ACR Index Accessibility Conformance Reports for software

Auditor Verified Brightspace Core

Accessibility Conformance Report published by D2L

Conformance by level

Reported by the vendor. WCAG Level AA is the benchmark referenced by ADA Title II, Section 508 and the European Accessibility Act; Level AAA is optional and often left unevaluated.

Source: View the original report published by D2L.

These figures are extracted from that document. They are the vendor's own statements, not an independent assessment, and automated extraction can misread a table.

All reported criteria (100)

Conformance as stated by D2L in its published report.
CriterionNameLevel ConformanceRemarks from vendor
1.1.1 Non-text Content A Partially Supports Test methods: TBT; SRT; UBT Features • Images and icons are provided with text alternative to inform users with visual impairments, in audio or braille, of the intent and purpose of such non-text elements through their screen readers or similar assistive technologies. • Controls and input fields have descriptive, contextual labels or title attributes. • Infographics and other large image files are included inside an HTML file with appropriate alternative description. • The HTML editor’s “Insert Stuff” option is used to insert images into quiz questions and provide alt text. • Screen reader users can view the source code editor to get information about text styles applied in the Brightspace Editor. Exception
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) A Supports Test Methods: MAT Features • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS • Users control the content they produce. • Users can create accessible audio/video content using Brightspace’s media management tools.
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) A Supports Test Methods: MAT Features • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce. • When users upload video files to the Media Library, closed captions can be generated automatically or uploaded or entered. Owners can edit the captions. • Video topics render using a fully accessible video player which supports the ability to download the transcript and captions. • The video management tools enable recording of videos and generating automated captions that can be edited by the owner.
1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) A Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.3.1 Info and Relationships A Supports Test methods: TBT; SRT; MAT; UBT Features • Assistive technologies can programmatically determine the information, structure and relationships conveyed through presentation. • Headings and ARIA landmarks are used to help convey presentation. • Links and images are unique and contextual making it easy for users to navigate options. • Tables mostly use row and column headers. Table headers use scope attribute where appropriate. • ARIA is used to communicate context menus, dynamic page changes and alerts. When pop-up window option is selected instead of modal dialogs, pages are rendered linear and read clearly without style sheets.
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence A Supports Test Methods: SRT; UBT Features • Headings and ARIA landmarks are used to help convey relationships between content. • Pages are linear and read clearly without style sheets.
1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics A Supports Test Methods: MAT; UBT Features • Any concepts suggested through shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound is also communicated using text. • Textual equivalents may be visible or hidden (alt text, titles, ARIA alerts, etc.).
1.4.1 Use of Color A Supports Test Methods: TBT; CCT: Grayscale bookmarklet Features • Information conveyed through font styling or color is also communicated using text. • Electronic forms use standard HTML mark-up and item labeling. • Invisible spans are added to provide “selected” text to areas. • When color is used for warning and confirmation messages, the associated text communicates meaning clearly on its own. • Tool menus and tabs use highlighting to indicate current location. This information is also communicated by headings and selected states. • Users control their own content.
1.4.2 Audio Control A Not Applicable • The LMS does not use audio alerts. • Users control their own content.
2.1.1 Keyboard A Supports Test Methods: MAT: Keyboard + visual focus; SRT; UBT
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap A Supports Test Methods: MAT: Keyboard; SRT; UBT Features • No keyboard traps.
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts A Supports Test Methods: MAT; UBT Features • Single character shortcut keys are not used, and shortcut keys are active only on focus. • Users activating controls using speech input are able to speak single input characters without accidentally activating some control.
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable A Supports Features • Users can refresh data in the Chat, Discussions, and Pager tool at their own pace. • Some tools, such as Quizzes, support time limits. Users are warned before their time expires. Alternative time limits (Special Access) can be set for specific users. • Institutions set time-out limits for inactive users. The system warns users before their session expires.
