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      Keeping ADA WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant

      What you can do to keep your content compliant on your CatapultCMS website?

      Making sure your CatapultCMS website is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, is essential for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards. While CatapultCMS provides accessible design templates and integrated tools, the responsibility for maintaining accessible content falls on clients. This guide outlines the steps needed to create an inclusive online experience.

      Accessibility Features Built into CatapultCMS

      CatapultCMS incorporates several built-in accessibility enhancements to support WCAG 2.1 AA compliance:

      • Optimized Website Templates: Designed for keyboard navigation, clear heading structures, and ARIA landmark integration.

      • Alt Text Prompts for Images: Encourages users to input alternative text for screen readers when uploading images.

      • Automated Color Contrast Checks: Helps ensure text readability against background colors.

      • Full Keyboard Navigation Support: Interactive elements and menus are designed to function seamlessly without a mouse.

      • Responsive Design for All Devices: Guarantees usability across different screen sizes and devices.

      How Clients Can Maintain Content Compliance

      Although CatapultCMS provides an accessibility-friendly framework, users must ensure that the content they add aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Here are some essential guidelines:

      1. Add Descriptive Alternative Text to Images

      Alt text should describe the image’s purpose and content unless the image is decorative, in which case it should be marked accordingly. Examples:

      • Effective Alt Text: "A teacher guiding a student through a math problem on a whiteboard."

      • Ineffective Alt Text: "Image123.jpg"

      2. Follow a Logical Heading Structure

      Organizing content with headings makes it easier for screen readers to interpret. Use headings in the correct order:

      • <h1> for the primary page title

      • <h2> for major sections

      • <h3> for subsections, and so on

      3. Use Descriptive Link Text

      Instead of generic phrases like "Click Here," provide specific, meaningful descriptions for links. Example:

      • Best Practice: "Download the 2024 Academic Calendar."

      • Poor Example: "Click here for the calendar."

      4. Ensure Videos Have Captions and Transcripts

      Any video content should include captions for spoken dialogue and a full transcript for users who rely on text-based alternatives.

      5. Verify Adequate Color Contrast

      Text should stand out clearly against background colors. Use tools like the CatapultCMS contrast checker or WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to confirm readability.

      6. Ensure Full Keyboard Accessibility

      Every interactive component should be accessible via the keyboard (such as by using the Tab key). Avoid requiring mouse-only navigation.

      7. Use Clear and Concise Language

      Write content in plain, straightforward language. Avoid jargon and use bullet points where needed for clarity.

      8. Use Tables for Data, Not Layout

      Tables should only present structured data. Ensure they include headers (<th>) and descriptive captions where appropriate.

      9. Regularly Audit Content with Accessibility Tools

      Continuously test your site’s accessibility using:

      Maintaining Accessibility Over Time

      Ensuring web accessibility is an ongoing effort. Conduct periodic audits, train staff in best practices, and stay informed on WCAG updates to keep your site compliant.

      For additional support, visit our CatapultCMS Support Center, or reach out to our team for expert guidance.