Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC) - Service Definition Document

G-Cloud 14

Who are we and what do we offer?

Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC) provide a range of robust, quality ‘real life’ digital product accessibility testing services remotely, from our offices in Neath.

We test against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 (WCAG 2.2) to AA level, in line with regulatory requirements as set out The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, and with due regard to GOV Service Manual guidance.

DAC carry out testing on web (across browsers and platforms), mobile (web and apps) tablet and SMART TV. We also test ATMs and self-scan checkouts.

We currently employ 17 technical experts (including a former W3C invited expert) and 50 users with disabilities to help us provide meaningful and targeted test results for the following user groups:

Blind

Low Vision

Colour Blind

Dyslexic

Cognitive disabilities

deaf

Aspergers

Anxiety/Panic Disorder

Some team members use assistive technology such as screen readers (desktop and mobile), voice activation, magnification and keyboard.

All our technical staff are familiar with GOV Service Manual and GOV Service Design System, and our testing is aligned to both GOV Service Manual guidance and WCAG 2.2 AA level.

As previously said, we have more than one team and multiple technical staff, and because of this we are able to undertake accessibility testing with minimal lead times. For projects with tight timelines, we can provide ‘on the fly’ daily reporting of issues in order to make sure you meet your build deadlines. Re-testing in these cases is virtually immediate.

There are no penalties if you are not ready to test at the allotted time.

A Teams de-brief session, conference calls and email support are included, and all team members are readily available to you via email or telephone should you have any questions about the testing.

We will support you to make any adjustments that may be needed and will provide guidance down to code level if required. Re-testing of previously ‘failed’ issues is strongly recommended.

Clients are invited to visit virtually via Teams or to spend face-to-face time with our user testing team whilst their service is undergoing evaluation. This provides UX researchers, developers and content designers with experience of how assistive technology users and others with disabilities really use digital services and the challenges they sometimes face.

This is an invaluable training experience and is offered free of charge to all clients, whenever their services are being tested. If you choose remote viewing, we will also record the sessions for you so you can share them with other members of your teams.

Our experience

DAC can demonstrate substantial experience of working in alignment with guidance provided in the GOV Service Manual relating to accessibility

DAC undertake testing against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) to AA level as a minimum as standard.

We provide accessibility testing services for many Government Agencies.

All DAC team members are either BPSS or SC cleared.

How do you engage with us?

Please use the details in the Digital Marketplace to contact Cam Nicholl, who can answer questions and will provide you with a proposal to undertake testing for you.

When to engage with DAC

We test on services in build, parts of services or full live services.

Testing can be carried out during build from design stage to completion, so in Alpha or Beta (private and public stages).

What will we need from you?

We will need stable access to the service in order to scope it for your proposal. We will need to know which hardware, browsers, platforms etc., you will require us to test with.

We may need dummy data from you if users are required to input personal data such as national insurance numbers, personal information, payment details etc.

We are currently using the browser matrix suggested in the Service Manual as our standard test matrix. However, we include Android and ZoomText at no additional cost.

Where is testing carried out?

Mainly at our centre in Neath, or remotely using DAC VPN. We are able to test at client’s offices if required and would charge travel and subsistence costs.

How long does testing and reporting take?

This can range from half a day to 8/9 days or more depending on the stage of build, the size of the service, the functionality and interaction involved. Most Government agencies testing takes between 1.5 – 4 days, with report delivery 3 days after testing has completed.

However, if the job is urgent, we can report ‘on the fly’ via email and follow up with the full report within 2 days, post completion of testing.

Do we offer any other services?

Yes! We offer design reviews, template testing, help with creation of accurate accessibility statements, bespoke role-based training sessions and workshops.

General Awareness training for ‘heads of’, product owners, Marketing, HR, PR etc.

WCAG training for developers,

Training for designers,

Training for content authors and

Training for QA testers)

We also provide consultancy support services.

Please refer to our website or contact us via the information on the Digital Marketplace.