One Stop Accessibility (A11y)Tracker

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Since 2014, VCSU has monitored and improved website accessibility to align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). VCSU aims for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance to provide equal access to all services. Our website accessibility tracker is integrated into a Power BI dashboard, utilizing analytics from Silktide, SortSite, and Siteimprove to emphasize our commitment to web accessibility.

Long-Term Dedication: Since 2014, we have tracked and reported accessibility metrics with Siteimprove and SortSite, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to web accessibility.
Proactive Monitoring: We use Silktide and SortSite to identify and fix accessibility issues, ensuring our website is inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities.
Insightful Data: By combining archived Siteimprove data with current Silktide and SortSite metrics, we visualize and track accessibility improvements over time.

Understanding Accessibility Issues: A vs. AA vs. AAA

A Issues: Critical problems that must be fixed for basic access.
AA Issues: Important issues that should be addressed to improve accessibility and meet legal requirements.
AAA Issues: Desirable enhancements that provide the highest level of accessibility, though they may not always be feasible for all content.

Dashboard Overview

Overall Accessibility Score: Displays overall accessibility rating.
Misspelled Words: Count of misspelled and unrecognized words.
Missing Alt Text: Count of images missing Alt Text.
Broken Links: Count of broken or questionable links.

How to Use the Dashboard

Regularly review the dashboard to track progress in meeting accessibility standards. This helps identify gaps and make improvements to ensure continuous compliance and enhance the user experience.

Use < and > to navigate between pages:

Page One: Category Search
Page Two: Author Search
Page Three: Missing Alt Text Report

What is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards by the W3C to make web content accessible. They focus on four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, with three levels of compliance: A (critical), AA (important), and AAA (desirable).

What is Silktide?

Silktide is a platform that helps improve website accessibility and quality. It automates WCAG compliance testing and provides actionable recommendations. Silktide tools monitor accessibility across numerous web pages to maintain and enhance digital accessibility. VCSU utilizes this tool to analyze our digital accessibility compliance efforts.

What Does Silktide Check For?

Silktide conducts over 200 checks for web accessibility, covering WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at Levels A, AA, and AAA. It evaluates aspects like color contrast, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, spelling, grammar, and broken links.

What is SortSite?

SortSite is an automated web testing tool used to evaluate website accessibility, usability, SEO, and code quality. It helps identify issues that may create barriers for users with disabilities by checking conformance with WCAG guidelines and other accessibility standards. At VCSU, SortSite complements other accessibility tools like Silktide by offering a detailed scan of individual pages or entire sites.

What Does SortSite Check For?

SortSite checks for compliance with WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards. It identifies accessibility barriers such as missing or incorrect alternative text, insufficient color contrast, improper heading structure, and keyboard traps. In addition to accessibility, it flags issues related to browser compatibility, link errors, mobile responsiveness, and HTML/CSS validation. This helps VCSU ensure our digital content is accessible, functional, and standards-compliant.

One Stop Resources

Resource Hub: Links to accessibility guidelines.
Toolkit: Offers practical tools and checklists for best practices.

Related Resources

New to WCAG? Check out this short video from Silktide:

For more information or to schedule training, please contact:

Debbie Dramstad
Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)
Web Accessibility and Applications Specialist, VCSU Technology Services
Email: debra.dramstad@vcsu.edu