OpenClinica web application accessibility
We want as many people as possible to be able to use the OpenClinica application, and OpenClinica is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
Accessibility-friendly design principles used in the OpenClinica application include:
- Hyperlinks and icons to navigate
- Responsive forms that can be used on standards-compliant browsers and across devices
- Use of contrasting color. Use of color in combination with shape in order to distinguish icons.
- Text alternatives for icons
- Avoid displaying text as an image
- Straightforward, table-based layouts
- Tab-based navigation through form fields
- Resizable text using control key and scroll wheel
- Fully responsive participant-facing user experience
- Structured page headings and labels
- Text-based error messages; context sensitive help
- Use of standardized, basic terminology
- Clear all data in a form in a single step
- Search feature to search for participants, which reduces the numbers of clicks and amount of scrolling
- No flashing lights, sounds, or animated content
Standards Conformance
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. Although our goal is WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance, we have also applied some Level AAA Success Criteria: Images of text are only used for decorative purposes. Re-authentication after a session expires does not cause loss of data.
Technical specifications
Accessibility of OpenClinica relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used.
Limitations and alternatives
Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility of the OpenClinica application, there may be some limitations:
- The OpenClinica application is designed to be compatible with the following web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
- Depending on how a particular clinical study is configured, parts of the application may not be accessible to certain users with specific needs. For example, administrators building studies can include video and images without alt text.
- User-supplied media content (for example, uploaded images) may not have text alternatives.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of OpenClinica. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers by contacting OpenClinica support. We will do our best to respond within 1 business day.
How we test for accessibility
OpenClinica, LLC assessed the accessibility of its application using internal resources.
Enforcement procedure (UK)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Last updated
This statement was prepared on November 15, 2022.