Overview
MLSC’s website was not fully accessible. We determined that 6 webpages out of our sample of 60 (10%) were not accessible in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for navigational accessibility. Of these, we determined that all 6 webpages contained broken hyperlinks. In addition, all 60 webpages out of our sample of 60 (100%) were not accessible in accordance with WCAG for keyboard accessibility. Of these, we determined that all 60 webpages (100%) did not have a method to skip repeated content.
Broken or faulty hyperlinks limit users from having equitable access to critical information and key online services offered by MLSC. Broken or faulty hyperlinks also increase the likelihood that users may either access outdated or incorrect information or be directed to webpages that no longer exist.
Also, if MLSC’s website does not provide mechanisms to skip repeated content, then users who navigate sequentially through webpages are forced to navigate through repeated content every time a webpage is loaded. This increases the time needed to reach the desired information on a webpage and may, for users who have motor impairments, make the task of navigating through repeated content cumbersome and difficult.
Authoritative Guidance
The Web Accessibility Initiative’s WCAG 2.0 states,
[Success Criterion] 2.4.1 . . . A mechanism is available to bypass blocks of content that are repeated on multiple Web pages. . . .
[Success Criterion] 2.4.5 . . . More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process.
Reasons for Issue
MLSC management stated that the previous website vendor it employed had in its statement of work a clause that excluded any regulatory compliance, including specifically Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, when creating and updating MLSC’s website. As a result of this, MLSC’s website was designed with no accessibility requirements in mind. MLSC stated that it ended its work with that vendor upon its review of the statement of work and seeing that Americans with Disabilities Act–regulatory compliance was excluded. MLSC hired a new website vendor, which has been aiding MLSC with improving the accessibility of its website.
Recommendation
MLSC should review its webpages to ensure that all hyperlinks lead to related information and provide equitable access to critical MLSC-offered information and services. In addition, MLSC should work with its website accessibility vendor to add a mechanism to its website that allows users to skip repeated content.
Auditee’s Response
MLSC began working with a new website accessibility vendor in 2024. All pages of the MLSC website have since been brought into compliance with all applicable state and federal accessibility laws and regulations. MLSC’s engagement with the website accessibility vendor is ongoing and includes regular meetings to ensure continued compliance.
MLSC and its vendor have already addressed or are working to address the recommendations set forth in “Other Matters,” including any webpage or table contrast issues.
Auditor’s Reply
Based on its response, MLSC has taken measures to address our concerns regarding this matter. As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.
| Date published: | June 12, 2025 |
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