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide A Supports Test Methods: MAT; UBT Features • Essential animations are provided to give feedback about loading progress. • Progress animations are used to indicate progress/status of content where users might be confused or mislead if the status wasn’t indicated. • Short animations are used to help users understand transitions in the interface – such as unpinning a course from the “my courses” widget. • Auto-updating is used in some tools, such as the Chat tool, where users need to be aware of new information. Settings are available to turn off auto- refreshes.
2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold A Supports Test Methods: MAT • Yes. We adhere to this criterion.
2.4.1 Bypass Blocks A Supports Test Methods: MAT: Keyboard; SRT; TBT: Landmarks bookmarklet; UBT Features • ‘Skip to main content’ links, headings and ARIA landmarks help users avoid repetitive and non-essential content. • The expanded/collapsed state of secondary form content is clearly indicated, and the fields are accessible. • Users control their own content.
2.4.2 Page Titled A Supports Test Methods: MAT; TBT: Landmarks bookmarklet Features • Each page has a title, heading 1 and ARIA main landmark. • Users control their own content.
2.4.3 Focus Order A Supports Test Methods: MAT: Keyboard & visual focus; SRT; UBT Features • Each page has a logical tab order and visible tab stops. • Users control their own content.
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) A Supports Test Methods: MAT; SRT Features • Links are unique and contextual, usually in the format [action] [applicable item]. • Users control their own content.
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures A Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features
2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation A Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Drag-and-drop interactions can be cancelled by clicking outside the drop target.
2.5.3 Label in Name A Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; SRT; UBT Features • Programmatic labels provided to user interface components include all or part of the text that is presented as visual label (or the meaning represented by the icon) at the start to work well with voice input tools.
2.5.4 Motion Actuation A Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features
3.1.1 Language of Page A Supports Test Methods: TBT; SRT Features • Language of content is notified at start of page and when changed within page. • Users control their own content.
3.2.1 On Focus A Supports Test Methods: MAT; SRT; UBT Features • We have visible on-focus states that use a combination of colour and border effect to highlight the focused elements. These are built into our controls and defined into our design patterns.
3.2.2 On Input A Supports Test Methods: MAT; SRT; UBT Features • Changing the setting of any UI component does not cause an unexpected change in the context automatically.
3.2.6 Consistent Help A Supports Test Methods: Inspection; SRT Features • Tool level help, when it's available, is consistently offered in the top-right corner of Brightspace pages. • Other help links can be added to the navigation bar by permitted users, and the location is up to the user.
3.3.1 Error Identification A Supports Test Methods: TBT; SRT Features • Error messages are communicated using a combination of ARIA alerts, ARIA landmarks, headings and links.
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions A Supports Test Methods: TBT; SRT; UBT Features • Forms have clear headings, labels, field sets, and buttons. Inline help is provided as needed. • The expanded/collapsed state of secondary form content is clearly indicated, and the fields are accessible.
3.3.7 Redundant Entry A Supports Test Methods: MAT Inspection Features: • System does not require re-entry of redundant information.
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value A Partially Supports Test Methods: TBT; SRT Features • Controls are developed and validated against HTML specifications and standards, including ARIA.
1.2.4 Captions (Live) AA Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) AA Partially Supports Test Method: MAT Exception
1.3.4 Orientation AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT Features • When a page or app is opened on a mobile device, it is presented in the device’s current display orientation. • When the device is rotated, the content adjusts to the new display orientation.
1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose AA Not Applicable • Users’ personal information is not collected by nor used by the LMS.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) AA Partially Supports Test Methods: TBT; CCT; SMT; UBT Features • Foreground to background contrast adheres to standards • Users control their own content. Exceptions • When a video is uploaded to the media library, the feedback 'Finished' does not have adequate color contrast. • Focus indicator on feedback message upon video upload does not have enough color contrast
1.4.4 Resize text AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; SMT; UBT Features • User account settings are available for adjusting font face and size. • Icons and text resize with scaling/zooming options of browser (and other technology) up to 200%. • All product functionalities perform well at this zoom level. • Users control their own content.
1.4.5 Images of Text AA Supports Test Methods: MAT; SRT
1.4.10 Reflow AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Brightspace is built with responsive design and reflow in mind based on our Daylight Design System. • Pages mostly reflow when the viewport is set to smaller phone sizes.
