Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
KTU is one of the largest technical universities in the Baltic region and a leading higher education institution in Lithuania, excelling in many areas of research and study. Since its founding in 1922, over 157,000 students have graduated from the university.KTU is known for its strong focus on research and innovation in the fields of physical, technological, and social sciences, while also fostering advancements in biomedical and humanities research.
Implemented accessibility features
- EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (2021-03) – Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (European standard).
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA (international standard).
- Head accessibility expert (General practitioner with expertise in UI/UX design, front-end, accessibility and inclusive design)
- Accessibility and UX for blind users expert (Blind evaluator – native user with expertise in Website, Web and Native App compliance to WCAG)
Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) supports external communication, validates the Accessibility Statement, and ensures transparency in accessibility status and actions. It provides tech teams with insights to plan their work, while offering sustainability and business teams an overview of the social impact domain. This report serves as a crucial reference point for Accessibility Maturity Assessments conducted by dedicated teams, showcasing the company's readiness to deliver services and information to diverse online customer/user groups with varying needs.
We utilized the globally recognized Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) for the Accessibility Conformance Report, developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI).
VPAT® is a leading reporting format aiding in the identification of accessible information and communications technology (ICT) products. It encompasses key ICT accessibility standards: Section 508 (U.S.), EN 301 549 (EU), and W3C/WAI WCAG version 2.1.
The Accessibility Statement outlines the level of compliance and any inaccessible content in a concise and readable manner. A key supporting element of the Accessibility Statement is the Accessibility Conformance Report.
It's worth noting that an Accessibility Statement is currently mandated by law in Europe for the public sector, and considered a good practice for businesses across various sectors.
A feedback mechanism refers to a system that allows users, particularly those with disabilities, to report issues they encounter, share their experiences, or suggest improvements related to the platform's accessibility features. This feedback is then used by designers and developers to enhance the platform's accessibility and address any identified issues.
We've implemented an accessible feedback mechanism on every webpage through a button that is always visible and obtainable anytime. Clicking the button expands a modal with a brief accessibility overview and a direct link to a feedback form in the site's Accessibility Statement.