The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) for AutoSPF is provided below. A VPAT is meant to serve as a comprehensive record of the steps we have done to make sure our product is accessible to people with disabilities. We believe it is our highest duty to prevent any users from being excluded for any reason, and we are dedicated to offering a product that is completely accessible. This is a continual process that necessitates continuous assessment, criticism, and development. One crucial step in this process is clearly documenting and informing our community about the many accessibility initiatives we have implemented.
We use the Revised 508 Standards for IT Accessibility as our benchmark for accessibility, which is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA.
AutoSPF Platform WCAG 2.0 Guidelines
Principle 1: Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
Guideline 1.1 Text Alternatives
Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
1.1.1 Non-text Content: All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for the situations listed here. (Level A) | Supports | All non-text content available in the AutoSPF has a text alternative available. |
Guideline 1.2 Time-based Media
Provide alternatives for time-based media.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded): For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such: (Level A) | N/A | AutoSPF do not feature pre-recorded audio-only or video-only media. |
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded): Captions are provided for all pre-recorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such. (Level A) | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded): An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such. (Level A) | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
1.2.4 Captions (Live): Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media. (Level AA) | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded): Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media. (Level AA) | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. . |
Guideline 1.3 Adaptable
Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text. (Level A) | Supports with Exceptions | Most of AutoSPF presents information structure in a way that can be programmatically determined. |
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence: When the sequence in which content is presented affects its meaning, a correct reading sequence can be programmatically determined. (Level A) | Supports | AutoSPF pages and information are presented in a way that they can be read sequentially when needed or programmatically determined. |
1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics: Instructions provided for understanding and operating content do not rely solely on sensory characteristics of components such as shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound. (Level A) | Supports | Instructions provided within the AutoSPF screens and in our support documentation do not rely on sensory characteristics to describe components relative to the instructions. |
Guideline 1.4 Distinguishable
Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
1.4.1 Use of Color: Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. (Level A) | Support | Most of AutoSPF utilizes multiple visual cues in appropriate areas. |
1.4.2 Audio Control: If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level. (Level A) | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum): The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for the following: (Level AA) | Supports | |
1.4.4 Resize text: Except for captions and images of text, text can be resized without assistive technology up to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality. (Level AA) | Supports | Using browser functionality, users can increase text size within AutoSPF without loss of content or functionality. |
1.4.5 Images of Text: If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text except for the following: (Level AA) | Supports | AutoSPF does not utilize images of text to convey information. |
Principle 2: Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
Guideline 2.1 Keyboard Accessible
Make all functionality available from a keyboard.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
2.1.1 Keyboard: All functionality of the content is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints. (Level A) | Supports | The keyboard can be used for all functions. |
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap: If keyboard focus can be moved to a component of the page using a keyboard interface, then focus can be moved away from that component using only a keyboard interface, and, if it requires more than unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit methods, the user is advised of the method for moving focus away. (Level A) | Supports |
Guideline 2.2 Enough Time
Provide users enough time to read and use content.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable: For each time limit that is set by the content, at least one of the following is true: (Level A) | Supports | AutoSPF do not feature content with a time limit that is less than 20 hours. |
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide: For moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating information, all of the following are true: (Level A) | Supports | The green alert / status banners are announced. |
Guideline 2.3 Seizures
Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold: Web pages do not contain anything that flashes more than three times in any one second period, or the flash is below the general flash and red flash thresholds. (Level A) | Supports | AutoSPF do not cause the screen to flicker at all. |
Guideline 2.3 Navigable
Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
2.4.1 Bypass Blocks: A mechanism is available to bypass blocks of content that are repeated on multiple Web pages. (Level A) | Supports | |
2.4.2 Page Titled: Web pages have titles that describe topic or purpose. (Level A) | Supports | Web pages produced and provided by AutoSPF have titles that describe their purpose. |
2.4.3 Focus Order: If a Web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability. (Level A) | Supports | Most AutoSPF web pages that can be navigated sequentially can also be accessed sequentially. |
