version 1.0
The journal's aesthetic (hereinafter ‘theme’) is a variation of the default OJS theme for version 3.3.
This variation was created by the UAB Publications Service and introduces changes that comply with WCAG accessibility standards, meaning that the same results of the audit carried out on the default OJS 3.3 theme apply.
In addition, accessibility tests have been carried out on the Publications Service theme using automatic auditors such as WAVE or XXXX.
However, the theme will be constantly updated and it is possible that new barriers may be created without our knowledge. If you encounter any barriers or require any adaptations, please let us know via the contact form on the Publications Service website, mentioning ‘Accessibility in the journal’ in the subject line.
The results of the audit of the default theme are reproduced below:
Audit information
Access Changes Everything Inc., a Canadian digital accessibility consulting firm, conducted a public audit of the OJS default theme for version 3.3 from July 2019 to March 2021. Access Changes Everything Inc. conducted two audits using multiple automated checkers and performing extensive manual testing during the development process. In addition, an extensive audit was conducted by paid testers with different disabilities, who used different technologies during the process; these technologies are listed below. Some of the same testers also participated in the final testing process.
This audit focused on reducing barriers in the default theme for people with different disabilities, such as visual, hearing, mobility, speech, communication, cognitive, neurological, intellectual, and learning disabilities, and those with multiple disabilities.
Standards information
This audit was conducted using the international standard that refers to the accessibility of the OJS Default Theme, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and 2.2 Level AA. Note that version 2.2 was only in draft form in May 2020.
The audit went well beyond WCAG 2.1 or WCAG 2.2 (Draft) Level AA. It included elements that are not currently incorporated into the WCAG, such as colour blindness, font type and style, and reducing barriers that affect people with cognitive, neurological, intellectual, or learning disabilities. The audit also included usability best practices in order to make the site more accessible and usable for everyone.
The audit included testing in the following areas:
- Text content
- Image content
- Video and audio content
- Colour in content and design
- Page and content layout
- Page and content design
- Navigation
- Search functions
- Wizards and modules
- Forms and error mechanisms
- Content structure
- Use of HTML and CSS code
Testers and technologies used
Access Changes Everything Inc. hired several testers with different disabilities, who use different technologies, to test different parts of the default theme for OJS 3.3. The technologies used by the testers were the latest versions, as well as older versions of:
- JAWS Screen Reader on Chrome and EDGE browsers (PC and tablet)
- JAWS Screen Reader on Internet Explorer browser with PacMate 20 Braille display (PC)
- NVDA Screen Reader on Chrome browsers (PC)
- Microsoft Narrator Screen Reader on EDGE (tablet)
- Apple VoiceOver Screen Reader on Safari (iPhone 6)
- Apple VoiceOver screen reader in Safari with 40-cell Braille display (Mac)
- Apple VoiceOver screen reader in Safari with 40-cell Braille display (iPad Pro)
- Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium 13 (PC)
Access Changes Everything Inc. used Mac, PC and iPhone to test the site with Chrome and Firefox browsers. Certain technologies were used in the audit:
- Browser magnification (100%-400%)
- Colour contrast change
- Voice control (iPhone only)
- Small screen (iPhone SE or 5 only)
- Various applications and modules for Mac Chrome and Firefox to simulate visual and cognitive disabilities.
Repair and remaining obstacles
Upon receipt of the full audit report in December 2019, PKP created the Accessibility Github Project to track issues and progress towards their resolution. The project is also open for community members to submit issues related to accessibility in the user interface and functionality of the platform.
In 2021, Access Changes Everything Inc. conducted a follow-up audit of the default theme to evaluate the fixes made by PKP developers. Most of the issues identified in the initial report were resolved by PKP, and Access Changes Everything Inc. suggested acceptable alternative solutions.
Some obstacles remain that could not be completely eliminated. PKP is working on them, or they can be resolved by the way journals use OJS:
- Content. Website content and published content created in a manner that does not comply with accessibility standards may present barriers for users. This may include: images uploaded without alternative text, poorly structured titles, inaccessible hyperlinks, lack of figure captions, and incorrect or incomplete data table structures. While these issues are beyond the scope of the default accessible theme, PKP offers guidance to publishers on Creating Accessible Content.
- Other obstacles. The remaining barriers are listed in the PKP Accessibility Github Project, which will continue to be updated as issues are resolved.