First Year Web Report – Cal Poly
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Process
Since the release of Executive Order 926 we have been monitoring the accessibility of 60 top level Web sites. Evaluation of those sites was limited to the homepage of each site using the WebAIM WAVE tool. This tool gave a very limited view of accessibility since no automated tool can do a full assessment of any site. From our “Top 60 Sites” we selected 34 sites to represent a cross-section and repair sample of Cal Poly pages which included all academic colleges, administrative divisions, special programs and two high-use Web-based applications. These sites were selected because it was felt that they represent the most frequently accessed sites by current students, prospective students, parents, faculty and staff. At this time, Cal Poly does not have a mechanism for tracking the most accessed pages within its Web presence.
Findings
Some Web site managers understood the need for accessible Web sites. Many, however, did not understand the requirements, the nature of accessible Web design, and how to evaluate accessibility. Many just wanted a single method to evaluate their site and were frustrated that multiple tools were required to complete the site review. Still others felt this effort was just an additional burden on top of other conflicting priorities and workload.
Discovery
Several common problems were identified:
- Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images
- Missing title tags on images
- Missing or improper use of heading tags
- Data tables without proper heading elements
- Missing “skip navigation” links
- Inaccessible site navigation
- Forms without proper labels
- Page links to PDF, Word or Excel files without links to plug-in downloads
- The dynamic nature of Web-based applications does not lend itself to evaluation using CSU prescribed tools and test methods.
Conclusions
Improving Web accessibility at Cal Poly will be an extremely challenging project, complicated by a range of issues:
- Decentralized Web site management
- Wide range of Web-based technical skill levels and significant training needs
- Limited funds and resources available for Web improvement
- Limited understanding of the importance and functional issues of Web Accessibility and best practices
Web management responsibilities cannot be considered secondary but require specially trained and committed personnel able to develop and maintain an accessible and usable Web site. Accessibility must be incorporated into the initial design and throughout the development process, not as afterthought of the project. Personnel need access to standardized tools, resources, training and support designed to simplify and facilitate the creation and management of accessible Web sites and Web-based content.
First Year Project Web Site Review
Training, Evaluation, Repair
On March 15, 2007, Tim Kearns, VP/CIO for Information Technology Services and ATI Executive Sponsor, sent a message to campus administrators for the selected sites including Deans and Vice Presidents announcing the selection of 34 campus Web sites for the ATI first year Web report. ATI announcement memo.
AccMonitor was setup to run each of these sites at one level deep starting from the home page. Depending on the navigation scheme the initial review included between 10 and 165 pages per site.
Web managers of these sites were notified of the ATI project and attended either group or one-on-one training to learn about the project, automated and manual review process, associated tools, and expectations. Web site managers were asked to review their site using HiSoftware reports and the manual review process. They were asked to fill out a checklist indicating pass or fail on checkpoints for the site. Where failures occurred they were asked to document the failing element(s) and if possible repair the failure and record the time required to do so. If the failure could not be repaired, they were asked to specify a plan for achieving compliance, including a timeline and estimated repair date. In some cases, this involved a major redesign of the entire site.
As a result of this approach, most Web site managers did not develop a full understanding of the identified problems and their impact on users, and they reported successful results on areas that still need remediation.
In hindsight, it would have been more effective to have the ATI Web team perform the review of all sites and Web-based applications, and then work with the individual Web site managers to understand the problems and how to correct them.
Challenges
Cal Poly’s Web presence is very decentralized and skill level of the Web site managers vary significantly. Of the 34 sites in the repair sample, two-thirds of the Web site managers are at a novice skill level. Most sites were developed by someone other than the current Web site manager and in some cases this person does not fully understand the structure of the site or how to maintain it let alone ensure that the site is accessible.
The automated assessment tools were not understood well enough to evaluate the two Web-based applications selected for review. However, preliminary manual review of the sites revealed serious accessibility problems.
Findings
Some Web site managers understood the need for accessible Web sites. Many however, did not understand the requirements, the nature of accessible Web design, and how to evaluate accessibility. Many just wanted a single method to evaluate their site and were frustrated that multiple tools were required to complete the site review. Still others felt this effort was just an additional burden on top of other conflicting priorities. It was clear that some of the participants initially underestimated the time and effort required to complete the review and initiate the repairs, which also contributed to their frustration.
