At Blackbullion we aim to produce content that is informative, engaging, and accessible. We have been working on a number of changes to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can fully access our learning content.
We have integrated a number of accessibility features into our learning platform to meet the criteria defined by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). The guidelines produced by the WAI are widely regarded as the international standard for web accessibility (W3C, 2018). Our goal is to meet the “Level AA” standard for the presentation of “Time-based Media” which is our current means of content presentation.
Our platform uses multiple features that facilitate the process of improving accessibility to “Time-based Media” for individuals with disabilities.
Captions
Captioned learning content is available throughout the learning content on our platform. The majority of content now has the option to turn subtitles on. To turn subtitles on for a video, click the ‘CC’ button on the video player.
Audio Description
Prerecorded audio description is available for the vast majority of our video content in the form of synchronised media. This provides a higher quality learning experience than relying on built-in screen to text features. Audio volume is easily adjustable and voiceovers are optimised to suit cultural nuances.
Contrast Ratio
Our future learning content is being designed to ensure that there is an adequate contrast ratio. This means that all essential elements displayed on screen are of the optimal contrast to be clearly visible. Using WebAIM’s (2018a) “Colour Contrast Checker” our future content is being developed to a Level AA standard, meaning a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
Screen Magnification
Magnifying the screen now allows users to improve the readability of both on screen text and subtitles. In addition, on screen control icons are also displayed more clearly to facilitate content navigation. Further to this, our platform is fully functional across media devices including mobiles and tablets.
Keyboard Navigation
A key factor of web accessibility is through ensuring keyboard accessibility (WebAIM, 2018b). In order to facilitate ease of navigation through our learning content, our video player incorporates several accessibility features. Cycling through the player navigation controls can be performed using the Tab key and keyboard focus indicators alert users to the focus point of their navigation.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen Readers allow users to hear and navigate content using just their keyboards (WebAIM, 2018c). Our media player is compatible for use with a Screen Reader. Users are able to navigate through slides and to our platform’s landing page by tabbing through navigation tags via our media player.
Official Accessibility Statement
An official accessibility statement is available via our website footer to help visitors understand our approach to improving accessibility.
References
W3C: Web Accessibility Initiative (2018), Introduction to Web Accessibility, accessed: 22nd March 2018, available at: https://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility.
WebAIM: Web accessibility in mind (2018a), Color Contrast Checker, accessed: 22nd March 2018, available at: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/.
WebAIM: Web accessibility in mind (2018b), Keyboard Accessibility, accessed: 4th April 2018, available at: https://webaim.org/techniques/keyboard/.
WebAIM: Web accessibility in mind (2018c), Designing for Screen Reader Compatibility, accessed: 4th April 2018, available at: https://webaim.org/techniques/screenreader/#overview.
