Atmail commits to providing its customers, and their end-users, with a truly accessible user interface that provides and supports:
- Assistive technologies, such as screen reading applications (JAWS and VoiceOver)
- Navigation of the user interface without the aid of a pointing device (such as a mouse or trackpad)
- A theme that provides appropriate contrast levels for users with low-contrast sensitivity and/or colour blindness; and
- Icons and interaction design that supports users who do not have fine motor skills.
To achieve this, Atmail complies with industry best practice, guidelines, and expert recommendations, including:
- Conformance with Level A and AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
- Undertaking periodic external conformance and usability audits with recognised experts; and
- Ensuring professional development and accessibility training for our front-end developers.
Audit Process
In 2021, Atmail engaged renowned industry experts Intopia to audit our webmail interface against WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA guidelines.
The scope of the test was defined through discussion and advice from Intopia to ensure that all key interactions for a webmail application were considered. Intopia then audited the webmail interface with an experienced, human testing team to identify issues with standards conformance or real-world usability issues. The test team utilised a variety of methods, such as code inspection, keyboard testing, utilisation of assistive technologies (such as JAWS and VoiceOver) and miscellaneous other tools, such as colour contrast checkers.
While the audit was specifically against WCAG 2.1 guidelines, and to Intopia also tested and reported on accessibility best practice - utilising their own research and experience to identify usability issues and drawing upon other resources to identify potential issues beyond the scope of WCAG guidelines, such as the BBC mobile accessibility guidelines, Mobile Accessibility: How WCAG 2.0 and Other W3C/WAI Guidelines Apply to Mobile, and the W3C Mobile Accessibility Task Force.
After the initial audit was complete, Atmail continued to engage Intopia to iteratively retest and verify correct implementation of fixes and, ultimately, to re-audit and regression test the entire interface.
As of the 5th of October 2022, Atmail's webmail interface fully meets WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA.
Please note, the video above is sourced from https://www.w3.org/WAI/videos/standards-and-benefits/