Gladeo's Accessibility Conformance Report
WCAG Edition
(Based on VPAT® Version 2.5)
Name of Product/Version: Gladeo FutureReady Course with Embedded Gladeo Web Platform
Report Date: July 2025
Product Description: Digital career exploration and post-secondary readiness course that equips students with the skills and tools to explore careers, set goals, and plan for their future - featuring an embedded web platform for assessments, career profiles, and regional labor market insights.
Contact Information: grace@gladeo.org
Notes:
Evaluation Methods Used: Online compliance testing tools. Some manual testing was done with aXe and ANDI as well as the Color Contrast Analyzer from TPGi. Additional evaluation included screen reader testing with VoiceOver on both Mac and iPad devices, as well as manual checks for keyboard accessibility and other key usability features.
Applicable Standards and Guidelines
This report covers the degree of conformance for the following accessibility standard/guidelines:
Standard/Guideline | Included in Report |
|---|---|
Level A (Yes)
Level AA (Yes)
Level AAA (No ) | |
Level A (Yes)
Level AA (Yes)
Level AAA (No ) | |
Level A (Yes )
Level AA (Yes )
Level AAA (No ) |
Terms
The terms used in the Conformance Level information are defined as follows:
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Supports: The functionality of the product has at least one method that meets the criterion without known defects or meets with equivalent facilitation.
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Partially Supports: Some functionality of the product does not meet the criterion.
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Does Not Support: The majority of product functionality does not meet the criterion.
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Not Applicable: The criterion is not relevant to the product.
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Not Evaluated: The product has not been evaluated against the criterion. This can only be used in WCAG Level AAA criteria.
When filling in the WCAG tables, a response may use 'Supports' where one might otherwise be inclined to use 'Not Applicable'. This is in keeping with WCAG 2.0 Understanding Conformance: This means that if there is no content to which a success criterion applies, the success criterion is satisfied.
WCAG 2.1 Report
Note: When reporting on conformance with the WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria, they are scoped for full pages, complete processes, and accessibility-supported ways of using technology as documented in the WCAG 2.0 Conformance Requirements.
Table 1: Success Criteria, Level A
Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) | Partially Supports | Gladeo provides text alternatives to default non-text content. Most images include descriptive alternative text, all videos have descriptive identification of the non-text content, and most interactive and decorative elements have labels. |
Partially Supports | All Gladeo videos have subtitles or captions, but not all all videos have transcripts. | |
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Supports | All videos have captions. |
Does not support | Gladeo videos do not have audio description or descriptive transcripts. | |
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A) | Supports | All content structures are properly coded to ensure clear information and accurate relationships. |
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A) | Supports | Content is presented in a meaningful sequence |
1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A) | Supports | Instructions for using Gladeo do not rely on sensory characteristics. |
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A) | Supports | Gladeo site content and functionality does not convey information through color alone. |
1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A) | Supports | Gladeo’s video player allows user to pause or stop a video, and adjust the volume. |
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A) | Partially Supports | Most site functionality can be accessed and operated
using a keyboard. However, the hover features of the Site Menu cannot be accessed solely with a keyboard as they also require a mouse or trackpad. The Site Menu is currently being redesigned to be fully accessible and operated by keyboard only users. |
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A) | Partially Supports | Most of the site is compliant, allowing keyboard navigation without encountering keyboard traps. However, there are a few instances—specifically within certain menus—where users may experience a keyboard trap. These identified issues are actively being addressed in ongoing updates. |
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | The site does not provide character key shortcuts. |
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A) | Supports | The site does not include time limits. |
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A) | Supports | The site does not include elements that move, blink,
scroll, or auto-update. |
2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A) | Supports | The site does not contain blinking or flashing content |
2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A) | Supports | While repeated content blocks are minimal across pages, a "Skip to Main Content" link is available on some pages. It becomes visible when users navigate using the Tab key, allowing keyboard and screen reader users to efficiently bypass navigation and jump directly to the main content. |
2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A) | Supports | Pages in Gladeo have appropriate titles to describe their purpose. |
2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A) | Supports | The site supports this criterion. Focus order follows the visual and logical structure of the content, allowing keyboard users to navigate in a meaningful and predictable sequence. |
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A) | Supports | Links on Gladeo have text content or associated label. |
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Gladeo does not require navigation by multipoint or path-based gestures. |
2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Actions triggered by pointer input are only executed on the release (up-event). |
2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | The visible labels of interactive elements match or are included in their accessible names. |
2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Gladeo does not use or require motion actuation for any functionality. |
3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A) | Supports | The default language of each page is correctly specified in the HTML using the lang attribute, ensuring proper interpretation by assistive technologies and browsers. |
3.2.1 On Focus (Level A) | Supports | No content or context changes are triggered solely by an element receiving focus. |
3.2.2 On Input (Level A) | Supports | Most inputs do not trigger changes in context upon value change. In a few cases—such as selecting a subregion in the salary outlook widget or choosing a language from the translation dropdown—the change in content is expected and clearly indicated. For example, the subregion field is labeled with "Choose a subregion," and language options are presented as clearly focused links, helping users understand the result of their selection. |
3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A 2.2 only) | Supports | Links to support resources or contact information, are consistently presented in the same location and identified using consistent labels across relevant pages. |
3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A) | Supports | When users make input errors, affected fields are clearly identified with both visual cues and text-based error messages. |
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A) | Supports | All form inputs include clear labels or instructions that describe the expected input, both visually and programmatically, to ensure accessibility for all users. |
3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A 2.2 only) | Supports | There are no instances where users are required to re-enter the same information in multiple steps; all user inputs are collected only once as needed. |