Participants were asked to identify Web-based applications and services in their area. Only the Library was able to complete this task. This information needs to be obtained from the appropriate administrator since the Web site manager may not be aware of the services.
We found that Checkpoint D was among the most misunderstood by our Web site managers. For example, item 1 which asks “Are styles used to simulate headings or other semantic markup? “ was confusing to most Web site managers who indicated that their Web sites passed this checkpoint when in fact no heading structure was used at all in their site.
Campus Trends
The process of creating the First Year Web Report has uncovered trends in the campus Web development community that will have an effect on the success and timeliness of any system-wide Web accessibility improvement strategy. Understanding these trends is the key to upgrading Web accessibility at Cal Poly.
Development techniques
- Cascading Style Sheets are used by a minority of Web sites.
- Most Web sites are built using static html.
- A minority of sites on campus are dynamic/database driven.
- Most campus Web site managers use Dreamweaver, some use FrontPage, some hand code.
- Many sites were developed by staff, students or consultants who are no longer at the university.
Developer skills
- Many staff and student assistants develop Web sites as an add-on to their main job, which is often an IT or administrative post.
- Awareness of 508 standards and techniques is low.
- Time and budget to implement large scale site changes is limited in most situations.
- 30 to 50% of site managers in the pilot group realize that accessibility is an important concern and were motivated to bring their sites in line with current standards. They just don't possess knowledge of the techniques or technology to make a site accessible, or they don’t have the resources to make it happen.
Common accessibility problems
- Missing or inappropriate alternate text for images.
- Minimal use of CSS. Most styling is embedded in the page.
- Missing or inappropriate use of heading styles.
- Data tables and forms incorrectly marked up. Tables are used for Web page layout, and also used to display data in an easy-to-read format.
- Inaccessible dynamic menus and interactive content are used.
- Missing "skip navigation" links. Most Web sites at Cal Poly do not currently use skip navigation, resulting in many non-compliant Web pages.
- Pages contain links to PDF, Word, Excel documents, but do not contain links to download the associated viewer.
- There is an abundance of inaccessible PDF documents posted on campus Web sites.
Organizational and Infrastructure problems
- Management understanding of the strategic importance of Web sites and legal responsibilities is limited.
- Communication and division-level buy-in are essential for compliance.
- Ownership of university Web sites is distributed and decentralized.
- Campus identity, accessibility, and Web development standards are well articulated; however, knowledge of standards is not widespread and adherence is spotty.
- The campus lacks an overall branding strategy to assist with design.
- A campus Web template is available but units prefer to use a unique presentation rather than conforming to a common look.
- Many sites are designed on an individual basis, therefore need to be checked and repaired individually. This is extremely time-consuming.
- Web sites that were prepared or delivered by a vendor, paid consultant, or student assistant are difficult to repair without the creator's cooperation.
- Vendor-developed Web sites do not meet Section 508 requirements nor do they adhere to industry standards and best practices.
- Varying levels of staff skills and resources exist among campus Web site managers. The level of training needed cannot be provided with current campus resources.
- In addition, a clear, well-defined set of requirements from the Chancellor’s office is critical to the continuing progress and success of this important initiative.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Cal Poly management must recognize and allocate resources for the task to bring all Cal Poly Web sites into accessibility compliance. Web management responsibilities cannot be considered secondary or an afterthought but rather requires employees who are committed to developing and maintaining an accessible and usable Web site. Job descriptions need to accurately reflect the Web management duties and responsibilities with concomitant skills requirements, including compliance with accessibility standards. Incumbents will need to obtain training to ensure their skills meet the new requirements.
The ATI Web Team developed a workshop in order to train campus Web site managers responsible for the top 34 Web pages on the project goals and the process and tools to be used. This training program needs to be expanded to train the remaining campus site managers. Additional resources will be needed to provide adequate training and support in order to achieve campus compliance under the current deadlines.
