Accessibility statement

We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 level AA. Status: internal audit, pending SME review.

What works today

  • Keyboard: every control works with Tab, Enter and Space; focus is always visible; a skip link jumps to the main content. In the VM terminal press Esc, then Tab, to leave.
  • Screen readers: pages use landmarks and ordered headings. When a quick check brings a new explanation, it replaces the section and is announced (ARIA live region); focus moves to it. The “sections verified” banner is announced too.
  • Contrast: light and dark themes meet AA contrast. Switch theme from the account menu.
  • Reduced motion: we honour your system “reduce motion” setting.
  • Text-to-speech and captions: lessons are text, so read-aloud works; figures have text descriptions; nothing autoplays.
  • Helix webcam attention: optional, with consent. Saying no never affects grades or access, and the same review offers are available without a camera.
  • VM labs: typed commands only, readable terminal output, untimed.
  • Zoom: pages reflow to phone width and 400% zoom.

Need an accommodation?

Tell your instructor. They can exempt you from the section-check gate, extend time or turn Helix off. Report any barrier to your instructor or site administrator.

Instructors: the full conformance notes are in docs/ACCESSIBILITY_WCAG21_AA.md.