Aalto Handbook

Accessibility summary – Shorthand

Shorthand is a third party software used by Aalto University.

This website has been built on Shorthand, a third party software that has been in use by Aalto University since 1 January 2021. Shorthand is WCAG 2.1 certified which means it is compliant with the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These guidelines are taken into consideration with every new feature launched by Shorthand. This approach goes in line with the new accessibility requirements from the Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive in the European Union.

In this respect, Shorthand ensures high standards of accessibility for users with certain types of disabilities that would otherwise prevent them from having a good user experience. Some of the main accessibility issues covered technically by Shorthand include smooth access from different screens and devices, colour accessibility for visually impaired users or headings indicating the hierarchy of texts.

Aalto University is doing its best to ensure content compliance regarding accessibility in Shorthand. This includes the addition of descriptive alt texts for images and graphics or the integration of video subtitles. It also includes accuracy in PDF file tagging, unlocking of security settings, image labelling and language designation which specifies the main language used in the document.

Therefore, Aalto University is committed to observing digital accessibility standards when using third party tools. Digital accessibility is taken into account in the university practices and in order to achieve that goal our staff makes sure digital accessibility is implemented responsibly.

Nevertheless, if you notice any deficiencies regarding the accessibility of the site, you can provide feedback to: [email protected]

We will respond to your feedback within two weeks, at the latest.

This summary was created on 21 May 2021.

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