Galaxy Digital believes that accessibility is important not only so that even more clients can use our software, but also because creating a website that everyone can use is a basic value held by our employees. This article reviews the basic history of the Connect software's accessibility and conformance to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and gives access to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
Current State and Projects
Galaxy Digital staff have documented the current status of the Connect platform's accessibility in a VPAT, which is attached to this article. By creating the VPAT, Galaxy Digital staff have identified areas where accessibility can be improved. Those areas are addressed during user experience improvements made periodically as part of scheduled builds released to all clients.
We are confident that the system can be used under most conditions. Many people who have used the system with a screen reader (either for testing purposes or because they use a screen reader in their everyday life) have said that they are pleased with the features available to them.
Users who aren't pleased with the site's performance are encouraged to contact our Customer Experience team.
Some issues can be treated as bugs and fixed quickly, while other items are taken to development for even more thorough consideration for inclusion in future rebuilds. Galaxy Digital is committed to the accessibility standards outlined in the VPAT. These guidelines are a step in addressing any future builds to ensure that our software is continuing to maintain and further improve the accessibility of our software with every release.
History
Version 1.0
The first version of the Connect software was created with only rudimentary accessibility guidelines in mind. As a legacy product, it will not be updated to conform to standards. Only a handful of clients use this legacy version. Upgrading to the most recent version of the code base has a number of benefits, and you can contact our Customer Experience team to start the process at your convenience.
Version 2.0
Version 2.0 was a redesign of the forward-facing Connect platforms’ user interface in order to move to a web-responsive environment. Compliance with WCAG standards was not then an intentional step in the design review which has made some features built during this release challenging. These areas have been noted as ones to address in future rebuilds.
Version 2.6
Version 2.6 included a redesign of the site manager area of Connect platforms. Accessibility was an intentional step in this and now all future builds. Because so much needed to change on the back of the site, WCAG standards could be included in the project scope. Numerous changes have been made to conform to best practices, users with screen readers are currently using the software, and areas that need improvement have been noted for future design builds.
VPAT
Always consider contrast carefully when you choose your site colors and other customizations. Get Connected uses white text that may not pair well with especially bright colors.