Our Commitment to Accessibility
Edusphere believes that inclusive education requires inclusive technology
Our Pledge to Inclusive Education
At Edusphere, we are dedicated to creating an educational technology platform that is accessible to all users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. We recognize the importance of providing equal access to educational information and services for students, parents, teachers, and school administrators across Ghana.
Our commitment extends beyond compliance with standards. We aim to provide a truly inclusive experience that empowers all users to participate fully in the educational ecosystem. This commitment aligns with Ghana's National Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
We are actively working to achieve and maintain conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which are internationally recognized standards for web accessibility.
Our Accessibility Principles
Four core principles guide our approach to accessible design
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, creating content that can be presented in different ways, and making it easier for users to see and hear content.
Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable. This means making all functionality available from a keyboard, providing users enough time to read and use content, and helping users navigate and find content easily.
Understandable
Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. This involves making text readable and understandable, making content appear and operate in predictable ways, and helping users avoid and correct mistakes.
Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means ensuring compatibility with current and future user tools, including screen readers and other accessibility aids.
Conformance Status
Our progress toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance
| WCAG 2.1 Guideline | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Text Alternatives | Fully Compliant | All non-text content has appropriate text alternatives |
| 1.2 Time-based Media | Fully Compliant | Audio and video content includes captions and transcripts |
| 1.3 Adaptable Content | Fully Compliant | Content can be presented in different ways without losing information |
| 1.4 Distinguishable Content | Partially Compliant | Most content meets requirements; ongoing improvements to color contrast |
| 2.1 Keyboard Accessible | Fully Compliant | All functionality available via keyboard navigation |
| 2.2 Enough Time | Fully Compliant | Users have sufficient time to read and use content |
| 2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions | Fully Compliant | Content does not cause seizures or physical reactions |
| 2.4 Navigable Content | Fully Compliant | Clear navigation with skip links and logical reading order |
| 3.1 Readable Content | Fully Compliant | Text content is readable and understandable |
| 3.2 Predictable Content | Fully Compliant | Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways |
| 3.3 Input Assistance | Partially Compliant | Most forms include error prevention; ongoing improvements |
| 4.1 Compatible Content | Fully Compliant | Maximum compatibility with current and future user tools |
Accessibility Features
Tools and features designed to enhance accessibility
Keyboard Navigation
All functionality can be accessed using only a keyboard. Use Tab to navigate forward, Shift+Tab to navigate backward, and Enter or Space to activate controls.
Text Resizing
Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality. Use the browser's zoom function (Ctrl/Cmd +) or our accessibility tools panel.
Color and Contrast Options
High contrast mode and grayscale options are available through our accessibility panel. Default color combinations meet WCAG 2.1 AA contrast requirements.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Compatible with popular screen readers including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. All images have descriptive alt text, and ARIA landmarks are implemented.
Clear Language and Structure
Content is written in clear, simple language. Headings are properly structured, lists are correctly marked up, and tables include appropriate headers.
Error Identification and Recovery
Form errors are clearly identified with descriptive text suggestions for correction. Required fields are clearly marked, and form validation occurs in real time.
Known Limitations and Alternatives
Areas where we are actively working to improve accessibility
Areas for Improvement
While we strive to make Edusphere fully accessible, we recognize there are areas that need improvement:
- Third-Party Content: Some content provided by partner schools may not yet meet our accessibility standards. We're working with schools to improve this.
- Complex Data Visualizations: Some statistical reports include complex charts that may be difficult for screen reader users. We provide alternative data tables.
- Mobile Applications: Our mobile apps are currently under development for enhanced accessibility features.
- Live Events: Some live streaming events may not include real-time captioning. We're implementing automated captioning solutions.
If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us using the information below. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and finding alternative ways to provide access to information and services.
Feedback and Contact Information
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Edusphere
Report Accessibility Issues
If you encounter accessibility barriers on Edusphere:
Email: accessibility@edusphere.com
Phone: +233 24 123 4567 (Voice)
WhatsApp: +233 59 318 3761
Response Time
We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 2 business days. Complex issues may require additional time, but we will provide regular updates on our progress.
All feedback is reviewed by our Accessibility Committee and used to prioritize improvements.
Request Accommodations
Schools, parents, or students needing specific accommodations can contact our accessibility team for personalized support.
We can provide alternative formats, assistive technology recommendations, or personalized training on using Edusphere with accessibility tools.
Complaints Process: If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may escalate your complaint to our Managing Director at director@edusphere.com.
Future Accessibility Improvements
Our roadmap for enhancing accessibility
Planned Enhancements (2024-2025)
Enhanced Mobile Accessibility
Development of dedicated accessibility features for our mobile applications, including gesture customization and voice navigation.
Target Completion: Q3 2024
Sign Language Interpretation
Integration of Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) interpretation for important announcements and video content.
Target Completion: Q4 2024
Cognitive Accessibility Features
Implementation of features to support users with cognitive disabilities, including simplified navigation modes and reading assistance tools.
Target Completion: Q1 2025
Accessible Data Visualization
Development of fully accessible charts and graphs with sonification options for visual data representation.
Target Completion: Q2 2025
Continuous Improvement: We conduct regular accessibility audits (quarterly) and user testing with people with disabilities to identify and address barriers. Our development process includes accessibility checks at every stage, from design to deployment.