e4usa Curriculum Accessibility Conformance Report - Section 508 Edition
Based on VPAT® Version 2.5, November 2023
- Name of Product: Engineering for US All Curriculum 2024-2025
- Report Date: April, 2025
- Product Description: e4usa Curriculum is a standardized educational curriculum for pre-college students to learn and demonstrate engineering principles, skills and practices. The curriculum incorporates an authentic, design-based experience and affords students the opportunity to earn college credit at participating colleges and universities. e4usa curriculum is hosted on the TeachEngineering.org website (https://www.teachengineering.org/).
- Contact information: info@e4usa.org
- Notes:
- This evaluation applies specifically to the e4usa curriculum, which is hosted on the TeachEngineering platform at https://www.teachengineering.org/. This material is in the form of documents, slides, and videos.
- The scope of this evaluation is limited to the functionality required to browse, interact with, and download e4usa curriculum material. It does not include an evaluation of the broader TeachEngineering website beyond these specific functions.
- The e4usa curriculum incorporates third-party technologies, including Microsoft Word, PDFs, and Slides, for presenting its content. This evaluation is limited to the accessibility of the functions required to browse and interact with the e4usa curriculum materials. It does not extend to the accessibility of these third-party technologies beyond their use in this context.
- Table 3: Success Criteria, Level AAA has been omitted because the e4usa curriculum has not been evaluated for WCAG 2.0 Level AAA conformance.
- Chapter 4: Hardware has been removed because the e4usa curriculum is hosted on a website and is not subject to the requirements of this section.
- Chapter 5: Software has been removed as it is not applicable to the e4usa curriculum.
- Any known accessibility issues are outlined in the tables below.
- Evaluation Methods Used: Conformance with the listed accessibility standards has been evaluated by Engineering for US All using a combination of analysis tools and manual testing with assistive technologies. The tools used in this evaluation include, but are not limited to:
- Chrome DevTools for inspecting accessibility properties,
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool for automated analysis, and
- VoiceOver on macOS for screen reader testing.
- Additional tools and further analysis will be conducted to ensure accessibility across a wider range of assistive technologies, providing a more thorough evaluation of the e4usa curriculum.
Applicable Standards/Guidelines
This report covers the degree of conformance for the following accessibility standard/guidelines:
| Standard/Guideline | Included In Report |
|---|---|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 | Level A (Yes) Level AA (Yes) Level AAA (No) |
| Revised Section 508 standards published January 18, 2017 and corrected January 22, 2018 | (Yes) |
Terms
The terms used in the Conformance Level information are defined as follows:
- Supports: The functionality of the product has at least one method that meets the criterion without known defects or meets with equivalent facilitation.
- Partially Supports: Some functionality of the product does not meet the criterion.
- Does Not Support: The majority of product functionality does not meet the criterion.
- Not Applicable: The criterion is not relevant to the product.
- Not Evaluated: The product has not been evaluated against the criterion. This can only be used in WCAG Level AAA criteria.
WCAG 2.0 Report
Tables 1 and 2 also document conformance with Revised Section 508:
- Chapter 5 – 501.1 Scope, 504.2 Content Creation or Editing
- Chapter 6 – 602.3 Electronic Support Documentation
Note: When reporting on conformance with the WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria, they are scoped for full pages, complete processes, and accessibility-supported ways of using technology as documented in the WCAG 2.0 Conformance Requirements.
