Respondus 4.0 Accessibility

The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template provided below is intended to assist contracting and compliance officials in making preliminary assessments regarding the accessibility support of Respondus 4.0. This document is not intended to be a certification of compliance, but rather, a starting point for determining accessibility compliance.

Respondus 4.0 is a client-based authoring tool used by instructors to create assessments that are then uploaded to learning management systems such as Blackboard. Respondus 4.0 streamlines the ability to create assessments, but there are no features in Respondus 4.0 that cannot be accomplished directly within the learning management system itself -- and all learning management systems that integrate with Respondus 4.0 are Section 508 compliant. Also note that all assessment content created with Respondus 4.0 can easily be made Section 508 compliant. For example, when an image or equation is added to a question, Respondus 4.0 prompts the instructor to enter ALT tags. Finally, note that Respondus 4.0 is never used by students, only instructors.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

Date: 2021
Product Name: Respondus 4.0
Vendor Company Name: Respondus, Inc.
Vendor Contact: [email protected]

Applicable Guidelines: WCAG 2.1 Levels A & AA and Section 508 v2

Summary Table


Table 1: WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria, Level A

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks or Explanations

1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Not Applicable All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose.

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A)

Not Applicable An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information.

1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A)

Not Applicable Captions are provided for all pre-recorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the medial is a media alternative for text and is clearly labled as such.

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (pre-recorded) (Level A)

Not Applicable An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the pre-recorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative and is clearly labeled as such.

1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)

Not Applicable Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programatically determined or are available in text.

1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A)

Not Applicable When the sequence in which content is presented affects its meaning, a correct reading sequence can be programmatically determined.

1.3.3. Sensory Characteristics (Level A)

Not Applicable Instructions provided for understanding and operation content do not rely solely on sensory characteristics of components such as shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.

1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)

Supports Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)

Not Applicable If any audio on a web page displays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control the audio volume independently from the overall system volume level.

2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)

Does not support All functionality of the content is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints.

Explanation:  This is an authoring tool, used by instructors, to create web-based assessments for students. The materials output from our tool are fully Section 508 compatible, but the authoring environment used by instructors requires the use of a mouse.

2.1.2 Keyboard Trap (Level A)

Supports If keyboard focus can be moved to a component of the page using a keyboard interface, then focus can be moved away from that component using only a keyboard interface, and, if it requires more than one unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit method, the user is advised on the method for moving focus away.

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A)

Not Applicable If a keyboard shortcut is implemented in content using only letter (including upper- and lower-case letters), punctuation, number, or symbol characters, then at least one of the following is true:
Turn off
A mechanism is available to turn the shortcut off;
Remap
A mechanism is available to remap the shortcut to use one or more non-printable keyboard characters (e.g. Ctrl, Alt, etc);
Active only on focus
The keyboard shortcut for a user interface component is only active when that component has focus.

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)

Not Applicable For each time limit that is set by the content, at least one of the following is true:
Turn off: the user is allowed to turn off the time limit before encountering it; or
Adjust: The user is allowed to adjust the time limit before encountering it over a wide range that is at least 10 times the length of the default setting; or
Extend: The user is warned before the time limit expires and given at least 20 seconds to extend the time limit with a simple action, and the user is allowed to extend the time limit at least 10 times; or
Real-time Exception: The time limit is a required part of a real-time event, and no alternative to the time limit is possible; or
Essential Exception: The time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity; or
20-Hour Exception: The time limit is longer than 20 hours.

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)

Not Applicable For moving, blinking, scrolling or auto-updating information, all of the following are true:
Moving, blinking, scrolling: For any moving, blinking, or scrolling information that (1) starts automatically, (2) lasts more than 5 seconds, and (3) is presented in parallel with other content, there is a mechanism for the user to pause, stop, or hide it unless the movement, blinking, or scrolling is part of an activity where it is essential; and
Auto-updating: For any auto-updating information that (1) starts automatically and (2) is presented in parallel with other content, there is a mechanism for the user to pause, stop or hide it or to control the frequency of the update unless the auto-updating is part of an activity where it is essential.

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)

Supports Web pages do not contain anything that flashes more than 3 times in any one second period, or the flash is below the general flash and red flash thresholds.

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)

Not Applicable A mechanism is available to bypass blocks of content that are repeated on multiple web pages.

2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)

Not Applicable Web pages have titles that describe topic or purpose.

2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)

Supports If a web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operations, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability.

2.4.4 Link Purpose (in Context)(Level A)

Supports The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from the link text together with its programmatically determined link context, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general.