An awareness program similar to the Sexual Harassment training to introduce the ATI priorities and accessibility concepts is essential. Every CSU employee (faculty, staff and student assistants) should be required to complete this training. This training program would need to be reviewed annually and modified as standards change.
In addition to training and communication efforts, infrastructure development should include the implementation of a content management system to help facilitate the development of accessible Web sites.
Appendix A - Repair Sample Summary
Academic Affairs
http://www.academicaffairs.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported: 6, Total Files Passed: 3, Total Files Failed: 3
Problems: No <th> elements are used in the data tables, No “skip navigation” link, Text does not scale.
Hours to review/repair: 6 hours to review/ 10.25 hours estimated for repair.
Timeline: Failed elements in this evaluation are scheduled for repair June 1, 2007.
Administration and Finance Division
Total files reported: 13, Total Files Passed: 0, Total Files Failed: 13
Hours to review: 60 hours
Problems: Data tables are not properly coded with <th> elements; headings are not used; no “skip navigation” link; PDF documents are not accessible; links to required plug-ins are missing; search form not properly labeled; text and navigation links do not scale.
Solutions: Site is being redesigned by outside vendor (Education Web Services, Cal Poly Corporation).
Admissions
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_admiss/
Total files reported in scan: 79, Total Files Passed: 0, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 30 hours student
Problems: Tables used for page layout; ambiguous link text such as “click here”, “more”; missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; inaccessible site navigation (jump-menus with JavaScript); missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, word or excel files ; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: See the manual evaluation worksheet for Admissions repair plan (Word).
ASI
Total files reported in scan: 9, Total Files Passed: 7, Total Files Failed: 2
Hours to review/repair: 10 hours
Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; inaccessible site navigation (jump-menus with JavaScript); forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: All possible minor fixes, as noted in this document, will be made prior to our site redesign. These changes will be completed by June 30, 2007. Regarding our site redesign, we are currently in the process of contracting out the implementation thereof with a third party vendor. The proposed launch for our new site is between September 07 and January 08. While we have yet to choose a vendor, our contract will include stipulations requiring best coding practices and full section 508 compliance. Further, we will provide our vendor with this worksheet as well as other documents provided to us detailing the specific requirements of the CSU process. Upon delivery of our site we will conduct testing of our own again to ensure that all standards have been effectively met. This will also include testing of our site by disabled users. The time spent on this worksheet and report was approximately 10 hrs.
Timeline: some changes will be complete by June 30, 2007. Full redesign is scheduled for release between September 2007 and January 2008,
Cal Poly Continuing Education
http://www.continuing-ed.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported in scan: 27, Total Files Passed: 0, Total Files Failed: 27
Hours to review/repair: 12 hours staff
Problems: Missing empty alternate text on decorative images; missing title tags on images; no use of heading tags; color contrast issues with text in drop-down menus; data tables without proper heading elements; inaccessible site navigation (invalid use of JavaScript); missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Full redesign under development and due for release by September 2007.
Cal Poly Home
Total files reported in scan: 65, Total Files Passed: 64, Total Files Failed: 1
Hours to review/repair: 20 hours staff, 30 hours student
Problems: Site built using table layout and contains an inaccessible jump-menu on the homepage. No use of headings.
Solution: Current site passes 508 Compliance but should be rebuilt using current Web standards. The rebuilding process is estimated to take 100 hours of staff and student time, including reviews by Public Affairs and other stake holders. Converting the site to use correct heading structure has been completed.
Cal Poly News
http://calpolynews.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported in scan: 36, Total Files Passed: 27, Total Files Failed: 9
Hours to review/repair: 30 hours; estimate additional 80+ hours to rebuild site using new CP template.
Problems: Color contrast failure on the visited links; problems with headings and CSS errors.
Solution: Wants to redesign site using new CP template to bring site into full Section 508 compliance and best practices.
Career Services
http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported in scan: 9, Total Files Passed: 0, Total Files Failed: 9
Hours to review/repair: 6 hours staff
Problems: Tables used for layout; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; “Click Here” link text used throughout site; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: User plans to redeploy site when the new CP template is available however outstanding failed elements will need correction such as link text and navigation methods and recreation of accessible PDF documents.