Table 1: Success Criteria, Level A
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) | Supports | Web: Exceptions: Some instances where TeachEngineering and e4usa logos missing Alt (Alternative text) Some slides provided with images with no alternative text available. few instances where buttons have no text value to describe the functionality. |
| 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Supports | There is no audio-only or video-only (prerecorded) content. All multimedia content includes both audio and video, so this criterion is not relevant to the product. |
| 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Does Not Support | Auto-generated captions are often not fully accurate. |
| 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Partially Supports | Auto-generated captions on YouTube videos do not provide an audio description of the visual content in the video. However, videos do not contain crucial visual information that is not described in the audio. |
| 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A) | Partially Supports | Issues: Some interactive elements, such as certain links, are not identified as links by screen readers like Voiceover. As a result, users of assistive technologies may not be aware of the interactive nature of these elements, limiting their ability to fully navigate and interact with the site. TE Subscribe form: screen readers doesn’t indicate that this is the subscribing form to the TeachEngineering Newsletter which is not related to the e4usa curriculum. Tables: screen reader does not read the table headers when navigating through the table cells. |
| 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A) | Supports | Exception: Few instances where a heading level is missing. |
| 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A) | Supports | Although thread categories in the "Quick Look" section are identified by color, the curriculum remains fully understandable and operable. In the main content, descriptive text and icons accompany the threads, ensuring accessibility for all users. Similarly, the ‘Curriculum in Unit’ menu uses color to categorize Units, Lessons, and Activities, but indentation and page titles provide sufficient context to ensure the content is accessible without relying solely on color. |
| 1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A) | Supports | The curriculum uses four colors (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green) to represent different categories of content. However, each category is also clearly labeled with its corresponding text (e.g., "Red Thread: Discover Engineering"), ensuring that color is not the sole means of conveying information. |
| 1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A) | Supports | There is no audio content played automatically on pages. |
| 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A) | Partially Supports | Exception: "Engineering Connection" section, the first link cannot be activated using the Enter or Space keys, limiting accessibility for keyboard users. The second link in the same section works as expected. |
| 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A) | Supports | All sections allow navigation without trapping the user. |
| 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A) | Supports | The curriculum and TeachEngineering website does not include any content with time limits. |
| 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A) | Not Applicable | The curriculum on TeachEngineering website does not contain any content that moves, blinks, scrolls, hides, or auto-updates. |
| 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold | Not Applicable | e4usa curriculum and TeachEngineering website does not contain anything that flashes. |
| 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A) | Partially Supports | TeachEngineering website does not include a "Skip to main content" link. However, it provides structured HTML landmarks and defined headings, allowing users to navigate and bypass repeated blocks of content. |
| 2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A) | Supports | - |
| 2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A) | Supports | - |
| 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A) | Partially Supports | Issues: NGSS link under Educational Standard is not identified as link by screen readers in different pages. Tables: When navigating through table cells that contain links or text in brackets, screen readers read the content in separate parts rather than as a continuous sentence. |
| 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A) | Supports | The primary language of the page is programmatically set to English. |
| 3.2.1 On Focus (Level A) | Supports | - |
| 3.2.2 On Input (Level A) | Supports | Changes of context do not occur automatically upon user input. |
| 3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A) | Supports | The "Subscribe to TeachEngineering newsletter" form does not provide error messages for invalid inputs or confirmation of successful submission, however, this form is not related to the e4usa curriculum. |
| 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A) | Supports | - |
| 4.1.1 Parsing (Level A) | Supports | For WCAG 2.0 and the 508 standards, the September 2023 errata update indicates this criterion is always supported. See the WCAG 2.0 Editorial Errata. |
| 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A) | Supports | Few instances where links are identified to the user as headers. |
Table 2: Success Criteria, Level AA
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA) | Not Applicable | There is no live content. |
| 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA) | Supports | All critical visuals in videos are described by the speaker on the video. |
| 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) | Does Not Support | Does Not Support on: All text links Navigation bar /Content menu text were white on light blue background is used green text on white background |
| 1.4.4 Resize text (Level AA) | Supports | Users can resize text up to 200% without any loss of content or functionality. |
| 1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA) | Partially Supports | Exception: A graph on Unit 2. |
| 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA) | Supports | The TeachEngineering website provides breadcrumbs for navigation, a navigation bar, additionally, unit lessons links are available on all pages. However, there is no dedicated search function for the e4usa curriculum, and the general search tool for the whole site lacks filtering capabilities specific to the curriculum content. |
| 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA) | Partially Supports | While all headings are descriptive, some headings are not organized hierarchically. |
| 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA) | Supports | Focus is visible using ‘tab’ on the keyboard and while using screen readers. |
| 3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA) | Supports | - |
| 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA) | Supports | Navigation elements, including the main menu, sub-menu and footer, appear in the same location and order across all pages. |
| 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA) | Supports | All interactive components, such as buttons and icons, that perform the same functionality are consistently identified using the same labels and visual styles across all pages. |
| 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA) | Supports | The e4usa curriculum does not include user input. The TeachEngineering subscription form does not validate inputs, but this form is not related to the curriculum or e4usa. TeachEngineering uses a third-party product for comments, which supports validation and provides suggestions when errors are detected. |
| 3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA) | Not Applicable | The e4usa curriculum does not involve the submission of legal, financial, or sensitive personal data. |
Table 3: Success Criteria, Level AAA
The e4usa curriculum has not been evaluated for WCAG 2.0 Level AAA conformance.
