The Ultimate Guide for an Accessible LMS: Ensuring WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance!

Before joining Accessiblü, I spent 20 years as an instructional designer, accessibility specialist, and LMS administrator in higher education. In that time, I’ve learned that selecting an accessible Learning Management System (LMS) is more than a checkbox item—it’s a fundamental part of creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards is about more than meeting legal requirements; it’s about supporting every learner, regardless of their abilities.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to evaluate LMS accessibility, assess key documentation like VPATs and HECVATs, and partner with reputable third-party accessibility companies, like Accessiblü, for an in-depth accessibility audit.

Why an Accessible LMS Matters

Accessibility in an LMS is crucial for creating inclusive learning experiences that accommodate diverse needs, including those of students, employees, or customers with disabilities.

Compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA means an LMS has been designed or adapted to make online learning accessible to users with a range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

For educational institutions, an accessible LMS is a legal and ethical imperative under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508, which require equitable access to technology for all learners. In a corporate setting, choosing an accessible LMS promotes a positive company culture, strengthens brand reputation, and helps mitigate legal risk.

Core LMS Accessibility Features to Look for in WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance

When selecting an LMS, accessibility should be a primary consideration. To comply with WCAG 2.2 AA, an LMS must provide accessibility features across four key principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

1. User-Friendly Interface and Design Flexibility

An accessible LMS should include a flexible and intuitive design that is easy for all users to navigate. Look for customizable display options, such as contrast adjustments and text resizing. These features are critical for users with visual impairments or those who may benefit from enhanced readability.

2. Keyboard Navigation and Control

Keyboard-only navigation is essential in an accessible LMS, as many users rely on keyboards or keyboard-like devices to navigate interfaces. Ensure that all interactive elements—buttons, links, forms, and multimedia players—are operable via keyboard alone. The LMS should allow users to move through content logically and intuitively without requiring a mouse.

3. Screen Reader Compatibility

A truly accessible LMS must be compatible with popular screen readers, such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. Screen readers convert on-screen content into speech or braille, allowing visually impaired users to access the LMS.

To achieve compatibility, the LMS should use proper semantic HTML elements, clear ARIA labels, and structured headings so screen readers can interpret content accurately.

4. Closed Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions

Captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions provide accessible alternatives to video and audio content. Closed captions are essential for deaf or hard-of-hearing users, while transcripts serve both hearing-impaired and text-based users. The LMS should support these features, either natively or easily integrated with third-party tools.

5. Cross-Platform and Mobile Accessibility

Given the prevalence of mobile learning, an accessible LMS should offer a consistent, accessible experience across different devices—desktop, mobile, and tablet. Responsive design is essential, as it ensures accessibility features remain intact on any screen size.

Download our free Digital Accessibility Checklist.

Understanding Accessibility Documentation: VPATs and HECVATs

Accessibility documentation, including the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Tool (HECVAT), plays a crucial role in evaluating LMS accessibility.

What is a VPAT, and Why is it Important?

A VPAT is a comprehensive document that outlines a product’s accessibility and its level of compliance with accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508, and others. VPATs help procurement teams quickly assess how accessible a tool or platform is.

When reviewing a VPAT for an LMS, here’s what to look for:

1.   Detailed Compliance Statements: A high-quality VPAT will list each WCAG 2.2 AA criterion and the LMS’s level of support—“Fully Supports,” “Partially Supports,” or “Does Not Support.” The more “Fully Supports” the better. Some “Partially Supports” are acceptable, depending on the criteria.

2.   Testing Basis: An effective VPAT describes the testing methods used to evaluate accessibility compliance. Look for a mix of automated and manual testing to ensure robust assessment, as automated tests alone often miss critical usability issues.

3.   Transparency about Limitations: An honest VPAT will disclose any known accessibility issues and provide workarounds, if available. Gaps in accessibility should be clearly identified to allow for informed decision-making. Any VPAT that does not include a description about each criterion should be a red flag.

What is a HECVAT, and How Does it Complement a VPAT?

Initially developed to assess security risk, the HECVAT has evolved to include questions on accessibility, especially in higher education settings. When assessing an LMS, the HECVAT provides insights into a vendor’s commitment to accessibility. Some key accessibility questions to look for include:

1.   Support and Testing for Accessibility: Look for clear responses on accessibility testing frequency and accessibility training for staff.

