While we may not be able to directly control accessibility standards for these third-party resources, we can influence and work with vendors to improve accessibility, especially at the point to purchasing and negotiating contracts.
Evaluating SWAN supported services
As of 2021, SWAN requests a VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, for any new contracts, and we look for compliance with World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. A VPAT will outline the areas where the vendor is fully, partially, or not compliant with accessibility standards. Keep in mind that a VPAT does not ensure a product is accessible, but a good VPAT should address where the product is compliant and where it is not.
If a VPAT is not available, SWAN will request an alternate accessibility statement and/or evaluate web-based services using automated testing tools and manual evaluation. An evaluation can identify development requests to include in a contract.
For platforms in use that do not comply with accessibility standards, SWAN works with the vendor to bring the product up to standards.
SWAN updates our supported services list with accessibility information, including VPAT availability, alternate accessibility reports, and ongoing efforts with vendors that are not compliant.
Evaluating library resources
SWAN strongly encourages libraries to keep accessibility in mind when purchasing any new resources.
As of October 2021, SWAN will not integrate any services into the library catalog that are not in compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 . Be sure to contact SWAN about any purchases you are considering that would integrate into the catalog. This could include chat widgets, tutorials, or library mapping tools.
SWAN will evaluate any new services added to the catalog using the vendor's VPAT (if available), automated testing tools for web-based services, and manual evaluation methods, such as testing that the interface can be navigated without a mouse. For platforms in use that do not comply with accessibility standards, SWAN works with the vendor to bring the product up to standards. However, in the case of the public catalog, SWAN will not integrate resources until they are compliant.
To help libraries evaluate e-resources before purchase, SWAN has partnered with RAILS to collect and update VPATs in the RAILS VPAT database.
Automated testing tools
SWAN relies on the following automated testing tools:
- aXe Developer Tools
- FAE (Functional Accessibility Evaluator)
- AInspector Sidebar
- Various "dark mode" browser extensions
- NVDA screen reader
Note that reliable automated testing tools for mobile apps are not available. SWAN will require a VPAT for mobile apps.