1.4.11 Non-text Contrast AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Active user interface components have a contrast ratio of 3:1 with the background.
1.4.12 Text Spacing AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Brightspace is built with responsive design and reflow in mind based on our Daylight Design System to accommodate changes in content size due to text spacing changes made by the user. • When text spacing is adjusted, content does not get cut off or overlap on most pages.
1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Custom tooltips and edit nav bar links that appear on hover or focus are visible until dismissed and can be dismissed without moving pointer hover or keyboard focus.
2.4.5 Multiple Ways AA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection; UBT Features • Headings, ARIA landmarks (such as navigation landmarks) and unique link and button names help users navigate pages quickly. • Pages have consistent navigation areas. • Many pages contain search fields with ARIA search landmarks.
2.4.6 Headings and Labels AA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection; UBT Features • Pages have descriptive headings and labels. Labels are unique and contextual. • Users control their own content.
2.4.7 Focus Visible AA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Keyboard + visual focus Features • Each page has a logical tab order and visible tab stops. • Links and fields have extra highlighting, beyond browser defaults.
2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) AA Partially Supports Test Methods: Inspection Features: • Focus indicators are not obscured. Exception • Floating menu does not vanish when the user shift tabs from the menu
2.5.7 Dragging Movements AA Supports Test Methods: SRT; UBT Features: • Workflows that require drag-and-drop with a mouse can also be completed using a keyboard.
2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) AA Supports Test Methods: Inspection Features: • All targets meet the minimum size requirements.
3.1.2 Language of Parts AA Partially Supports Test Methods: TBT: Language bookmarklet Features • While the WSYIWYG editor does not include a button or prompt users to indicate a “lang” attribute for language changes, users can insert a “lang” attribute using the HTML source editor. • Users control their own content. Exception • Languages in the courses dropdown and media library drop down do not have appropriate language attributes.
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation AA Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT: Inspection; SRT; SMT Features • Navigation models are consistent across tools and use headings and ARIA navigation landmarks to help orient users.
3.2.4 Consistent Identification AA Supports Test Methods: SRT; SMT Features • Icons use an icon grammar to facilitate learning. • The same icon is used for the same action across all tools. • Users may combine concepts they already understand to interpret new icons.
3.3.3 Error Suggestion AA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection; SRT; SMT Features • Error messages are communicated using a combination of ARIA alerts, ARIA landmarks, headings and links. • Where possible, error messages describe each error and link to the appropriate field for resolving the error.
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) AA Not Applicable • The LMS does not involve legal commitments or financial transactions for the user.
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) AA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • The LMS does not use biometric technologies for authentication.
4.1.3 Status Messages AA Partially Supports Test Methods: TBT; MAT; UBT Features • Users are made aware of important changes in content that are not given focus through inline or toast alerts. These alerts do not interrupt users’ work. • Screen reader users get audio alerts. Exception • The number of courses returned by search results is updated on the screen but is not read by assistive technology.
1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) AAA Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded) AAA Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded) AAA Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) AAA Not Applicable • Time-based media are not a part of the LMS. • Users control the content they produce.
1.3.6 Identify Purpose AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • All icons are labeled so that users can perceive the functionality of each icon. Example: The envelope icon is labeled “Message alerts” (and not Envelope). • ARIA landmarks are used to mark different regions in a page. This information is available to screen readers for conveying to users who cannot see the screen.
1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) AAA Supports Test Methods: CCT Features • Our standard text elements in the Brightspace Daylight design system have a contrast greater than 7:1 on a white background. • Users control their own content.
1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio AAA Supports • Brightspace does not use any audio background. • Users control the content they produce.
1.4.8 Visual Presentation AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Brightspace is compatible with most popular browser extensions to allow users to set their choice of foreground/background colors and text spacing.
1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Images of text are not used. • Users control their own content.
2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception) AAA Supports • All controls are reachable using the keyboard. Alternative ways are provided to accomplish tasks in situations where a tool is not optimal for one modality.
2.2.3 No Timing AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • The Quizzes tool supports time-based assessments with the ability to define alternative access, such as alternative timing or no time, for users as needed. • Institutions have an option to set a time-out period. Users are warned before their session times-out. • Users control their own content.
2.2.4 Interruptions AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection
2.2.5 Re-authenticating AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Users are prompted to reauthenticate before a session expires. Upon logging back in, the user lands at the same spot and can or cannot access what was previously available depending on the context and type of data.
2.2.6 Timeouts AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Controlled timeouts are implemented for timed assessments which allow auto-submission of quiz data at pre-determined time limits. • Time limits are communicated to learners at the start of the assessment. • Unsaved data is mostly retrievable after session expiry but there could be exceptions depending on the system.
2.3.2 Three Flashes AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • No flashing content in the system. • Users control their own content.
2.3.3 Animation from Interactions AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection
2.4.8 Location AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Breadcrumb trails or ‘Back to’ buttons are used to inform users of their current location. • Users control their own content.
2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • All links have associated text that is unique and contextual, usually in the format [action] [applicable item].
2.4.10 Section Headings AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Content and sections in a page are organized by a hierarchy of headings to enable screen reader users to meaningfully navigate and understand the content.
2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • No part of any focus indicator is obscured.
2.4.13 Focus Appearance AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Focus indicator is at least equal to 2 CSS pixel thick perimeter.
2.5.5 Target Size AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection; UBT Features • While not all our targets are 44x44 CSS pixels in size, we have ensured through user testing that targets in key workflows are accessible to users with fine motor challenges.
2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • On account of meticulous alignment with the WCAG accessibility standards, our system interoperates well with standards-conforming assistive technologies. Further, our pages are designed to be responsive, meaning they adjust to the view port size of different devices used to access Brightspace. Hence users can switch between interaction technologies and use content across devices seamlessly.
3.1.3 Unusual Words AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Inline help is provided as needed. • Brightspace capabilities allow institutions to override terms and use their own words.
3.1.4 Abbreviations AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Abbreviations are avoided where possible and explained through inline help. • Brightspace capabilities allow institutions to override terms and use their own words.
3.1.5 Reading Level AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Language in the system is aimed at lower secondary education level, especially for participant focused tools. • Inline help is provided as necessary. • Institutions may build their own language pack.
3.1.6 Pronunciation AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Users create their own content and related pronunciation symbols. • Brightspace capabilities allow institutions to override terms and use their own words.
3.2.5 Change on Request AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • No changes such as new content displaying in response to an action, or focus shifts, happen outside the control of the user.
3.3.5 Help AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Tool level help when it’s available, is consistently offered in the top- right corner of Brightspace pages.
3.3.6 Error Prevention (All) AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Error prevention is implemented as meaningful in the context of an LMS. • Submissions are checked for input error, and errors and opportunities for correction are clearly communicated to the user. • Where error prevention is critical, such as when submitting answer to a quiz question, the user is given an option to confirm. This provision is used sparingly and only where required, so as to maintain an agile user experience. Not all actions are reversible.
3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) AAA Supports Test Methods: MAT: Inspection Features • Our platform does not use biometric technologies for authentication.
