The stated inQsit design goal is "ease of use." Many products, however useful, do not appropriate consider the user interface. This goal applies to every person, regardless of any visual, auditory, physical or learning disabilities. Web page accessibility is not an added feature, but rather in intregal part of the design process. New features are not included unless the appropriate accommodations have been incorporated.
inQsit conducts internal accessiblity audits before each release. Both the W3C and WAIS standards are checked, as well as the sixteen (16) Section 508 guidelines listed below. The product is routinely used by individuals with varing disabilities in the Ball State University testing labs which insures new features are fully tested before general deployment.
Since inQsit is a web based assessment tool, we utilize the standard web accessibility training information available at the Ball State University site. This list includes:
Ball State University is long known for its accessible campus. As web based courses became available, and with that web based assessment, Ball State University continues its commitment to an accessible environment.
-
(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content).
-
All inQsit images have alt tags. Images loaded into questions via the OBJECTS function automatically have alt tags supplied. inQsit module administrators are strongly encouraged to include alt tags or descriptive or contextual text for all other images, sound files, movies, and all other appropriate objects.
-
(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.
-
inQsit does not use any multimedia presentations, but inQsit does support any synchronized web based objects that a module administrator cares to include in the assessment instrument.
-
(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.
-
This guideline is fully implemented in inQsit versions 7.2 and later.
-
(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.
-
Style sheets are only used for text decoration (size, color, font), but are not required for page readability. All pages are accessible without the associated style information.
-
(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.
-
inQsit does not use, nor support, 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.
-
At this time, inQsit does not use, nor support, client-side image maps. Future versions may include client-side image maps, but they will be fully ADA 508 compliant when implemented.
-
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.
-
There are two types of tables: 1) tables which convey column or row based data, and 2) tables used for formatting. All data tables utilize appropriate table headers either in the first row or column. Formatting tables do not use any table headers. This is in compliance with the W3C guidelines.
-
(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.
-
inQsit does not invoke any tables with multiple logical levels.
-
(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation.
-
All pages, including all frame sections, include appropriate titles.
-
(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.
-
inQsit does not use any facility to cause screen flicker.
-
(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site 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.
-
All inQsit pages are inherently accessible to all individuals, and therefore text-only pages are not required. This is a stated design requirement.
-
(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.
-
Javascript is utilized in several areas to enhance the assessment or administrative process. Content presented in this manner is written before the associated window is opened and therefore appears seamless to the viewer. inQsit uses pop-up dialog boxes for information and confirmation functions. This complies with the Section 508 guidelines.
-
(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).
-
inQsit does not use applets or plug-ins for its screen rendering. Assessment modules may include such devices, but module administrators are strongly encouraged to make appropriate items available. Assessment where the respondents may not correctly interpret the questions is conter-productive.
-
(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.
-
Almost every inQsit page is a form, whether used directly for the assessment instrument, or for the design and implementation of the module environment. All form elements are labeled in context with the surrounding text. Module administrators do not include form elements in their assessment modules.
-
(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.
-
inQsit does not employ repetitive navigation links.
-
(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.
-
Module administrators define the time limits, if any, for each assessment module. Individualized modules are easily built to accommodate longer durations, fewer questions, or different questions as appropriate to meet the individual needs. Unlike many other assessment tools, inQsit provides any combination of these accommodations per module.