How the chat screen and widget meet WCAG 2.1 AA
The commitment, how testing is done on phone and desktop, and how to report a barrier so it gets a fix.
WCAG 2.1 AA commitment for the chat screen and website widget
The same standard applies in the signed-in app and on a college website.
- The chat screen and the website widget are built to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
- An accessibility audit with keyboard and screen reader testing is part of the pilot.
- Gaps found in the audit are fixed before campus-wide rollout.
- College accessibility staff are invited into the pilot group.
How testing is done with keyboard and screen readers on phone and desktop
Testing follows the work people actually do.
Keyboard only
Open the widget, ask a question, follow a source link, rate an answer, and hand off to an office without using a mouse.
Screen reader
Read the welcome message, the answer, and the source links on desktop and on a phone, and confirm new answers are announced.
Forms and checks
Complete a labelled form, check error messages next to fields, and confirm focus returns to the place you left.
Labels, headings, focus, contrast, and tap targets on every screen
Small details that make the chat usable for everyone.
Labels and headings
Every field has a label, headings run in order on each page, and source links say where they go.
Focus and contrast
Focus is visible on every control, text and controls meet AA contrast, and help text sits next to the field it explains.
Phone and text size
The layout stacks to one column on a phone, tap targets are generous, and text stays readable at large sizes.
Before publishing, a college checks the widget on a test page. Follow the publish the widget guide.
How to report a barrier and what happens next
Report it in the way that helps the fix the most.
Note the screen and device
Write down the page or screen, the device, and the assistive technology you use.
Describe what happened
State the step you tried and what you expected to happen.
Send it to the college contact
Use the college contact named for accessibility in the app, or send the note through the contact page.
Track the fix
The report is logged, assigned to an owner, and checked again with keyboard and screen reader before it is closed.
VPAT status during evaluation, stated plainly
No completed accessibility conformance report is claimed today.
- A VPAT for the college configuration will be completed during evaluation.
- Audit results, known gaps, and fix dates are recorded for the college during the pilot.
- Training materials are captioned and screen reader friendly.
Test it as a visitor
Open a college page with the widget, or sign in to the app and ask a question by keyboard.