Proctorio’s Unwavering Commitment to Accessibility

At Proctorio, accessibility isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundational principle that has guided our software development from the very beginning. Recognizing the diverse needs of learners, especially those who face challenges in traditional educational settings due to various abilities or circumstances, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing inclusive access to education.

Evolution of Accessibility Standards

As the landscape of digital education has evolved, so too has our approach to accessibility. We’ve aligned our software with globally recognized standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Titles I, II, and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and EN 301 549, which governs accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe.

Our journey toward enhanced accessibility began in earnest in 2015 when we first engaged with external experts to ensure that Proctorio met the highest standards of digital equity. That year, we partnered with Deque Systems, a leading digital accessibility company, to assess and improve our compliance. Since then, Deque has overseen the creation of our Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), including VPAT 301, VPAT 508, and VPAT WCAG 2.1 AA, ensuring that our software remains accessible to all users.

Comprehensive Accessibility Features

Proctorio’s software is equipped with a range of features designed to support users with varying needs. Our high-contrast visibility mode enhances readability, while braille reader support ensures that visually impaired users can interact with our platform effectively. Additionally, Proctorio is compatible with a wide array of assistive technologies, including JAWS, NVDA, ChromeVox, and VoiceOver.

But we know that accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. To continuously improve our tools, we’ve partnered with My Blind Spot (MBS), a globally recognized nonprofit consultancy based in New York City. MBS conducts regular quality testing and audits of our technology, ensuring that it remains compliant with accessibility standards and meets the needs of all users. MBS’s mission to “inspire Accessibility for people of All abilities” aligns perfectly with our own, and their rigorous approach to testing and feedback has been invaluable in our efforts to lead the industry in digital equity.

Tailored Accessibility Solutions

One of the key outcomes of our partnership with MBS is the development of a customizable accommodation interface. This feature allows exam administrators or designated representatives to adjust settings on a per-test-taker basis, eliminating the need for separate assignments for those requiring accommodations. By tailoring the Proctorio experience to individual needs, we ensure that all learners can access and benefit from our technology.

MBS continues to support our accessibility efforts through software design consultation, staff training, biannual VPAT updates, and ongoing accessibility testing. Their expertise helps us stay ahead of industry standards and ensures that Proctorio remains a leader in providing equitable access to education for all users.

Our Ongoing Commitment

As we look to the future, Proctorio remains dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and usability of our platform. We believe that every learner, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to succeed in their educational pursuits. To learn more about the accessibility features of our software, we invite you to explore our VPAT 301, VPAT 508, and VPAT WCAG 2.1 AA documentation. If you have any comments, questions, or need assistance with accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at accessibility@proctorio.com.

Interactive Element: To help users better understand how our accessibility features can be customized, we’ve created an interactive demo. This tool allows users to simulate different accommodation settings and see how they can be adjusted within the Proctorio platform to meet individual needs.

Visual Enhancement: Incorporate infographics that detail the accessibility standards we adhere to, the features we offer, and the process we follow to ensure compliance. These visuals can help users quickly grasp the depth of our commitment to accessibility.

By integrating these elements and continuing to prioritize accessibility in our development process, Proctorio is not just meeting standards—we’re setting them. We remain committed to providing a platform where every learner, regardless of ability, can achieve their full potential.