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A)

Supports All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures for operation can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless a multipoint or path-based gesture is essential.

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A)

Supports For functionality that can be operated using a single pointer, at least one of the following is true:
No Down-Event
The down-event of the pointer is not used to execute any part of the function;
Abort or Undo
Completion of the function is on the up-event, and a mechanism is available to abort the function before completion or to undo the function after completion;
Up Reversal
The up-event reverses any outcome of the preceding down-event;
Essential
Completing the function on the down-event is essential.

2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A)

Not applicable For user interface components with labels that include text or images of text, the name contains the text that is presented visually.

2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A)

Not applicable Functionality that can be operated by device motion or user motion can also be operated by user interface components and responding to the motion can be disabled to prevent accidental actuation, except when:
Supported Interface
The motion is used to operate functionality through an accessibility supported interface;
Essential
The motion is essential for the function and doing so would invalidate the activity.

3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)

Supports The default human language of each web page can be programmatically determined.

3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)

Supports When any component receives focus, it does not initiate a change of context.

3.2.2 On Input (Level A)

Supports Changing the setting of any user interface component does not automatically cause a change of context unless the user has been advised of the behavior before using the component.

3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)

Supports If an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error is identified and the error is described to the user in text.

3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)

Supports Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.

4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)

Not Applicable In content implemented using markup languages, elements have complete start and end tags, elements are nested according to their specifications, elements do not contain duplicate attributes, and any IDs are unique, except where the specifications allow these features.

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)

Not Applicable For all user interface components (including but not limited to: form elements, links and components generated by scripts), the name and role can be programmatically determined; states, properties and values that can be set by the user can be programmatically set; and notification of changes to these items is avialable to user agents, including assistive technologies.


Table 2: WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria, Level AA

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA)

Not Applicable Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.

1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded) (Level AA)

Not applicable Audio description is provided for all pre-recorded vidio content in synchronized media.

1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA)

Not applicable Content does not restrict its view and operation to a single display orientation, such as portrait or landscape, unless a specific display orientation is essential.

1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA)

Not applicable The purpose of each input field collecting information about the user can be programmatically determined when:
The input field serves a purpose identified in the Input Purposes for User Interface Components section; and
The content is implemented using technologies with support for identifying the expected meaning for form input data.

1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)(Level AA)

Does not support The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for the following:
Large Text: Large-scale text and images of large-scale text have a contrast ration of at least 3:1;
Incidental: Text or images of text that are part of an inactive user interface component, that are pure decoration, that are not visible to anyone, or that are part of a picture that contains significant other visual content, have no contrast requirement.
Logotypes: Text that is part of a logo or brand name has no minimum contrast requirement.

Explanation: This is an authoring tool, used by instructors, to create web-based assessments for students. The materials output from our tool are fully Section 508 compatible and exist on LMS platforms where contrast ratios are adjustable.

1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA)

Does not support Except for captions and images of text, text can be resized without assistive technology up to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality.

Explanation: This is an authoring tool, used by instructors, to create web-based assessments for students. The materials output from our tool are fully Section 508 compatible and exist on LMS platforms where text sizes are adjustable.

1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)

Not applicable If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text except for the following:
Customizable: The image of text can be visually customized to the user's requirements;
Essential: A particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.

1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA)

Does not support Content can be presented without loss of information or functionality, and without requiring scrolling in two dimensions for:
Vertical scrolling content at a width equivalent to 320 CSS pixels;
Horizontal scrolling content at a height equivalent to 256 CSS pixels.
Except for parts of the content which require two-dimensional layout for usage or meaning.
Explanation: This is an authoring tool, used by instructors, to create web-based assessments for students. The materials output from our tool are fully Section 508 compatible and exist on LMS platforms where text and image sizes are adjustable.

1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast (Level AA)

Does not support The visual presentation of the following have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent color(s):
User Interface Components
Visual information required to identify user interface components and states, except for inactive components or where the appearance of the component is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author;
Graphical Objects
Parts of graphics required to understand the content, except when a particular presentation of graphics is essential to the information being conveyed.
Explanation: This is an authoring tool, used by instructors, to create web-based assessments for students. The materials output from our tool are fully Section 508 compatible and exist on LMS platforms where contrast ratios are adjustable.

1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA)

Supports In content implemented using markup languages that support the following text style properties, no loss of content or functionality occurs by setting all of the following and by changing no other style property:
Line height (line spacing) to at least 1.5 times the font size;
Spacing following paragraphs to at least 2 times the font size;
Letter spacing (tracking) to at least 0.12 times the font size;
Word spacing to at least 0.16 times the font size.
Exception: Human languages and scripts that do not make use of one or more of these text style properties in written text can conform using only the properties that exist for that combination of language and script.

