Accessibility · WCAG 2.1 AA
Accessibility, built in — and verified.
The redesign targets WCAG 2.1 AA conformance. This page documents how that's achieved and how it's checked — the validation evidence the project delivers (DEL6).
Automated accessibility, performance, and SEO audits run on every deploy and on a daily schedule; results are documented and delivered to CAPER as part of the engagement. The figures above reflect the Pilot's current build.
What's built in
Semantic structure
One correct heading per page, logical heading order, and ARIA landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) on every page.
Keyboard & focus
Every control is reachable and operable by keyboard, with a visible high-contrast focus ring (WCAG 2.2 AA).
Accessible data
The Data Explorer uses real table semantics — scoped headers, sortable columns announced to assistive tech — not an image of a table.
Colour & contrast
Text and interface colours are measured against WCAG AA contrast ratios; the brand palette was tuned to clear them.
Charts as content
Figures rebuilt from PDFs are accessible HTML — labelled values and alternatives — not flattened images.
Skip links & language
A skip-to-content link on every page, and a correct lang attribute that switches between English and French.
Replacing the overlay
The current caper.ca relies on a third-party accessibility overlay — a widget layered on top of the site. Overlays don't fix the underlying structure and are widely regarded as no substitute for real conformance. This pilot builds accessibility into how each page is made instead, so it holds up to audit and to real assistive technology.