Accessibility

How this teaching site is tested and how to report an access problem.

This project aims to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA and to work for readers who use screen readers, keyboards, zoom, forced colors, reduced motion, or other access tools.

Automated checks help find barriers. They do not prove that every person can use the site. Real experiences and reports remain necessary.

What the site checks

Every page is tested with axe-core in a real browser. Additional browser tests check:

  • keyboard access to available lessons;
  • visible focus on controls and links;
  • a skip link that moves to the main content;
  • search focus returning to the search button;
  • page reflow at a 320-pixel viewport;
  • horizontal keyboard scrolling inside the periodic table;
  • visible tile status when colors are forced; and
  • reduced motion when that preference is active.

The build also checks headings, table captions, local link destinations, page language, and the difference between available and planned lessons. External sources are reviewed separately because a successful response does not prove that a source supports the surrounding claim.

Using the periodic table

Tiles with a solid border and the words Read lesson are links. Dashed tiles show Planned and are plain text, not disabled controls.

The table is wider than a phone screen. Touch users can swipe sideways. Keyboard users can focus the table and use the left and right arrow keys. Each group prints its stage and group name, so color is never the only way to understand the organization.

Checks that still need people

Manual testing with current NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, keyboard-only navigation, and human zoom remains pending. Automated success does not change that status. Before accessibility sign-off, the site needs testing with assistive technology used by the intended audience. Manual review should include:

  • heading and landmark announcements;
  • table reading order;
  • link and button names;
  • browser zoom at 200% and 400%;
  • keyboard use without a pointer;
  • high-contrast and forced-colors settings; and
  • reading effort for people with cognitive disabilities.

Report a barrier

Open an accessibility issue with the page address, what you were trying to do, the browser or assistive technology used, and what happened. Do not include private information.