Funding for the Realisation of the Drupal 8 Accessibility Module

As part of the netidee Funding Competition 2018, together with our long-standing client and partner myAbility, we submitted the project “Drupal 8 a11y Toolbar” and are now delighted to receive funding for its implementation. Furthermore, we were also nominated for the Martin Prager Memorial Prize for the first time.

The concept behind the module is relatively simple, explains Wolfgang Leitner, Managing Partner at Zensations and Web Accessibility Expert: “We enable website operators to easily and flexibly integrate the module, as well as intuitively configure its features. Regarding font enlargement, contrast settings, information on keyboard operation, as well as plain language and sign language videos, a better user experience is thus guaranteed. The tool also serves as a quality assurance instrument, as inconsistencies in the implementation of the web design immediately become visible through font enlargement and contrast settings.”

In Austria, around 18.5% of the population lives with a disability, which can manifest in various ways. Operating systems such as Windows, MacOS etc. naturally already offer functions, but these are often inaccessible to users if they cannot use their own devices. “Our approach enables the integration of these aids directly into the UI, allowing users to optimally consume content even on unfamiliar devices,” Gregor Demblin from myAbility elaborates.

Accessibility is becoming increasingly important, as it concerns not only equality but also performance. Keyboard traps, poor contrasts, or missing semantics lead to losses in SEO metrics and, consequently, a reduction in conversions. By providing this module to all Drupal developers, the level of accessibility within this CMS is to be raised in the long term. As a further plan, Zensations aims to realise this functionality as a core feature in the long term, based on the Drupal Accessibility Initiative.

All information about the module can be found in the detailed description of the “Drupal 8 a11y Toolbar”.