SayPro Continuous Monitoring and Reporting

SayPro Tasks to be Completed During the Period Continuous Monitoring and Reporting Track and document the changes made to the website, ensuring all improvements align with WCAG 2.1 standards from SayPro Monthly February SCMR-17 SayPro Monthly Inclusive Design: Ensure the site is accessible to users with disabilities by SayPro Online Marketplace Office under SayPro Marketing Royalty SCMR

Objective:

As part of SayPro Monthly February SCMR-17, which focuses on enhancing the accessibility of the SayPro website, a key task is to ensure continuous monitoring and reporting of all accessibility improvements. This task will ensure that all changes made to the website align with WCAG 2.1 standards, providing a consistent and accessible experience for all users, particularly those with disabilities.

---

1. Track and Document Website Changes

1.1 Maintain a Change Log

To ensure that accessibility changes are tracked systematically and in an organized manner, it is crucial to create a change log or accessibility improvement tracker. This log will document all modifications, updates, and improvements related to the website’s accessibility features.

• Details to Include in the Log:
  • Date of Change: Record when each change or improvement was implemented.
  • Description of the Change: Include a detailed description of the change made (e.g., updated alt text, adjusted color contrast, improved keyboard navigation, etc.).
  • Team Responsible: Specify which team (design, development, content) implemented the change.
  • WCAG 2.1 Guideline Addressed: Link the change to the specific WCAG 2.1 guideline it addresses (e.g., 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum), 2.1.1 Keyboard).
  • Issue Resolution: Indicate whether the change was part of addressing an identified accessibility issue or a proactive update.

1.2 Utilize Version Control Systems

Incorporate version control systems (like GitHub or GitLab) to track changes made to the website code. This can be particularly useful for:

• Tracking Code Changes: Documenting modifications to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other code, ensuring that each change complies with accessibility guidelines.
• Audit Trail: Providing a clear audit trail for accessibility improvements, including comments on pull requests or commits that detail accessibility-related changes.
• Rollbacks: In case of issues with any implemented changes, version control allows easy rollback to previous versions.

1.3 Use Automated Monitoring Tools

Implement automated monitoring tools (such as Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE) to continuously assess the accessibility status of the website. These tools can help track improvements, identify recurring issues, and validate adherence to WCAG standards after each update.

• Schedule Regular Scans: Set up automated tests to run regularly (e.g., weekly or monthly) to track ongoing compliance.
• Document Test Results: Keep a record of the test results and note which WCAG criteria were passed or failed during each scan.
• Action Plan for Failed Tests: If any WCAG guidelines are not met, document the issues and assign corrective actions to the responsible team.

---

2. Ensure All Improvements Align with WCAG 2.1 Standards

2.1 Perform Regular WCAG 2.1 Compliance Checks

As part of the continuous monitoring process, it is essential to regularly assess the website against the WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure that all changes made to the site improve accessibility and comply with the standards.

• Manual Checks: Perform periodic manual audits to check areas that automated tools might miss, such as:
  • Correct labeling of form elements and buttons.
  • Logical and consistent navigation structure.
  • Usability of interactive elements via keyboard and screen readers.
• Automated Tools: Use automated tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse to perform a quick accessibility audit and identify any areas where the site does not meet WCAG 2.1 standards.

2.2 Address Specific WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria

When documenting changes, ensure that each improvement aligns with one of the four WCAG 2.1 principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust). For example:

• Perceivable:
  • Ensure all images have descriptive alt text.
  • Adjust color contrast ratios to meet the required thresholds (at least 4.5:1 for normal text).
  • Provide transcripts for audio and captions for video content.
• Operable:
  • Ensure that the website is fully keyboard navigable (e.g., form fields, links, buttons, and menus can be accessed and operated using keyboard shortcuts).
  • Implement focus indicators to highlight interactive elements when they are selected by keyboard navigation.
• Understandable:
  • Use clear and concise language throughout the website.
  • Ensure that form inputs are labeled correctly and instructions are provided in a clear, easily understood manner.
• Robust:
  • Test the website with different assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, voice commands) to ensure compatibility.
  • Implement ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and properties where necessary for dynamic content.

2.3 Track Compliance Metrics

Track key compliance metrics over time to gauge progress in meeting WCAG 2.1 standards. This can include:

• Percentage of WCAG Success Criteria Met: Measure how many WCAG criteria are fully met, partially met, or not met at all.
• Frequency of Accessibility Issues: Track how frequently accessibility issues are identified and resolved during testing.
• User Feedback: Monitor user feedback, especially from those with disabilities, to identify any ongoing issues or improvements that need to be addressed.

---

3. Prepare Regular Accessibility Reports

3.1 Monthly Accessibility Status Report

Prepare detailed monthly reports that summarize the accessibility status of the website, document the changes made during the period, and track improvements against WCAG 2.1 standards. The report should be shared with relevant stakeholders (e.g., management, development team, product owners) to keep everyone informed of the progress made.

• Key Elements of the Report:
  • Summary of Changes: List all the changes and improvements made to enhance accessibility (e.g., improved keyboard navigation, adjusted text contrast, added alt text for images, etc.).
  • Compliance Status: Provide an overview of the website’s compliance with WCAG 2.1, specifying any criteria that have been met or still require attention.
  • User Feedback: Include any feedback or complaints received from users with disabilities, particularly regarding the usability and accessibility of the site.
  • Test Results: Include results from automated tests, manual checks, and usability testing, detailing any issues identified and corrective actions taken.
  • Next Steps: Outline the next steps for improving accessibility, including any ongoing tasks or new issues that need to be addressed.

3.2 Identify and Report Ongoing Issues

In the monthly report, highlight any ongoing accessibility issues that have not yet been resolved. For each issue, include:

• Detailed Description: Describe the issue in detail, including which WCAG criteria it fails to meet.
• Impact Assessment: Assess the severity of the issue, particularly how it affects users with disabilities.
• Resolution Plan: Propose specific solutions or actions to resolve the issue and assign responsible team members.

3.3 Provide Recommendations for Future Improvements

Based on the findings from ongoing monitoring and audits, provide recommendations for future improvements. These may include:

• Enhancements to WCAG Compliance: Recommendations for further improvements to meet WCAG standards (e.g., improving color contrast, ensuring all multimedia content is accessible).
• Training and Awareness: Suggest additional training or workshops to keep the team up to date on accessibility best practices.
• Usability Testing: Recommend conducting more frequent usability testing with users who have disabilities to gather direct feedback.

---

4. Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loop

4.1 Collect Feedback from Users with Disabilities

Encourage continuous feedback from users with disabilities through surveys, feedback forms, or direct interactions. This feedback will help identify new barriers to accessibility that may not have been captured in automated or manual tests.

4.2 Adapt to New Technologies and WCAG Updates

Stay updated on the latest accessibility technologies and any updates to WCAG standards. Ensure that new technologies or techniques are incorporated into the website to enhance accessibility.

---

Conclusion

Continuous monitoring and reporting of accessibility improvements are essential for maintaining a fully inclusive website that adheres to WCAG 2.1 standards. By tracking changes, ensuring compliance, preparing detailed reports, and implementing corrective actions based on feedback, SayPro can provide a better user experience for individuals with disabilities and ensure that the website remains accessible over time. This ongoing effort will demonstrate SayPro’s commitment to inclusivity and create a seamless, equitable digital experience for all users.