4.1.1 Parsing (Level A) | Supports | For WCAG 2.0 and 2.1, the September 2023 errata update indicates this criterion is always supported. See the WCAG 2.0 Editorial Errata and the WCAG 2.1 Editorial Errata. |
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A) | Partially Supports | All standard interactive elements, including buttons, links, and form fields, have appropriate programmatic names, roles, and values to ensure accessibility. There is one known instance—a dropdown for selecting a subregion on the salary outlook widget—where the visible label is not yet programmatically associated. We are actively working on fixing this in an upcoming update. |
Table 2: Success Criteria, Level AA
Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA) | Supports | There is no live audio or video content on the site; therefore, live captioning is not applicable. |
1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA) | Partially Supports | Most pre-recorded videos either include narration that conveys key visual information or do not require audio description. However, a few videos contain visual content that is not fully described in the audio. We are currently working on adding audio descriptions or alternative formats to ensure full accessibility. |
1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Content on Gladeo does not restrict orientation and can be viewed and operated in both portrait and landscape modes. |
1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Input fields that collect user information use standard HTML autocomplete attributes to identify their purpose programmatically. |
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) | Partially Supports | Most text and interactive elements meet the required contrast ratios. However, the hover state for some links and buttons does not provide sufficient contrast when text is smaller. We are in the process of updating these styles to meet the minimum contrast requirements. |
1.4.4 Resize text (Level AA) | Supports | Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality. The site is fully responsive and adapts to different screen sizes, including mobile and tablet views, ensuring that content remains accessible and usable when zoomed or resized. |
1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA) | Partially Supports | Text is generally presented as real, accessible text. However, some header banners currently include text as part of the image. We are actively working on updating these banners to use real text or provide appropriate alternatives to ensure full accessibility. |
1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Content reflows appropriately at widths down to 320 pixels without loss of functionality or requiring horizontal scrolling. The site is fully responsive and maintains usability across mobile, tablet, and desktop viewports. |
1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Partially Supports | Most essential non-text elements—including icons, controls, and graphical components—meet the required 3:1 contrast ratio. However, some interactive states such as focus indicators and hover effects do not consistently meet the contrast threshold. We are actively working to improve these elements to ensure full compliance. |
1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Supports | Content remains readable and functional when users apply custom text spacing settings, including increased line height, letter spacing, and paragraph spacing, as defined by WCAG guidelines. No content is lost or overlaps when these adjustments are made. |
1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Partially Supports | Most elements do not contain content elements triggered by hover or focus, with the exception of the “Browse” section of the Main Menu. |
2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA) | Supports | Users can locate content through multiple means, including the primary navigation menu, search functionality, and contextual links throughout the site. |
2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA) | Supports | Headings and labels are descriptive and clearly convey the purpose of content sections and input fields. |
2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA) | Partially Supports | Most interactive elements show a clear, visible focus indicator when navigated via keyboard. However, a few custom components have less prominent focus styles, and these are currently being reviewed and updated to improve visibility and ensure full compliance. |
2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | When navigating with a keyboard, the focused element remains at least partially visible on the screen and is not hidden behind fixed or overlapping content. |
2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | The site does not contain any dragging operations. |
2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Partially Supports | Most interactive elements meet or exceed the minimum target size of 24 by 24 CSS pixels or are sufficiently spaced to prevent accidental activation. However, a few smaller icon buttons and utility links—particularly in the header—may fall below the recommended size. These elements are currently being reviewed and will be updated to ensure full compliance. |
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA) | Supports | When content appears in a language different from the page’s default language, it is programmatically identified using appropriate lang attributes to support accurate pronunciation and interpretation by assistive technologies. |
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA) | Supports | Gladeo contains consistent navigation patterns across all pages and content. |
3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA) | Supports | Components that have the same functionality within the site are identified consistently. |
3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA) | Partially Supports | When errors are encountered in Gladeo, usually a message is shown, but an announcement may or may not be made to screen reader users. There are some exceptions to consistent validation. |
Partially Supports | No forms within the site submit actions that cause legal commitments or financial transactions to occur. However, users can delete data from any form input at without the ability to recover said data once they leave the page. | |
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | Gladeo supports accessible authentication by offering Single Sign-On (SSO) through most schools, allowing users to log in without needing to recall or enter credentials. For self-registered users, login requires only an email and password, and is compatible with browser-based tools like Google Password Manager for easy, low-effort access. |
4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA 2.1 and 2.2) | Partially Supports | Updates to content, status changes, and notifications that display visually have corresponding audio announcements for screen readers, with the exception of form validation messages. |
Legal Disclaimer (Gladeo Inc.)
This Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), prepared by Gladeo Inc. (“Gladeo”), is a voluntary self-assessment of the Gladeo platform’s conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and 2.2, Levels A and AA.
The information provided reflects Gladeo’s internal evaluation at the time of assessment and is intended to help users and partners understand the platform’s current accessibility features and known limitations. This report is not based on an independent third-party audit and should not be considered a formal certification of compliance.
Gladeo makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in this report. As the platform evolves through updates, enhancements, or design changes, accessibility may also change.
This report is offered solely for informational purposes. Users are encouraged to conduct their own evaluations to determine whether the platform meets their specific accessibility needs and requirements. Gladeo disclaims any liability for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or interpretation of this report.
Gladeo may update or revise this ACR as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility.