Our website accessibility tracker is integrated into a Power BI dashboard, utilizing analytics from Silktide, SortSite, and Siteimprove to emphasize our commitment to web accessibility. Since 2014, VCSU has monitored and improved website accessibility to align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Our Commitment to Accessibility Proactive Monitoring: We use Silktide to identify and fix accessibility issues, ensuring our website is inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities. Long-Term Dedication: Since 2014, we have tracked and reported accessibility metrics with Siteimprove and SortSite, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to web accessibility. Insightful Data: By combining archived Siteimprove data with current Silktide and SortSite metrics, we visualize and track accessibility improvements over time. Use < or > to navigate between dashboards: Page One: Current Silktide Scores Page Two: Silktide Timeline Page Three: SortSite Timeline Page Four: Siteimprove Timeline One Stop Resources Resource Hub: Accessibility guidelines. Toolkit: Tools and checklists for best practices. Related Resources National Center on Accessible Educational Materials W3C Web Accessibility New to WCAG? Check out this short video from Silktide: For more information or to schedule training, please contact: Debbie Dramstad Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) Web Accessibility and Applications Specialist, VCSU Technology Services Email: debra.dramstad@vcsu.edu

Digital accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access digital content. Valley City State University (VCSU) is committed to this by following accessibility standards and preventing discrimination. VCSU aims for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance to provide equal access to all services. This guide covers WCAG guidelines, Silktide's role in testing, and understanding accessibility scores. What is WCAG? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards by the W3C to make web content accessible. They focus on four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, with three levels of compliance: A (critical), AA (important), and AAA (desirable). What is Silktide? Silktide is a platform that helps improve website accessibility and quality. It automates WCAG compliance testing and provides actionable recommendations. Silktide tools monitor accessibility across numerous web pages to maintain and enhance digital accessibility. VCSU utilizes this tool to analyze our digital accessibility compliance efforts. What Does Silktide Check For? Silktide conducts over 200 checks for web accessibility, covering WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at Levels A, AA, and AAA. It evaluates aspects like color contrast, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, spelling, grammar, and broken links. Understanding Accessibility Issues: A vs. AA vs. AAA A Issues: Critical problems that must be fixed for basic access. AA Issues: Important issues that should be addressed to improve accessibility and meet legal requirements. AAA Issues: Desirable enhancements that provide the highest level of accessibility, though they may not always be feasible for all content. Dashboard Overview Overall Accessibility Score: Displays overall accessibility rating. Spelling and Link Scores: Highlights the average spelling and link quality assurance score. Spelling and Link Issues: Provides the count of spelling and link issues. How to Use the Dashboard Regularly review the dashboard to track progress in meeting accessibility standards. This helps identify gaps and make improvements to ensure continuous compliance and enhance the user experience. Use < and > to navigate between pages: Page One: Category Search Page Two: Author Search One Stop Resources Resource Hub: Links to accessibility guidelines. Toolkit: Offers practical tools and checklists for best practices. Related Resources National Center on Accessible Educational Materials W3C Web Accessibility New to WCAG? Check out this short video from Silktide: For more information or to schedule training, please contact: Debbie Dramstad Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) Web Accessibility and Applications Specialist, VCSU Technology Services Email: debra.dramstad@vcsu.edu