Accessibility compliance in Storyline

Jun 01, 2023

Wondering what the Storyline accessibility compliance is currently? My understanding is that Rise is WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant. But I'm curious to know if interactions made within a Storyline file can be accessible by key strokes only. Anyone have suggestions on ways to include interactions, game-type activities in Storyline? 

Thanks

5 Replies
Steven Benassi

Hi Karen!

It sounds like you had some questions about Storyline 360's accessibility compliance. I'd be happy to provide you with some information about that!

Yes, Storyline 360 was built to support Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 accessibility standards. We also continue to refine Storyline 360 so the courses our authors create go beyond technical compliance with these guidelines to become truly accessible and easy to consume! This article goes into more detail about that:

Most Storyline 360 features are keyboard-accessible, except Drag & Drop interactions and Likert Scale questions. However, keyboard-accessible alternatives are available through the use of dials, sliders, and buttons.

Also, Storyline 360 output supports screen readers and keyboard navigation. These articles explain a little more about that:

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any more questions!

Robin Innes

Hey, Steven!  Quick question.  Many moons ago, all content had to start at timeline '0' since the screen reader only read what was on the screen at screen start.  We can now use the timeline to add content at different times, right?  I'm almost 100% sure you can and screen readers 'see' the second item, but I'm overthinking my own knowledge.  

Luciana Piazza

Hi Robin, 

Thanks so much for reaching out! 

I want to be sure that I understand your question correctly. Do you mean that you would like to insert different elements on the slide at different points in the timeline? (Ex. An image at the start and then 10 seconds in adding a text box, etc.)

It is important when using screen readers to check that the focus order is set up correctly. Have you had a chance to take a look at the Focus Order within your project? (You can do this by going to the Home tab on the Storyline ribbon and clicking Focus Order.) Here is an article that explains how to customize the focus order.

If you have an example of what you are trying to achieve in a .story project file, feel free to send it along in this thread or privately in a support case

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Robin Innes

Yes, it's very simple. A LONG time ago, screen readers would only read items that were on the timeline at '0', so I had to put everything starting at '0'. I got creative and rather than having elements come ON at time, say, 10 seconds, I'd remove a blocking decorative shape (that was hiding the original element) at 10 seconds so it would look like the element just appeared.

I believe I read that this subversive technique of mine is no longer necessary. Element can come on at timeline '10' and the screen reader will capture it. IS THIS CORRECT?

(Let's assume FOCUS ORDER is correct.)

Robin D. Innes, SPHR
Special Consultant
Learning & Development
rinnes@calstate.edu
401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
www.calstate.edu
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Jose Tansengco

Hi Robin, 

Yes, that is correct. The screen reader will be able to detect and read any object on the slide as long as they are currently visible and are included in the slide's focus order. You can use this test link with your favorite screen reader to confirm the behavior. And we have this helpful article which contains tips on how to design accessible courses for your reference: 

Hope this helps! Also, your contact information came through as well. This Peek video will show you how to edit it out if you’d like.