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Total files reported in scan: 35, Total Files Passed: 35, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours spent in Review/Repair: 5 hours
Problems: Missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; color contrast issues with link text; forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files.
Solutions: Repair elements using best practices for design and accessibility.
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
College of Architecture and Environmental Design did not complete the review process.
College of Business, Orfalea
Total files reported in scan: 78, Total Files Passed: 77, Total Files Failed: 1
Hours to review/repair: 35 staff hours, 42 student hours
Problems: Images containing text do not have appropriate alternate text or title attribute; text disappears when images are turned off; color contrast issues in navigation bar; missing or improper use of heading tags; site uses frames; inaccessible navigation due to use of JavaScript; missing “skip navigation” links; text does not scale.
Solution: Redesign of navigation for keyboard access and color contrast, add skip navigation links, use heading levels properly.
Timeline: possible redesign summer or fall 2007 depending on available resources.
College of Education
College of Education did not complete the review process. However, they reported that their site is undergoing a major redesign. They are committed to making the new site compliant. They expect to have the new site online by September 1, 2007.
College of Engineering
Total files reported in scan: 18, Total Files Passed: 18, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 15 hours
Problems: Need more descriptive text for links; text disappears when images are turned off; multimedia does not have captions for audio; color contrast issues; data tables without proper heading elements; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, word or excel files; forms without proper labels; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solutions: Some issues listed above were marked as passed on manual review and therefore need to be corrected for full compliance.
Timeline: All issues outlined in the report will be brought into compliance by July 15, 2007.
College of Liberal Arts
Total files reported: 15, Total Files Passed: 14, Total Files Failed: 1
Hours to review/repair:5 hours to review/ 5 hours repair.
Problems: Tables used for layout, missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; inaccessible site navigation (jump-menus with JavaScript); missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, word or excel files ; inaccessible PDF documents;
Solutions: Pending site redesign
Timeline: Full redesign due September 1, 2007
College of Science and Mathematics
Total files reported in scan: 15, Total Files Passed: 15, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 80 hours
Problems: Missing or invalid alternate text for images; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, word or excel files; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Alt text corrected for images with information and images used for layout; headings were added to improve page navigation but visible skip to content should be added.
Disability Resource Center
Total files reported in scan: 16, Total Files Passed: 16, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 17 hours
Problems: Missing or invalid alternate text for images; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements.
Solution: Alt text has been corrected, need to learn CSS and add heading tags to page content; recreate data tables with proper heading structure.
Timeline: Summer 2007; goal is to learn proper structure for data tables and CSS using Lynda.com tutorials.
El Corral Bookstore
http://www.elcorralbookstore.com/
Total files reported in scan: X, Total Files Passed: X, Total Files Failed: X
Hours to review/repair: 2 persons at 24 hours
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; forms without proper labels; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Plan To Address Failed Checkpoints for El Corral Bookstore. <link to worksheet>
Financial Aid Office
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/
Total files reported in scan: 17, Total Files Passed: 17, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 10 hours
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; data tables without proper heading elements; forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Headings have been added to appropriate content; data tables have been updated with headings and summaries; additional corrections to be completed during spring quarter 2007.
General Education
Total files reported in scan: 12, Total Files Passed: 12, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 5 hours
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; color contrast issues with link text; data tables without proper heading elements; inaccessible site navigation (jump-menus with JavaScript); forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Some issues have been corrected. Outstanding issues that remain are: addition of headings to page content; make accessibility corrections to a PowerPoint presentation and PDF documents; check and repair color contrast issues; remediate data tables; develop CSS to navigation and eliminate JavaScript; add links to plug-ins; add labels to form elements; add skip navigation links.
Timeline: User plans to make the necessary corrections and complete by the end of August 2007. Approximately 30 to 40 hours estimated to complete the project.
Health and Counseling Services
Total files reported in scan: 18, Total Files Passed: 18, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 4 hours
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Awaiting release of new CP template as this site is very old and needs a full redesign. However, problem areas still require attention to ensure content is fully accessible after redesign.
Timeline: Unknown at this time.