4.2.1 Usage without vision - Partially Supports Supports when combined with Compatible Assistive Technology. Features • All interfaces are designed according to HTML5 standards. • Images and icons are assigned contextual and meaningful text alternatives that can be announced by a screen reader. • Images of text are not used in place of text. • Controls such as buttons are labeled to indicate their function. • Form fields are labeled to perceive their intent. • Links are assigned meaningful texts that clearly indicate the link destination. • Controls are assigned appropriate labels that allow perception of their function. • ARIA attributes are used to make alert messages and states of dynamic elements such as radio buttons perceivable. • Standard interface elements are made evident through proper HTML mark up. • Math equation coded in MathML can be read by the screen reader subject to browser compatibility. Exception • The control knob on the preview and volume sliders in the video player does not have alternative text. • The number of courses returned by search results is updated on
4.2.2 Usage with limited vision - Partially Supports Supports when combined with Compatible Assistive Technology. Features • All product functionalities perform well at 200% zoom level. • All pages are designed to wrap well when zoomed to 200%. • User account settings are available for adjusting font size. • Icons and text resize with browser (and other technology) scaling/zooming options. • Most pages have relative column widths. • System text does not use full justification. • Colour contrast of foreground text with background is maintained according to standard specifications. • SVG images are used to prevent pixelation upon magnification. Exceptions • When a video is uploaded to the media library, the feedback 'Finished' does not have adequate color contrast. • Focus indicator on feedback message upon video upload does not have enough color contrast • Floating menu does not vanish when the user shift tabs from the menu
4.2.3 Usage without perception of colour - Supports Features • Colour alone is not used to convey information.
4.2.4 Usage without hearing - Supports Features • The platform does not use any auditory alerts.
4.2.5 Usage with limited hearing - Supports Features • The platform does not use any auditory alerts.
4.2.6 Usage with no or limited vocal capability - Supports Features • The platform does not require any vocal alerts.
4.2.7 Usage with limited manipulation or strength - Supports Supports when combined with Compatible Assistive Technology. Features • Users with limited manipulation primarily use alternatives to pointing devices such as onscreen keyboards, voice recognition software, visual trackers or adaptive keyboards. For these users, access through keyboard, visibility of current tab location, large target size and longer time limits are important accessibility criteria. • Keyboard-accessible alternatives are provided for tools that support drag-and-drop, upload, or reordering. • Current tab location is made clearly visible. • Users can make their click target size larger if needed via these two mechanisms: By controlling text sizes through user preferences. o By controlling icon sizes through browser zoom preferences. o • While time limits can be set on some tools, such as Quizzes, alternative time limits or evaluations can be provided for select users. • Institutions can set time-out limits for inactive users. The system warns users before their session expires.
4.2.8 Usage with limited reach - Supports Features • Large target sizes, adequate timeout times, and error-tolerant routines help reduce unintended or incomplete interactions.
4.2.9 Minimize photosensitive seizure triggers - Supports • No flashing content in the system.
4.2.10 Usage with limited cognition, language or learning - Supports Features • Simple language is used for text content. • Visual illustrations are used along with text. • Interface navigation is made simple through use of hierarchical headings. • Third party tools are integrated to provide the option of using spoken version of text content.
4.2.11 Privacy - Supports • Our platform does not use biometric technologies for authentication. • In the use of platform features, we maintain the privacy of users of assistive technologies at the same level as other users. • Examples: • Spoken version is not provided for characters being masked. • Users have control of their personal data.
12.1.1 Accessibility and compatibility features - Supports • D2L provides extensive documentation including accessibility features on the accessible D2L Brightspace Community website https://community.d2l.com/brightspace.
12.2.2 Information on accessibility and compatibility features - Supports • A statement of D2L’s accessibility is made prominently at https://www.d2l.com/accessibility/. All information about D2L’s accessibility support, which includes information on the
12.2.3 Effective communication - Supports • Accessible support services are provided via phone, email and through accessible documentation, as required. We support end user TTY Relay service. The direct number is +15195794350 and the tollfree number is 1-800-982-4315. • In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005, D2L provides all employees with detailed training on accessible customer service, which includes specific information for each role such as client support and a line of escalation within D2L who can further support these personnel in responding to accessibility queries.

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