Web Accessibility audit for Refuge Network International

Web Accessibility audit for Refuge Network International

Web Accessibility audit for Refuge Network International

I conducted an expert accessibility review of the Refuge Network International website (https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/). Refuge Network International is dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, providing crucial resources and assistance. Given their mission to help vulnerable populations, it's paramount that their website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

I conducted an expert accessibility review of the Refuge Network International website (https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/). Refuge Network International is dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, providing crucial resources and assistance. Given their mission to help vulnerable populations, it's paramount that their website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Client:

Client:

Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House

Dates:

Dates:

February - March 2023

February - March 2023

Role:

Role:

Accessibility specialist

Accessibility specialist

Skills:

Skills:

Accessibility audit, Expert review, WCAG Guideline, HTML, CSS, Assistive technology checks

Accessibility audit, Expert review, WCAG Guideline, HTML, CSS, Assistive technology checks

Objective

Objective

The primary goal was to evaluate the accessibility of their website for people with access needs and identify the most critical steps to improve accessibility. This review focused on two key pages:


  1. Homepage: https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/

  2. Take Action: https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/take-action

The primary goal was to evaluate the accessibility of their website for people with access needs and identify the most critical steps to improve accessibility. This review focused on two key pages:


  1. Homepage: https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/

  2. Take Action: https://www.refugenetworkinternational.com/take-action

Methodology

Methodology

My comprehensive approach included:


  1. Automatic checks using WAVE

  • Software used: WAVE accessibility evaluation tool

  • Purpose: Highlighting potential errors in the HTML code and user interface


  1. Manual checks

  • Guideline used: WCAG 2.2 (up to conformance level AA)

  • Methods used: W3C's manual 'Easy Checks' and Gov.uk's basic accessibility check

  • Process: Manually inspecting the HTML code, user interface, contrast, labels, alternative text, and links


  1. Assistive technology checks

  • Software used: VoiceOver screen-reader

  • Methods used: Keyboard tabbing

  • Purpose: Checked compliance with WCAG 2.2 and accessibility for users of screen readers and keyboard navigation


Review period: 15 Nov - 16 Dec 2023


Platforms tested: macOS Sonoma (Version 14.0), Google Chrome (Version 120.0.6099.71)

My comprehensive approach included:


  1. Automatic checks using WAVE

  • Software used: WAVE accessibility evaluation tool

  • Purpose: Highlighting potential errors in the HTML code and user interface


  1. Manual checks

  • Guideline used: WCAG 2.2 (up to conformance level AA)

  • Methods used: W3C's manual 'Easy Checks' and Gov.uk's basic accessibility check

  • Process: Manually inspecting the HTML code, user interface, contrast, labels, alternative text, and links


  1. Assistive technology checks

  • Software used: VoiceOver screen-reader

  • Methods used: Keyboard tabbing

  • Purpose: Checked compliance with WCAG 2.2 and accessibility for users of screen readers and keyboard navigation


Review period: 15 Nov - 16 Dec 2023


Platforms tested: macOS Sonoma (Version 14.0), Google Chrome (Version 120.0.6099.71)

Key Findings

Key Findings

I identified and prioritized the 10 most severe accessibility issues, including:


  1. Improper use of semantic markup

  2. Ambiguous link text

  3. Insufficient form assistance

  4. Lack of video controls

  5. Missing or inaccurate text alternatives for images

I identified and prioritized the 10 most severe accessibility issues, including:


  1. Improper use of semantic markup

  2. Ambiguous link text

  3. Insufficient form assistance

  4. Lack of video controls

  5. Missing or inaccurate text alternatives for images

Each issue was assigned a severity rating using an adapted version of Rubin's four-point scale, ranging from Level 1 (Irritant) to Level 4 (Unusable).

Each issue was assigned a severity rating using an adapted version of Rubin's four-point scale, ranging from Level 1 (Irritant) to Level 4 (Unusable).

Sample from the Report

Sample from the Report

Read full report

For each identified issue, I provided a detailed analysis:


  • Description of the problem

  • Location on the website

  • Impact on users with different needs

  • Severity rating (using an adapted version of Rubin's four-point scale)

  • Specific WCAG 2.2 guidelines violated

  • Recommended solutions


Here's a sample from the report:

For each identified issue, I provided a detailed analysis:


  • Description of the problem

  • Location on the website

  • Impact on users with different needs

  • Severity rating (using an adapted version of Rubin's four-point scale)

  • Specific WCAG 2.2 guidelines violated

  • Recommended solutions


Here's a sample from the report:

Outcome and Impact

Outcome and Impact

This project not only enhanced my skills in conducting accessibility audits but also provided Refuge Network International with:


  • A clear roadmap for improving their website's accessibility

  • Insights into the diverse needs of their users

  • Actionable recommendations to create a more inclusive online presence


By addressing these issues, Refuge Network International can ensure that their vital services and information are accessible to all, regardless of ability, furthering their mission of empowering communities and addressing poverty.

This project not only enhanced my skills in conducting accessibility audits but also provided Refuge Network International with:


  • A clear roadmap for improving their website's accessibility

  • Insights into the diverse needs of their users

  • Actionable recommendations to create a more inclusive online presence


By addressing these issues, Refuge Network International can ensure that their vital services and information are accessible to all, regardless of ability, furthering their mission of empowering communities and addressing poverty.

© Palina Shymanovich 2024

© Palina Shymanovich 2024