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context): The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from the link text together with its programmatically determined link context, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general. (Level A) | Supports | Links in AutoSPF are discernible from the link text or link context. |
2.4.5 Multiple Ways: More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process. (Level AA) | Supports | Some AutoSPF pages offer multiple methods to locate and access web pages within a set of web pages. |
2.4.6 Headings and Labels: Headings and labels describe topic or purpose. (Level AA) | Supports | All AutoSPF screens and pages are labeled appropriately with headings and descriptions. |
2.4.7 Focus Visible: Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible. (Level AA) | Supports | An on-screen focus indicator is present when any AutoSPF user interface elements are in focus, with few exceptions. |
Principle 3: Understandable
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
Guideline 3.1 Readable
Make text content readable and understandable.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
3.1.1 Language of Page: The default human language of each Web page can be programmatically determined. (Level A) | Supports | The default human language for each AutoSPF page is English. |
3.1.2 Language of Parts: The human language of each passage or phrase in the content can be programmatically determined except for proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text. (Level AA) | Does Not Support | Currently, AutoSPF webpages are only available in the English language. |
Guideline 3.2 Predictable
Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
3.2.1 On Focus: When any component receives focus, it does not initiate a change of context. (Level A) | Supports | Components in the AutoSPF that receive focus need to be activated for any change of context to occur. |
3.2.2 On Input: Changing the setting of any user interface component does not automatically cause a change of context unless the user has been advised of the behavior before using the component. (Level A) | Supports | Changing any setting or providing user input in the AutoSPF does not automatically cause a change of context unless specified by the actionable area. |
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. (Level AA) | Supports | Navigation controls are repeated consistently across the AutoSPF. |
3.2.4 Consistent Identification: Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently. (Level AA) | Supports | Icons, symbols and legends used in the AutoSPF are labeled and identified consistently throughout the program. |
Guideline 3.3 Input Assistance
Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
3.3.1 Error Identification: If an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error is identified and the error is described to the user in text. (Level A) | Supports | Any user input error in AutoSPF is clearly identified and described to the user. |
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions: Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input. (Level A) | Supports | All input fields in AutoSPF that require a user’s input are labeled appropriately or include text-based instructions on how to complete the input field. |
3.3.3 Error Suggestion: If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content. (Level AA) | Supports | Where applicable, when the user makes an input error that we can programmatically detect, AutoSPF will provide a suggestion to the user to bring the input into a valid state. |
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data): For Web pages that cause legal commitments or financial transactions for the user to occur, that modify or delete user-controllable data in data storage systems, or that submit user test responses, at least one of the following is true: (Level AA) | Supports | When a user accepts the End User License Agreement, the data is checked for input errors and the user is provided an opportunity to correct them. |
Principle 4: Robust
Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Guideline 4.1 Text Alternatives
Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
4.1.1 Parsing: In content implemented using markup languages, elements have complete start and end tags, elements are nested according to their specifications, elements do not contain duplicate attributes, and any IDs are unique, except where the specifications allow these features. (Level A) | N/A | AutoSPF does not support markup languages. |
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value: For all user interface components (including but not limited to: form elements, links and components generated by scripts), the name and role can be programmatically determined; states, properties, and values that can be set by the user can be programmatically set; and notification of changes to these items is available to user agents, including assistive technologies. (Level A) | Supports |
AutoSPF Platform Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Guidelines
Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
(a) When software is designed to run on a system that has a keyboard, product functions shall be executable from a keyboard where the function itself or the result of performing a function can be discerned textually. | Supports | AutoSPF makes every effort to ensure keyboard accessibility and navigation in AutoSPF. |
(b) Applications shall not disrupt or disable activated features of other products that are identified as accessibility features, where those features are developed and documented according to industry standards. Applications also shall not disrupt or disable activated features of any operating system that are identified as accessibility features where the application programming interface for those accessibility features has been documented by the manufacturer of the operating system and is available to the product developer. | Supports | AutoSPF do not disrupt or disable any features of operating systems or assistive devices. |
(c) A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that assistive technology can track focus and focus changes. | Supports | While using screen readers such as VoiceOver, a high-contrast outline will be generated to use as your indicator. By default, AutoSPF doesn’t have a defined on-screen indicator for non-form elements. |
