Laid out by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG/WCAG 2.0) are a series of recommendations and guidelines for making web content as accessible as possible to all types of users.
At TalentLMS, we make sure to follow all WCAG 2.0 guidelines that also cover most Section 508 and ADA requirements for web accessibility.
Is TalentLMS WCAG compliant?
WCAG compliance heavily depends on both the service capabilities and the content of websites and web services.
Regarding service capabilities, TalentLMS is built with modern engineering principles in mind including navigability, search, keyboard accessibility, user-friendliness, and compatibility. This is done to maximize user experience and also allows our customers to fully customize their content, themes, add alternatives representations of content where needed.
Regarding content, TalentLMS has no knowledge or control over the content uploaded on the service domains. Therefore, it’s impossible to claim full WCAG compliance (or similar).
However, we strive to reach the highest possible level of conformance to the WCAG 2.0 guidelines. To that end, we keep improving our platform based on the WCAG 2.0 requirements so that every potential TalentLMS user can enjoy our service.
What are the WCAG 2.0 guidelines?
There are 12 main WCAG 2.0 success criteria for websites to be accessible:
- Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.
- Time-based Media: Provide alternatives for time-based media.
- Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
- Distinguishable: Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background.
- Keyboard Accessible: Make all functionality available from a keyboard.
- Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content.
- Seizures: Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
- Navigable: Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are.
- Readable: Make text content readable and understandable.
- Predictable: Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
- Input Assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
- Compatible: Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
What’s Section 508?
Section 508 is a US federal law. As an amendment to the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it mandates that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Under Section 508, websites have to meet a series of specific requirements for web accessibility. From the development stage, websites must be designed to guarantee full access and ease-of-use to people with mobility, vision or other types of impairment. The Section 508 standards are very similar to the WCAG 2.0 guidelines.
What’s the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
In short, the ADA requires employers, state and local governments, and places of public accommodation to guarantee equal opportunity and access for individuals with disabilities.