Padlet Backpack is an online collaboration tool that is a commercial product designed and developed by Wallwisherin accordance with internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. The site is run by Wallwisher on behalf ofCanterbury Christ Church University. We want as many people as possible to use this site so within the ‘native’ Padlet Backpack interface* you should be able to:
- Use accessibility tools to change colours, contrast levels and fonts
- Zoom in up to 300% without text spilling off the screen
- Navigate the homepage and dashboard using just a keyboard
- Listen to most of the site using a screen reader (such as the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)
*Please note that content uploaded to Padlet Backpack is created by a variety of users and technologies, and as such cannot be guaranteed to meet all of these requirements.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible is Padlet Backpack?
We know some parts of Padlet Backpack are not accessible
- Individual padlets are not currently fully keyboard navigable.
- Most of the site is unable to be navigated using speech recognition software.
- Images uploaded by users currently do not have alt text applied (although a caption field has been included to partially address this).
- Links and buttons may not be correctly labelled.
Wallwisher keep their own accessibility statement on Padlet Backpack which they will continue to revise as the product improves.
What to do if you can't access parts of Padlet Backpack
If you need content on Padlet Backpack provided as PDF, you can do this yourself or ask the owner of the Padlet if you are unable to do so.
If you need information on this website in another alternative format like large print, easy read, audio recording or braille you can contact TELaccessibility@canterbury.ac.uk. We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 10 working days.
The Student Disability Service is available to offer support with issues related to accessibility. Information on their service can be found on the Support for Disabled Students website.
Reporting accessibility problems with Padlet Backpack
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact TELaccessibility@canterbury.ac.uk and we will get back to you within 10 working days.
Enforcement Procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Contact Us
The TEL team are based on the Canterbury Campus on North Holmes Road. You can contact us by email TELaccessibility@canterbury.ac.uk.
Technical information about Padlet Backpack's accessibility
Canterbury Christ Church University is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Padlet Backpack is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed above.
Non-accessible content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with accessibility regulations
Content in Padlet Backpack is uploaded by a wide range of users. It is not possible to confirm that all content is fully accessible. We are undertaking a programme of staff development to ensure staff make their materials compliant.
How we tested Padlet Backpack
Wallwisher have been undertaking their own testing of Padlet Backpack which began in May 2020 and are currently in the process of testing against WCAG 2.1 AA standards. CCCU have requested to be kept updated with the results of this testing.
Currently CCCU has not undertaken any extensive testing of Padlet Backpack ourselves. However, we are exploring resources to allow us to do this in the future.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
The University continues to work closely with Wallwisher to monitor accessibility and make improvements as required. In particular, Wallwisher are currently developing the following areas to address the accessibility issues listed above.
- Add landmarks to Padlet screens for easy navigation with screen readers.
- Label links and buttons correctly.
- Extend keyboard navigation to the Padlet dashboard.
- Extend keyboard navigation to Padlet pages.
- Add alt text to user uploaded images.
Content publishers are being required to undertake training to show them how to create accessible content. This should address issues with future in-accessible content being created, and help them to understand what changes need to be made to existing content to make it more accessible.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This document will be updated as plans for addressing accessibility issues in Padlet Backpack are implemented.
This statement was prepared on 6th December 2021.
It was last updated on 6th December 2021.