Housing and Residential Life
http://www.housing.calpoly.edu/
Housing and Residential Life did not complete the review process.
Information Technology Services
Total files reported in scan: 20, Total Files Passed: 20, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 44.5 hours
Problems: Manual review does not include comments about items that failed in the site or the effort required to repair.
Solution: All pages pass automated checks and manual review.
ITS - Multimedia Distribution Services
Total files reported in scan: 17, Total Files Passed: 17, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 33 hours
Problems: Search form not labeled properly; color contrast problems with site template and with link text; missing alt-text; missing or improper use of heading tags; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Site passes automated scan. User needs assistance to make remaining corrections.
Cal Poly Service Desk
http://www.servicedesk.calpoly.edu
Total files reported: 14, Total Files Passed: 14, Total Files Failed: 0
Problem areas : Tables used for layout; missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; forms without proper labels; inaccessible site navigation (jump-menus with JavaScript); missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files ; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: User plans to convert to the new Cal Poly template which is based on best practices, XHTML and CSS.
Time spent in Review/Repair: 10 hours staff, 23 hours student assistant
Kennedy Library
Total files reported in scan: 25, Total Files Passed: 25, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 6 hours
Problems: HTML validation errors; missing scope attribute for tables on some pages.
Solution: These errors were corrected so that top level pages in site pass automated and manual review.
Office of Academic Records
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/
Total files reported in scan: 12, Total Files Passed: 0, Total Files Failed: 12
Hours to review/repair: 7.5 hours to review, 51.5 hours estimated for repair
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; color contrast issues with link text; data tables without proper heading elements; forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents and forms; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Repair all outstanding failures.
Timeline: Site repair expected by December 31, 2007.
Registration (Sub-page of OAR Website)
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/registration/index.htm
Total files reported in scan: 21, Total Files Passed: 2, Total Files Failed: 19
Hours to review/repair: 6.5 hours to review, 61 hours estimated for repair
Problems: Critical links for registration use Adobe Flash elements and are not accessible by screen reader or keyboard. Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; missing or improper use of heading tags; color contrast issues with link text; data tables without proper heading elements; forms without proper labels; missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; inaccessible PDF documents; missing “skip navigation” links.
Solution: Change Flash links to text links and repair all other outstanding failures.
Timeline: Site repair expected by December 31, 2007.
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
This office did not complete review, but will work on it in Summer 2007.
Policies (Computing) - Security Website
Total files reported in scan: 16, Total Files Passed: 16, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 20 hours
Time spent includes training, installing and learning the tools and process (4 hours), review (8 hours), and repair (8 hours).
Problems: Missing or inappropriate use of headings; color contrast issues when images are turned off; verify off-site links are accessible; inaccessible PDF documents; missing plug-in download links.
Solution: Develop or modify style sheet/elements to incorporate use of headings ; Modify or convert DOC and PDF files to make them accessible; Added links to plug-in downloads; Review remaining pages and address any issues, e.g., graphics and JavaScript appear on a page not included in the sample; corrected Search form edit field for accessibility; removed suggestion box (script element) from home page; added skip to content link to all pages through template.
Student Academic Services
http://sas.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported: 20, Total Files Passed: 20, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review/repair: 50 hours
Problems: Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; Missing title tags on images; Text content contained in image disappears; Missing or improper use of heading tags; Data tables without proper heading elements; Forms without proper labels; Missing plug-in download links for pages with links to PDF, Word or Excel files; Inaccessible PDF documents.
Solutions: Most checkpoints were corrected. Some pages do not meet the accessibility standards. User plans to address these when the new Cal Poly template is available. Department is currently hiring a Web developer.
Student Affairs
http://www.calpoly.edu/~saffairs/
Student Affairs did not complete the review process.
Student Life and Leadership
http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/
Total files reported in scan: 12, Total Files Passed: 9, Total Files Failed: 3
Hours to review/repair: 10 hours
Problems: Site content is edited by multiple people in the department. No one person is responsible for the overall quality or accessibility of the site content. Missing or inappropriate alternate text on images; missing title tags on images; text content contained in image disappears; missing or improper use of heading tags; forms without proper labels; inaccessible PDF documents.
