Web Accessibility Assessment and Ranking of State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines

Abstract

The accessibility of State universities and colleges (SUCs) websites is crucial for ensuring inclusivity and equal access to educational resources for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This study evaluated the accessibility of SUCs in the Philippines websites using automated testing tools like WAVE and TAW, which analyzed web pages based on predefined accessibility criteria such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

The evaluation process involved scanning and analyzing the websites to identify potential accessibility barriers or issues. The results of the accessibility evaluation reveal significant challenges in meeting WCAG guidelines across various aspects, such as Perceivable and Operable guidelines. Common issues include missing alternative text for images, unclear link descriptions, color contrast combinations, and inadequate form labeling. These findings emphasize the need for SUCs to prioritize web accessibility to ensure equal access to educational resources. Furthermore, it includes ranking SUCs' websites based on their accessibility scores, highlighting institutions that have demonstrated a strong commitment to accessibility, and identifying areas for improvement. MPSPC leads with a minimal mean error rate of 0.33, setting a benchmark for other institutions. PRMSU and GSU follow closely, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing web accessibility. 

The findings highlight the importance of adhering to accessibility guidelines to create an inclusive online learning environment for all users.