We conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit of openIMIS, ensuring the platform aligns with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and remains inclusive for all users. By combining automated and manual testing, we identified key areas for improvement and provided actionable recommendations to enhance usability.
openIMIS
OpenIMIS is a versatile open-source software designed to support the administration of health financing and social protection schemes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Certified by the Digital Public Goods Alliance, openIMIS is recognized as a digital public good that can be downloaded, adapted, and freely used globally. This modular and fully customizable system seamlessly integrates beneficiary, provider, and payer data, managing the complex, high-volume data flows required to operate such schemes.
The importance of accessibility
In today’s digital landscape, web accessibility is no longer a niche consideration but a fundamental requirement. Adhering to standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures that websites are usable by individuals with disabilities, promoting equitable participation in modern society. Moreover, accessibility compliance is often mandated by law, and neglecting it can expose organizations to legal risks and reputational damage.
Accessibility’s significance for openIMIS
As a platform designed to empower vulnerable populations and enhance access to essential healthcare and social protection services, it is vital that openIMIS is usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. By adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), openIMIS can effectively fulfill its mission of promoting Universal Health Coverage and Universal Social Protection.
Commitment to continuous improvement
In recognition of the ongoing importance of maintaining an accessible platform, SolDevelo has conducted a proactive accessibility audit of openIMIS. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting Digital Public Goods and reflects our dedication to inclusive design. Having collaborated with openIMIS multiple times in the past, we undertook this audit pro bono to ensure that openIMIS continues to provide a seamless and equitable experience for all users, regardless of their abilities. With SolDevelo’s expertise, openIMIS sets a strong example for other organizations in the global health and social protection sectors.
The approach: Targeted, efficient, and developer-centric
Strategic focus on core UI elements
To deliver maximum value and impact within a realistic timeframe, SolDevelo adopted a targeted approach, focusing on core UI elements consistently used throughout the openIMIS platform. This strategy offers several advantages:
Efficiency
Concentrating on the most frequently used components allows us to address accessibility issues with the broadest impact across the entire application.
Scalability
Improvements made to these core elements can be easily replicated and applied to other parts of the system, ensuring consistent accessibility throughout.
Cost-effectiveness
This approach enables significant accessibility enhancements without requiring a full audit of every page and feature.
Combining automated and manual testing
Our methodology integrated both automated and manual testing techniques to ensure a comprehensive assessment. We utilized automated tools such as WAVE for the rapid identification of common accessibility violations. Following this, we leveraged the experience and expertise of our team, including web developers and testers who build and test software on a daily basis, to conduct a thorough manual review using Accessibility Insights for Web. This manual “scan” ensured that even aspects not covered by external software were addressed, allowing us to effectively tackle complex and nuanced issues.
Our findings
Overview of accessibility issues
The accessibility audit of openIMIS identified a total of 24 accessibility issues across the selected pages, categorized as follows:
Severity breakdown
During the accessibility audit of openIMIS, identified issues were categorized into four severity levels: Critical, Serious, Moderate, and Minor. This classification ensures that remediation efforts are prioritized based on the impact of each issue on user experience and accessibility. Below is a breakdown of each severity level:
| Severity level | Definition |
|---|---|
Critical | Critical issues are those that completely block users from accessing or utilizing essential parts of the application. These issues create significant barriers that prevent individuals, particularly those with disabilities, from completing key tasks or navigating the platform effectively. |
| Serious | Serious issues represent significant violations of accessibility standards that adversely affect usability. While users may still navigate the platform, their experience is notably hindered, making it challenging to perform certain tasks effectively. |
| Moderate | Moderate issues involve violations of accessibility standards that affect usability to a lesser extent. These issues may create challenges for users, particularly those with specific accessibility needs, but do not completely obstruct functionality. |
| Minor | Minor issues do not violate accessibility standards but are recommended for improvement. These issues may include elements that could enhance usability or clarity, contributing to a more refined user experience. |
Most impactful issues identified
1. A form control not having a corresponding label
| Description | A form control does not have a properly associated label, making it difficult for users, especially those relying on screen readers, to understand its function. Labels also enhance usability by providing clear descriptions and increasing the clickable area of form elements. |
| Impact | Screen reader users are unable to determine the purpose of form fields, leading to errors, frustration, and an inability to complete essential tasks. |
| Business consequences | This results in a poor user experience, increased form abandonment rates, and higher support costs. It also exposes openIMIS to potential legal risks due to non-compliance with accessibility standards. |
| WCAG standards | 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A) 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA) 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A) |
2. Buttons lacking discernible text
| Description | Many buttons on the openIMIS website lack clear, descriptive text or accessible names. This means that users cannot easily understand the function of these buttons, making it difficult to navigate and interact with the site. |
| Impact | Screen reader users are unable to determine the purpose of the buttons, effectively blocking access to key functionalities and preventing them from completing essential tasks. |
| Business consequences | This leads to a frustrating user experience, reduced task completion rates, and a negative perception of the openIMIS platform. It also limits the reach of the platform to users with disabilities. |
| WCAG standards | 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A) |
3. Interactive elements inaccessible via keyboard
| Description | Certain interactive elements on the openIMIS website cannot be accessed or operated using only the keyboard. This means that users who cannot use a mouse are unable to interact with these elements. |
| Impact | Users with motor impairments, screen reader users, and power users who rely on keyboard navigation are unable to access essential features, leading to frustration and exclusion. |
| Business consequences | This limits the usability of the platform for a significant portion of the population, impacting user engagement, conversion rates, and overall customer satisfaction. It also creates a risk of legal action due to non-compliance with accessibility standards. |
| WCAG standards | 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A) |
Nurturing commitment to inclusive digital experiences
This accessibility audit of openIMIS demonstrates SolDevelo’s commitment to creating inclusive digital experiences and our expertise in identifying and addressing complex accessibility challenges. Through a targeted and efficient approach, we were able to pinpoint key areas for improvement within the openIMIS platform, providing actionable insights that empower developers to build a more accessible and user-friendly system.
Key takeaways
A well-structured accessibility audit combines focus, methodology, and actionable guidance to enhance usability for all users.
UI-focused approach
Concentrating on core UI elements allows for the identification and resolution of systemic accessibility issues.
Combining testing methodologies
Our approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of accessibility by leveraging both automated tools and manual reviews.
Developer-centric guidance
Providing clear, actionable guidance, including code snippets and resources, is essential for effective remediation.
Join us in promoting accessibility
At SolDevelo, we understand that every organization has unique needs and challenges. Our approach is tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client, ensuring that our solutions are effective and seamlessly integrated into existing workflows. We believe that accessibility is not just a technical requirement but a fundamental aspect of creating a positive and equitable user experience.
We encourage all organizations to prioritize accessibility and create inclusive digital experiences. If you’re looking for expert assistance in assessing and improving the accessibility of your website or application, we invite you to contact SolDevelo.