1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA)

Supports with Exceptions Where receiving and then removing pointer hover or keyboard focus triggers additional content to become visible and then hidden, the following are true:
Dismissable
A mechanism is available to dismiss the additional content without moving pointer hover or keyboard focus, unless the additional content communicates an input error or does not obscure or replace other content;
Hoverable
If pointer hover can trigger the additional content, then the pointer can be moved over the additional content without the additional content disappearing;
Persistent
The additional content remains visible until the hover or focus trigger is removed, the user dismisses it, or its information is no longer valid.
Exception: This authoring tool contains a single Editor Toolbar that has popup labels which are not dismissible. All other menus, toolbars, and interface items are compliant.

2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)

Not applicable More than one way is available to locate a web page within a set of web pages except where the web page is the result of, or a step in, a process.

2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)

Supports Headings and labels describe topic or purpose

2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)

Supports Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible.

3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)

Not Applicable The human language of each passage or phrase in the content can be programmatically determined except for proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text.

3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)

Supports Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple web pages within a set of web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user.

3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)

Supports Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.

3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)

Supports If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.

3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)

Not Applicable For web pages that cause legal commitments or financial transactions for the user to occur, that modify or delete user-controllable data in data storage systems, or that submit user test responses, at least one of the following is true:
Reversible: Submissions are reversible.
Checked: Data entered by the user is checked for input errors and the user is provided an opportunity to correct them.
Confirmed: A mechanism is available for reviewing, confirming, and correcting information before finalizing the submission.

4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA)

Supports In content implemented using markup languages, status messages can be programmatically determined through role or properties such that they can be presented to the user by assistive technologies without receiving focus.


Section 508 v2 Report
Chapter 3: Functional Performance Criteria

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

302.1 Without Vision

Supports Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user vision.

302.2 With Limited Vision

Supports Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited vision.

302.3 Without Perception of Color

Supports Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of color.

302.4 Without Hearing

Not applicable Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user hearing.

302.5 With Limited Hearing

Not applicable Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited hearing.

302.6 Without Speech

Not applicable Where speech is used for input, control or operations, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user speech.

302.7 With Limited Manipulation

Supports Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations.

302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength

Not appliable Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength.

302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities

Supports ICT shall provide features making its use by individuals with limited language, cognitive, and learning abilities simpler and easier.


Section 508 v2 Report
Chapter 4: Hardware


Not applicable


Section 508 v2 Report
Chapter 5: Software

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

501.1 Scope - Incorporation of WCAG 2.0 AA

  See information in WCAG section.


502 Interoperability with Assistive Technology

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

502.2.1 User Control of Accessibility Features

Supports Platform software shall provide user control over platform features that are defined in the platform documentation as accessibility features.

502.2.2 No Disruption of Accessibility Features

Supports Software shall not disrupt platform features that are defined in the platform documentation as accessibility features.


502.3 Accessibility Services

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

502.3.1 Object Information

Not Applicable The object, role, state(s), properties, boundary, name, and description shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.2 Modification of Object Information

Not Applicable States and properties that can be set by the user shall be capable of being set programmatically, including through assistive technology.

502.3.3 Row, Column, and Headers

Not Applicable If an object is in a data table, the occupied rows and columns, and any headers associated with those rows or columns, shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.4 Values

Not Applicable Any current value(s), and any set or range of allowable values associated with an object, shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.5 Modification of Values

Not Applicable Values that can be set by the user shall be capable of being set programmatically, including through assistive technology.

502.3.6 Label Relationships

Not Applicable Any relationship that a component has as a label for another component, or of being labeled by another component, shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.7 Hierarchical Relationships

Not Applicable Any hierarchical (parent-child) relationship that a component has as a container for, or being contained by, another component shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.8 Text

Not Applicable The content of text objects, text attributes, and the boundary of text rendered to the screen, shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.9 Modification of Text

Not Applicable Text that can be set by the user shall be capable of being set programmatically, including through assistive technology.

502.3.10 List of Actions

Not Applicable A list of all actions that can be executed on an object shall be programmatically determinable.

502.3.11 Actions on Objects

Not Applicable Applications shall allow assistive technology to programmatically execute available actions on objects.

502.3.12 Focus Cursor

Not Applicable Applications shall expose information and mechanisms necessary to track focus, text insertion point, and selection attributes of user interface components.

