Breaking down digital barriers: Accessibility at CollegeSource

A more inclusive digital experience with CollegeSource​

At CollegeSource, we are committed to making our higher education technology solutions accessible to all users. With millions of student users relying on our web-based tools, it is of utmost importance that we work to remove barriers and empower learners of all abilities. We adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA, the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility, to ensure that our solutions are inclusive. Not quite sure what web accessibility means? Let’s dive in.

What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility is the practice of making websites and applications usable by everyone, regardless of their technological or physical limitations. This includes people who use assistive technologies, such as screen readers or speech recognition software. By making digital products accessible, we ensure that everyone can access and use the information and services provided.

The importance of web accessibility

Making web content accessible is important for various reasons. Not only is it a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, but it’s also an ethical imperative—it’s the right thing to do! Everyone deserves equal access to information and services, regardless of their abilities. Additionally, accessible websites can reach a wider audience, supporting a greater number of people with services and tools who may not have previously had access.

How we’re improving accessibility

To achieve our accessibility goals, we employ a variety of strategies:

• • Regular accessibility audits: We conduct regular audits of our degree planning and transfer tools to identify and address accessibility issues.
  • Accessibility training: We provide training to our employees on web accessibility best practices to ensure our user experience (UX) and development teams build with accessibility in mind. Our staff members regularly attend accessibility-focused conferences, such as the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference to learn about the latest advancements in accessibility technology and effective design strategies.
  • Use of accessibility tools: We use various tools, including automated and manual testing, to improve the accessibility of our products. We have partnered with Level Access to leverage their digital accessibility platform and 25 years of experience to achieve and sustain conformance to accessibility standards. Their platform evaluates our digital properties in accordance with best practices and is supported by a diverse team of accessibility professionals, including users with disabilities.
  • Continuous improvement: We are constantly working to improve the accessibility of our products and services. For example, our latest update for Transferology 1.9.6.5 released on December 3, 2024, contained over 160 enhancements and improvements to Transferology and the Transferology Lab, 117 of which focused on greater accessibility within the applications.

How you can contribute

As a user, you can help promote web accessibility by:

• • Reporting accessibility issues: If you have suggestions for accessibility improvements or encounter a barrier accessing our websites or digital products, please report it to us through our support channels including our Contact page.
  • Using assistive technologies: If you use assistive technologies, such as screen readers or speech recognition software, please let us know if you encounter any difficulties.
  • Advocating for accessibility: Encourage your institution or organization to prioritize web accessibility in their digital initiatives.

More information and documentation

For more information on CollegeSource’s commitment to accessibility and to access documentation including roadmaps, testing strategies, and Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), please visit our dedicated Accessibility page.