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 302.1 Without Vision | Partially Supports | Most content is accessible to users without vision. However, some links do not fully support screen readers, and some images lack descriptive alt text. |
| 302.2 With Limited Vision | Partially Supports | The e4usa curriculum supports users with limited vision by providing sufficient color contrast on most of content with the exception of navigation bar and links on the TeachEngineering website that hosts the curriculum, it support users by allowing text to be resized up to 200% without loss of functionality, and working well with screen magnification tools. |
| 302.3 Without Perception of Color | Partially Supports | The product does not rely solely on color to convey information. Text, icons, and other visual indicators are used in conjunction with color to ensure accessibility for users who cannot perceive color. |
| 302.4 Without Hearing | Partially Supports | The e4usa curriculum videos are hosted on YouTube and use auto-generated captions. While captions are provided, auto-generated captions are often inaccurate or incomplete, which may hinder the full accessibility of the content for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additional review or editing of the captions would improve the accuracy and overall accessibility. |
| 302.5 With Limited Hearing | Partially Supports | The TeachEngineering website provides basic volume control, and the audio quality is generally clear. However, videos rely on auto-generated captions, which may not be fully accurate, potentially reducing accessibility for users with limited hearing. Improving caption accuracy would enhance support for these users. |
| 302.6 Without Speech | Not Applicable | The e4usa curriculum does not include any features or functionality that require speech input. |
| 302.7 With Limited Manipulation | Supports | All functions to interact with the content can be operated using a keyboard or assistive technologies. Buttons and controls are large enough for users with limited dexterity to interact with, and no tasks require fine motor skills, such as drag-and-drop actions. |
| 302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength | Supports | The curriculum on TeachEngineering website and its material can be fully operated without requiring sustained physical input or force. Large buttons and controls are accessible. |
| 302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities | Supports | The e4usa curriculum uses plain language, visual aids, and consistent navigation to support users with cognitive and learning disabilities. Instructions and feedback are clear and simple, ensuring tasks are easy to understand and complete. |
Chapter 4: Hardware
Notes: The e4usa curriculum is not subject to the requirements of this section.
Chapter 5: Software
Notes: e4usa curriculum is hosted on the TeachEngineering.org. The material is in the form of documents, slides, and videos. Therefore, e4usa curriculum is not subject to the requirements of this section.
Chapter 6: Support Documentation and Services
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 601.1 Scope | Heading cell – no response required | Heading cell – no response required |
| 602 Support Documentation | Heading cell – no response required | Heading cell – no response required |
| 602.2 Accessibility and Compatibility Features | Does not support | The e4usa curriculum’s support documentation does not include any information about its accessibility features or compatibility with assistive technologies. Instead, it relies on third-party tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Slides, Google Chrome, and the TeachEngineering website, which provide their own accessibility features. |
| 602.3 Electronic Support Documentation | See WCAG 2.0 section | Tables 1 and 2 also document conformance with Revised Section 508: Chapter 5 – 501.1 Scope, 504.2 Content Creation or Editing Chapter 6 – 602.3 Electronic Support Documentation |
| 602.4 Alternate Formats for Non-Electronic Support Documentation | Supports | The e4usa curriculum can be printed out, providing users with a non-electronic format. However, no specific alternate formats are available beyond standard print. Users may need to request additional accessible formats if required. |
| 603 Support Services | Heading cell – no response required | Heading cell – no response required |
| 603.2 Information on Accessibility and Compatibility Features | Partially Supports | The e4usa team does not have a dedicated support system for accessibility issues beyond the accessibility page :https://e4usa.org/about-us/accessibility . However, e4usa welcomes any comments or inquiries about the program’s accessibility and compatibility features through the main email at info@e4usa.org. |
| 603.3 Accommodation of Communication Needs | Partially Supports | The e4usa team accommodates communication through the main email address (info@e4usa.org). While there is no dedicated system for accessibility-related communication or specific accommodations (such as TTY or real-time chat), users are welcome to send comments or requests for assistance via email. |
Engineering for US All Legal Disclaimer
This document is provided for information purposes only and the contents hereof are subject to change without notice. Engineering for US All does not warrant that this document is error-free, nor does it provide any other warranties or conditions, whether expressed orally or implied in law, including implied warranties and conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Engineering for US All specifically disclaims any liability with respect to this document and no contractual obligations are formed either directly or indirectly by this document. Engineering for US All further makes no representation concerning the ability of assistive technologies or other products to interoperate with Engineering for US All products. This document addresses the named product(s) only.