technologies.
The following frames are examples of the work done on specific views and components to guide developers and help the team develop requirements more efficiently.
Results
The accessibility updates are still ongoing, but the platform has made significant progress in improving the accessibility of its website. Users who rely on assistive technologies have already reported a noticeable improvement in their ability to access and understand the content on the website. The website is now closer to becoming compliant with WCAG 2.1, and the team is continuing to implement the necessary updates to ensure that the website is fully accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