Solution: Repair outstanding failed elements. All site contributors need training on accessibility.
Timeline: Repair by end of June 2007
Web Authoring Resource Center
Total files reported in scan: 129, Total Files Passed: 129, Total Files Failed: 0
Hours to review: 1 hour
Site was deployed Spring 2007 using CSU and Section 508 standards and best practices. Site passes automated checks and full manual review with no issues. This site is a good resource for accessibility and coding examples.
Appendix B - Web-based Application Review Summary
Dynamically generated pages in Web applications are significantly more complex to repair than static pages. Cal Poly has two unique Web applications that are used by the student, staff, and faculty community - Portal and PASS.
The standard testing tools used for the Web review do not lend themselves well to the assessment of Web-based applications. Both of these sites were reviewed on a general level and a response was compiled by the coordinator for Application Integration, Information Technology Services.
Cal Poly Portal
https://my.calpoly.edu/cas/login
The Portal is a user selectable multi-channel Web interface that allows students, staff, and faculty to perform a myriad of tasks. The portal contains over 180 channels. Users can access a channel that will allow them to register for classes, access grades, view a class schedule, obtain an unofficial transcript, financial statement and more. Faculty can obtain class rosters, assign permit numbers, drop students, verify enrollment, enter grades, enter and review exceptions. With over 18,000 unique logins on a monthly basis, the portal is a key campus resource.
Plan a Student Schedule
http://pass.calpoly.edu/init.do
PASS is a dynamic Web-based application designed to assist students in planning their course schedule for an upcoming term.
What follows is the development team’s plan to assess and remediate these applications.
Testing Issues and Strategy
Early testing showed that the tool used for ATI/ADA evaluations is not able to directly test these dynamic Web sites. This is not necessarily due to ADA compliance issues, but rather to limitations in the tool.
Given this, our strategy is to decompose each application into smaller elements which are representative for ADA compliance purposes and are better supported by the testing tool. The effort required to perform this testing will be substantial, and so in our first pass we have summarized the general areas we expect to address in the next year as part of a combined detailed testing/first pass mitigation effort.
Portal – my.calpoly.edu (Sign-on) / myportal.calpoly.edu (Services)
The Web single sign-on server at my.calpoly.edu uses relatively simple layout and interaction mechanisms. Much of this technology will be undergoing changes during an upgrade scheduled for July 2007, and as part of this planned effort we will fully evaluate and remediate accessibility issues.
Decomposition – testing in-the-large and in-the small: The portal is a framework which encompasses many different services, including content provided by organizations outside of ITS. We will focus on the default overall "layout" (collective interface) of the framework by developing a set of representative pages with very basic channel content. We will then individually evaluate representative channel content, including at least one from each category of: native XML/XSLT, RSS, iFrames, WebProxy. The examples we select for each case will be channels most critical to large user populations, such as the Single Click channel. Specifically: we plan to test a portal layout including only blank channels, and then test individual channels rendered in separate windows.
Following this we will make minor changes to implementations where possible, and consider offering a separate "view" of the portal for identified users with disabilities. This will allow us to continue offering more complex and interactive experiences for users who benefit from it, while providing equivalent functionality for those users who require a less complex rendering. We are considering use of alternate XSLT (transforms applied to XML) which will allow for rendering an alternate overall view without requiring changes to each channel, as well as a simplified default layout which may be easily selected by those users who benefit from it.
PASS
PASS also presented challenges for testing using the current deployment, and testing tool. As with the portal we will attempt to decompose the application in a development environment to allow for individual components to be accurately tested.
From initial tests there are some concerns about the interactive "Web 2.0" nature of PASS. This increased level of interaction has received positive comments from many students, aiding in usability, and we expect to increase use of these mechanisms. At the same time, some of them appear to reduce accessibility within current screen readers and alternative access methods.
Based on this, we plan to make minor changes to the application to improve accessibility where possible, and to offer entirely separate options for users who cannot benefit from the interactive nature of PASS. One option in this area is an improved report which will list all available course sections. While this report will not provide the interactive scheduling functionality of PASS, it will provide equivalent information to support students in the course registration process.