Accessibility version

What this solution does

The Xlogic Accessibility Version module adds a button to the site to launch an accessibility panel. Upon clicking, a menu appears at the top where users can adjust font size, color schemes, image display, and text-to-speech settings. Preferences are saved for one year and apply to all pages of the resource without requiring changes to the site template.

Administrators receive an accessibility auditing tool: the module checks the site against WCAG 2.1 criteria, identifies common violations, and generates a list specifying the exact page and problematic element.

The solution allows visitors with visual impairments to read content in a comfortable size and contrast without changing browser system settings. Site owners do not need to create a separate version of the site; the panel dynamically changes the appearance of existing pages. Administrators receive a detailed report of errors (missing alt attributes on images, empty link titles, insufficient contrast) to pass to developers.

Users can configure text parameters: font size from 16 to 48 pixels with a 2-pixel step, selection of serif or sans-serif fonts, and three levels of letter-spacing and line-height. Five color schemes are available: black on white, white on black, dark blue on light blue, brown on beige, and green on dark brown. For images, modes include full display, a black-and-white filter, or replacement with text from the alt attribute.

The Xlogic 'Version for the Visually Impaired' module enhances navigation and content perception. In reading mode, link borders are highlighted, headings are underlined, the cursor is enlarged, and a reading ruler is enabled. Animations are stopped, and videos and embedded blocks are hidden. Text-to-speech allows reading a selected fragment or the entire page, with options to choose voice and speed, and to read a paragraph by clicking. Speech synthesis is performed by the browser's built-in engine. Page text is displayed in Braille, supporting Russian and Latin letters, digits, and punctuation marks. Screen readers simultaneously receive standard text streams. The control panel includes 'Reset', 'Collapse' (the panel hides while the mode remains active), and 'Standard Version' buttons. Keyboard navigation is supported, and the panel can be closed using the Esc key. Fixed site headers automatically shift below the panel, while icons and icon fonts remain in place.

Administrators receive a floating button on all pages of the public site section, positionable at the bottom left or right. Specific addresses and masks can be excluded. The 'Services' section provides a site accessibility check comprising 21 tests based on WCAG 2.1 criteria, including validation of images without alt text, links and buttons without labels, fields without captions, contrast ratios, and headings. Reports with links to criteria can be filtered and exported to CSV format.

The xlogic:vi.panel component allows placing the accessibility panel button in the header or another location within the template. Adding the xvi-open class to any element, such as a menu link, activates click-based mode.

Disabling the module on a specific page is done via the XLOGIC_VI_DISABLE constant.

The module supports user group-based access rights, includes text in Russian and English, and utilizes component result caching.

Limitations and requirements

There are no paid external services, and no additional fees apply to extensions.

The panel applies its styles over the site's existing styles. On non-standard layouts, minor visual discrepancies may occur, particularly with fixed headers, icons on background images, or complex sliders. It is recommended to test the site in accessibility mode before launch.

Text-to-speech functionality relies on the visitor's browser capabilities. Voice quality and available languages depend on the user's device. If the browser lacks a speech synthesizer, the speech buttons are hidden.

The accessibility checker identifies certain violations based on WCAG 2.1 criteria, which underpin GOST R 52872. The tool does not replace a professional audit and does not fix page layouts or text content. Checks are performed without executing JavaScript.

The module does not guarantee full compliance of the site with GOST R 52872 or WCAG standards. It provides navigation tools for visitors and generates a list of detected issues for administrators.

The accessibility mode for visually impaired users is activated globally for the entire site. Configuring this mode for individual site sections is not supported.

General iT can handle the implementation of “Accessibility version”, from installation to configuration and compatibility checks.