(d) Sufficient information about a user interface element including the identity, operation and state of the element shall be available to assistive technology. When an image represents a program element, the information conveyed by the image must also be available in text. | Supports | The user’s web browser provides this functionality. |
(e) When bitmap images are used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements, the meaning assigned to those images shall be consistent throughout an application's performance. | Supports | Where single images are used, such as a “+” or “-“ button for adding or removing, they are used in the same manner throughout the site. Additionally, such images are given alt text to describe the image’s function. Where applicable, text is provided to let screen readers read the purpose of these elements. |
(f) Textual information shall be provided through operating system functions for displaying text. The minimum information that shall be made available is text content, text input caret location, and text attributes. | Supports | The user’s web browser provides this functionality. |
(g) Applications shall not override user-selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes. | Supports | AutoSPF does not override display attributes. |
(h) When animation is displayed, the information shall be displayable in at least one non-animated presentation mode at the option of the user. | Supports | AutoSPF does not utilize animations. |
(i) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. | Supports | AutoSPF does not use color as the only means of conveying information. |
(j) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels shall be provided. | Supports | By default, AutoSPF style interface elements comply with Section 508’s contrast and color settings. |
(k) Software shall not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. | Supports | AutoSPF do not cause the screen to flicker. |
(l) When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. | Supports with Exceptions | Most of the AutoSPF is accessible with assistive technology but there are a few areas where keyboard access with electronic forms is limited. |
Section 1194.22 Web-Based Internet Information and Applications
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content). | Supports | Images relevant to user interaction contain helpful alt-tag descriptions. Non-interactive elements used exclusively for styling do not have text descriptions. |
(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation. | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. | Supports | AutoSPF do not use color as the only means of conveying information. |
(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet. | Supports | There are no documents in the application. |
(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map. | N/A | AutoSPF does not use server-side image maps. |
(f) Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape. | N/A | AutoSPF do not use client-side image maps. |
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables. | Supports | Data tables all contain relevant column and row headers. |
(h) Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. | Supports with exceptions | AutoSPF does not have any tables with two or more levels of headers. |
(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation | Supports | AutoSPF does not utilize frames, but does provide appropriate titles where iframes are used. |
(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. | Supports | AutoSPF do not cause the screen to flicker at all. |
(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a website comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes. | Supports | AutoSPF comply with the requirements in this section which makes a text-only page not required. |
(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by Assistive Technology. | Supports | AutoSPF uses javascript and HTML5 elements to alert Assistive Technology. |
(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l). | N/A | The platform does not have this functionality. |
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using Assistive Technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. | Supports | Most of the AutoSPF is accessible with assistive technology but there are a few areas where keyboard access with electronic forms is limited. |
(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links. | Supports | AutoSPF provides 'Dashboard' that allows users who navigate sequentially through content more direct access to the primary content of the page. |
(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required. | Supports with Exceptions | AutoSPF provides an auto-logout feature to ensure users don’t leave their account logged in at public terminals. At this time, you are logged out without warning. |
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided. | Supports with Exceptions | Most of AutoSPF works well with screen readers such as JAWS or VoiceOver, but Section, Module, and Page organization requires sight and mouse interaction for resizing and reordering. |
(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided. | Supports | AutoSPF does not override any built-in screen magnification or zoom functionality provided by the browser or assistive device. |
(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided. | Supports | AutoSPF do not require hearing for any functionality. |
(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided. | Supports | AutoSPF do not require hearing for any functionality. |
(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided. | Not Applicable | AutoSPF does not require speech for any functionality. |
(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided. | Supports | Most AutoSPF features and functions do not require fine motor skills. |
Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support
Criteria | Supporting Feature | Remarks and Explanations |
(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge. | Supports | AutoSPF support documentation is available at https://support.AutoSPF.com and alternate formats are available upon request at no charge. |
(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge. | Supports | Accessibility and compatibility documentation is available upon request at no charge. |
(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities. | Supports | AutoSPF provides support in any manner to accommodate the needs of users with disabilities. |