Accessibility Statement
SpeechGradebook · ValidBound LLC · Last updated: July 24, 2026
Target: WCAG 2.1 Level AA
SpeechGradebook is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We design and test toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Our formal self-assessment is published as an Accessibility Conformance Report (VPAT): VPAT / ACR.
Our Commitment
We strive to make SpeechGradebook accessible to all users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Our accessibility efforts include:
- Regular accessibility audits and testing
- User testing with people who have disabilities
- Continuous improvement based on feedback and best practices
- Training for our development team on accessibility standards
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
SpeechGradebook targets WCAG 2.1 Level AA on primary instructor and Practice workflows. Below are key areas we design and test toward. For criterion-by-criterion status (including Partially Supports), see the VPAT / ACR. This statement is a self-assessment and is not a third-party certification.
Perceivable
Text Alternatives: All non-text content (images, icons, charts) includes appropriate text alternatives through alt text, ARIA labels, or descriptive text.
- Images and icons have descriptive alt attributes
- Charts and data visualizations include text alternatives and hidden data tables for screen readers
- Decorative elements are marked with
aria-hidden="true"
Color Contrast: Primary interface text is designed to meet WCAG AA contrast requirements (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text). See the VPAT for any exceptions.
- Body text: 16.6:1 contrast ratio (WCAG AAA)
- Secondary text: 7.1:1 contrast ratio (WCAG AA)
- Interactive elements maintain proper contrast in all states
- Color is never used as the sole means of conveying information
Text Resizing: Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality. The interface uses relative units (rem, em) and responsive typography.
Audio and Video: Video content includes transcripts, and audio descriptions are provided where necessary. Video players include captions and controls.
Operable
Keyboard Navigation: All functionality is available through keyboard navigation without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes.
- All interactive elements (buttons, links, form controls) are keyboard accessible
- Logical tab order throughout the interface
- Keyboard shortcuts are documented and don't conflict with browser or assistive technology shortcuts
- Charts and data visualizations support full keyboard navigation
Focus Indicators: Clear, visible focus indicators are provided for all interactive elements.
- Focus outlines use 2px solid borders with 2px offset
- Focus states are clearly distinguishable from non-focused states
- Focus order follows a logical sequence
Touch Targets: All interactive elements meet minimum touch target sizes (44x44 pixels) for mobile and tablet users.
- Buttons and interactive elements meet Apple HIG (44pt) and Material Design (48dp) standards
- Spacing between touch targets prevents accidental activation
- Touch targets are large enough for users with motor disabilities
No Seizures: Content does not include anything that flashes more than three times in any one-second period.
Motion Sensitivity: Animations and motion respect user preferences.
- Respects
prefers-reduced-motion media query
- Animations can be disabled or reduced for users with motion sensitivity
- Essential animations are minimal and purposeful
Understandable
Readable: Text content is readable and understandable.
- Language is identified using the
lang attribute
- Unusual words, abbreviations, and technical terms are explained
- Reading level is appropriate for the target audience
Predictable: The interface operates in predictable ways.
- Navigation is consistent throughout the application
- Components that appear on multiple pages function consistently
- Changes of context (new windows, focus changes) are initiated only by user request
- Form validation errors are clearly identified and described
Input Assistance: Forms and inputs provide clear guidance and error handling.
- Labels are associated with form controls
- Required fields are clearly marked
- Error messages are descriptive and suggest corrections
- Input errors are identified and described to users
Robust
Compatible: Content is compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
- Valid HTML5 markup with proper semantic structure
- ARIA attributes used appropriately to enhance accessibility
- Screen reader announcements for dynamic content updates
- Compatible with major screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
Semantic HTML: Proper use of semantic HTML elements.
- Headings (
<h1> through <h6>) create a logical document structure
- Lists, tables, and forms use appropriate semantic markup
- Landmark regions (header, nav, main, footer) are properly identified
- Roles and properties are used to enhance meaning where needed
Assistive Technology Support
SpeechGradebook has been tested with and supports the following assistive technologies:
- Screen Readers: NVDA (Windows), JAWS (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), TalkBack (Android)
- Screen Magnifiers: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, browser zoom
- Voice Control: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition, Voice Control (macOS/iOS)
- Keyboard Navigation: Full keyboard support without mouse dependency
- Switch Control: Compatible with switch control devices
Known Limitations
While we strive to ensure accessibility, there may be some limitations:
- Some third-party content or integrations may not fully meet accessibility standards
- Older browser versions may have limited support for certain accessibility features
- Video content uploaded by users may not include captions (we encourage instructors to provide captions). Where SpeechGradebook produces an evaluation transcript of a speech, that text can partially mitigate access to spoken content, but it is not a full substitute for captions on all uploads.
We are actively working to address these limitations and improve accessibility across all features.
Feedback and Reporting Issues
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of SpeechGradebook. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:
When reporting accessibility issues, please include:
- The page or feature where you encountered the issue
- Your device, browser, and assistive technology (if applicable)
- A description of the problem and any steps to reproduce it
We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days and will work with you to address any issues.
Accessibility Roadmap
We are committed to continuous improvement of accessibility. Our ongoing efforts include:
- Regular accessibility audits using automated and manual testing
- User testing with people who have disabilities
- Implementation of WCAG 2.2 guidelines as they become finalized
- Enhanced screen reader support for complex interactions
- Improved keyboard navigation for advanced features
- Better support for voice control and switch devices
Third-Party Content
SpeechGradebook may include content from third-party services (such as video hosting or AI providers). While we strive to work with accessible third-party services, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all third-party content. If you encounter accessibility issues with third-party content, please report them to us, and we will work with our partners to address them.
Standards and Guidelines
Our accessibility efforts are guided by:
VPAT and institution review
Last Updated
This accessibility statement was last updated in July 2026. We review and update this statement regularly to reflect our ongoing accessibility improvements.
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