2.   Accessibility Issue Tracking and Remediation: Vendors should describe their processes for identifying and addressing accessibility issues over time.

Combining information from both VPATs and HECVATs can give procurement teams a comprehensive view of an LMS’s accessibility and highlight areas needing clarification or improvement.

Role of the Procurement Team in Evaluating LMS Accessibility

The procurement team plays a central role in choosing an accessible LMS. By embedding accessibility as a core selection criterion and conducting a thorough evaluation, the team ensures the LMS aligns with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

Initial Screening of Vendors and Platforms

Start by making accessibility a non-negotiable criterion in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Requiring vendors to demonstrate compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards upfront can filter out LMS platforms that don’t prioritize accessibility.

Due Diligence on Documentation

During the selection process, request each vendor’s latest VPATs and HECVATs. The procurement team should analyze these documents carefully, looking for detailed compliance information and transparency about limitations.

Additionally, the team should review the documented plans for ongoing accessibility improvements. Storing this documentation is essential for public institutions or companies with extensive compliance requirements. It can support record-keeping and demonstrate due diligence.

Engaging Vendors in Accessibility Conversations

Beyond documentation, engage vendors directly to discuss their accessibility commitments. Ask about ongoing accessibility updates, their testing approach, and how they address known issues. This open dialogue can help build trust and ensure the LMS vendor shares your institution’s commitment to inclusion.

More VPAT Questions? Download our FREE VPAT Guidebook.

Partnering with a Third-Party Accessibility Company like Accessiblü

While VPATs and HECVATs provide a baseline for evaluating LMS accessibility, a third-party audit offers an unbiased, in-depth assessment.

Accessiblü specializes in managed accessibility operations and can conduct a comprehensive LMS audit. Our team offers extensive experience in manual and automated accessibility testing, including compatibility testing with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.

Comprehensive Testing and Validation

Accessiblü recommends performing functional and technical testing to ensure LMS platforms meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards. This includes verifying that critical components, such as course navigation and interactive elements, are fully accessible via keyboard, screen reader, and alternative input methods. Manual testing is essential for identifying issues that automated tools often overlook.

Usability Testing with Real Users

Beyond compliance, Accessiblü conducts usability testing with individuals who have disabilities. We like to engage real users to identify practical barriers that can hinder user experience and engagement. For example, usability testing can reveal whether certain interactions, like taking a quiz or submitting assignments, are unintuitive or challenging for users with disabilities.

Actionable Remediation Recommendations

Following the audit, Accessiblü provides detailed recommendations on accessibility issues and prioritizes fixes based on the user impact. They help clients develop remediation plans that align with the institution’s LMS update cycles, ensuring accessibility issues are addressed without disrupting the user experience.

Partnering with a third-party expert like Accessiblü provides an additional layer of accountability, ensuring your LMS remains accessible as standards and user needs evolve.

Steps for Procurement Teams Post-Accessibility Review

After selecting an accessible LMS, procurement teams can take further steps to ensure continuous accessibility compliance.

Developing a Remediation Plan for Accessibility Gaps

Some minor accessibility gaps may exist even in WCAG-compliant LMS platforms. Work with vendors or third-party experts, like Accessiblü, to create a remediation plan. Prioritize fixes based on their impact on the user experience, focusing first on areas that most affect accessibility.

Contractual Accessibility Commitments with Vendors

Include accessibility clauses in vendor contracts that require vendors to commit to maintaining accessibility updates and resolving accessibility issues within set timelines. Contractual language can hold vendors accountable, ensuring they meet ongoing accessibility expectations as the platform evolves.

Regular Audits and Accessibility Checkpoints

To maintain WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, schedule periodic accessibility audits with your accessibility company or team. These audits can catch any accessibility issues that arise as the LMS or WCAG standards change. Regular audits allow for timely remediation and provide a proactive approach to accessibility.

Conclusion: Ensuring LMS Accessibility for Lasting Inclusion

Selecting an accessible LMS goes beyond compliance—it fosters a learning environment where every user can thrive. By prioritizing LMS accessibility in the procurement process, educational institutions and companies support inclusion, mitigate risk, and ensure a positive experience for all learners. The journey toward LMS accessibility involves collaboration between procurement teams, vendors, and third-party experts, like Accessiblü.

Accessiblü’s managed accessibility operations can help your institution or company navigate the complex world of LMS Accessibility.