502.3.13 Modification of Focus Cursor

Not Applicable Focus, text insertion point, and selection attributes that can be set by the user shall be capable of being set programmatically, including through the use of assistive technology.

502.3.14 Event Notification

Not Applicable Notification of events relevant to user interactions, including but not limited to changes in the component's state(s), value, name, description, or boundary, shall be available to assistive technology.

502.3.15 Platform Accessibility Features

Not Applicable Platforms and platform software shall conform to the requirements in ANSI/HFES 200.2, Human Factors Engineering of Software User Interfaces Part 2: Accessibility (2008) listed below:
Section 9.3.3 Enable sequential entry of multiple (chorded) keystrokes;
Section 9.3.4 Provide adjustment of delay before key acceptance;
Section 9.3.5 Provide adjustment of same-key double-strike acceptance;
Section 10.6.7 Allow users to choose visual alternative for audio output;
Section 10.6.8 Synchronize audio equivalents for visual events;
Section 10.6.9 Provide speech output services; and
Section 10.7.1 Display any captions provided.


503 Applications

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

503.2 User Preferences

Not Applicable Applications shall permit user preferences from platform settings for color, contrast, font type, font size, and focus cursor.
EXCEPTION: Applications that are designed to be isolated from their underlying platform software, including Web applications, shall not be required to conform to 503.2.

503.3 Alternative User Interfaces

Not Applicable Where an application provides an alternative user interface that functions as assistive technology, the application shall use platform and other industry standard accessibility services.


503.4 User Controls for Captions and Audio Description

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

503.4.1 Caption Controls

Not Applicable Where user controls are provided for volume adjustment, ICT shall provide user controls for the selection of captions at the same menu level as the user controls for volume or program selection.

503.4.2 Audio Description Controls

Not Applicable Where user controls are provided for program selection, ICT shall provide user controls for the selection of audio descriptions at the same menu level as the user controls for volume or program selection.


504 Authoring Tools

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

504.2 Content Creation or Editing

Not Applicable Authoring tools shall provide a mode of operation to create or edit content that conforms to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 for all supported features and, as applicable, to file formats supported by the authoring tool. Authoring tools shall permit authors the option of overriding information required for accessibility.
EXCEPTION: Authoring tools shall not be required to conform to 504.2 when used to directly edit plain text source code. See WCAG 2.0 section.

504.2.1 Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility in Format Conversion

Not Applicable Authoring tools shall, when converting content from one format to another or saving content in multiple formats, preserve the information required for accessibility to the extent that the information is supported by the destination format.

504.2.2 PDF Export

Not Applicable Authoring tools capable of exporting PDF files that conform to ISO 32000-1:2008 (PDF 1.7) shall also be capable of exporting PDF files that conform to ANSI/AIIM/ISO 14289-1:2016 (PDF/UA-1).

504.3 Prompts

Not Applicable Authoring tools shall provide a mode of operation that prompts authors to create content that conforms to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 for supported features and, as applicable, to file formats supported by the authoring tool.

504.4 Templates

Not Applicable Where templates are provided, templates allowing content creation that conforms to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 shall be provided for a range of template uses for supported features and, as applicable, to file formats supported by the authoring tool.


Section 508 v2 Report
Chapter 6: Support Documentation and Services


601 General

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

601.1 Scope

  The technical requirements in Chapter 6 shall apply to ICT support documentation and services where required by 508 Chapter 2, 255 Chapter 2, and where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Revised 508 Standards or Revised 255 Guidelines


602 Support Documentation

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

602.1 Scope

  Documentation that supports the use of ICT shall conform to 602.

602.2 Accessibility and Compatibility Features

Supports Documentation lists and explains accessibility and compatibility features, including keyboard access.

602.3 Electronic Support Documentation

Supports Documentation in electronic format, including Web-based self-service support, shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0.

602.4 Alternate Formast for Non-Electronic Support Documentation

Supports Where support documentation is only provided in non-electronic formats, alternate formats usable by individuals with disabilities shall be provided upon request.


603 Support Services

Criteria Conformance Level Remarks and Explanations

603.1 General

  ICT support services, including but not limited to, help desks, call centers, training services, and automated self-service technical support shall conform to 603.

603.2 Information on Accessibility and Compatibility Features

Supports ICT support services shall include information on the accessibility and compatibility features required by 602.2.

603.3 Accommodation of Communication Needs

Supports Support services shall be provided directly to the user or thorugh a referral to a point of contact. Such ICT support services shall accommodate the communication needs of individuals with disabilities.