With digitization transforming how we communicate, collaborate, and conduct business, ensuring everyone can seamlessly access and use digital tools has never been more essential. DocuSign, a leading e-signature and document management platform, has revolutionized how we handle agreements, contracts, and other vital documents in the digital age.
While the platform has made these processes more efficient, they must also be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. In this article, we'll delve into the accessibility features of DocuSign and how to make it even more inclusive and user-friendly for all.
DocuSign’s Commitment to Accessibility
On creating an engaging and inclusive digital experience, DocuSign’s website states: “We live by our three values – Trusted, Loved, and Responsible. Our values guide how we treat our partners, customers, and each other. Inclusion is naturally a part of these values. We act on your feedback and prioritize the voices of people with disabilities in our decisions.”
To meet this commitment, the platform follows the accessibility requirements of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and the U.S. Government's Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amended 2018). The statement adds, “DocuSign has a dedicated team of accessibility professionals. We understand that accessibility is an ongoing and long-term commitment. Our Design System is built with accessible components. We strive to ensure people with disabilities can experience the same ease and enjoyment that people without disabilities experience.”
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility issues regarding DocuSign, you can email their team directly at accessibility@docusign.com.
DocuSign’s Feature Accessibility: A Closer Look
DocuSign eSignature
DocuSign eSignature is a digital service that enables users to electronically sign, send, and manage documents, agreements, and contracts securely. It streamlines the signing process, making it more efficient and convenient for businesses, organizations, and individuals. By using DocuSign eSignature, parties can electronically sign documents on various devices, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and in-person signatures.
The platform is widely used across industries for legal agreements, sales contracts, HR documents, and more, ensuring a secure and legally compliant electronic signature process. Here’s a peek into its accessibility features:
Keyboard navigation: Users with limited mobility or those who rely on a keyboard can easily navigate through the signing process using only keyboard commands, ensuring a smooth experience.
Screen reader compatibility: JAWS, NVDA, and other screen readers are designed to work seamlessly with DocuSign eSignature, making it accessible to visually impaired users.
Alternative text: Informative images within the signing process have alternative text descriptions, enabling screen reader users to comprehend the visual content.
WCAG 2.1 compliance: By adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, DocuSign eSignature ensures a more inclusive and accessible signing experience for users with disabilities, including those with vision or color-vision impairment.
Responsive design: The eSignature interface adapts to various screen sizes and devices, providing an accessible experience for users with limited mobility or those using assistive technologies.
Customizable Tooltips for Form Fields: Senders can add customizable tooltips to form fields, enhancing the clarity and understanding of each field's purpose for screen reader users.
DocuSign Sending
DocuSign Sending refers to the process of creating and sending documents for electronic signatures using the DocuSign platform. It involves uploading a document, adding form fields (such as signature fields, text fields, checkboxes, etc.), specifying the order of signers, and sending the document to the recipients for signing.
DocuSign eSignature allows recipients to review and sign the document after they receive it. The platform enables the sender to track the progress of the signing process and receive notifications when all parties have signed the document. The following features make it user-friendly for those with disabilities.
Accessible document preparation: Senders can create accessible documents with Microsoft Word and PDF/UA formats, making it easier for recipients with disabilities to engage with the content.
Branding/color customization: Customers can customize text and background colors while maintaining WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines for contrast, ensuring optimal visibility for all users.
Tooltips and note fields: Senders can add them to DocuSign fields, making it easier for screen reader users to understand and navigate the document effectively.
Configuring PDF fields: By following the naming conventions and setting up PDF form fields properly, DocuSign can automatically convert them to accessible DocuSign fields during the import process.
Optimized signature options: Customers can configure their account to provide alternative signature adoption methods for screen reader users, ensuring a smoother signing experience for people with disabilities.
Accessible download options: Users can download accessible tagged PDF versions of signed envelopes, making it easier for recipients to engage with the content using assistive technology.
Accessible reports: Users with disabilities can access and understand graphs and charts in tabular format using textual alternatives.
ARIA regions: The Manage and Template sections now use ARIA regions, improving navigation and accessibility for users with disabilities. ARIA stands for Accessible Rich Internet Applications, a set of attributes and techniques used to enhance the accessibility of web content and web applications.
In DocuSign, ARIA regions enhance the navigation experience for users with disabilities by providing clear and meaningful labels to different interface sections. This makes it easier for screen reader users to understand the structure of the content and navigate between various parts of the page effectively.
How to Make Your DocuSign User Experience More Accessible?
Here are some tips to ensure a seamless signing process for customers with diverse needs and abilities:
Ensure your documents are accessible: Before uploading a document to DocuSign, ensure it complies with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1. This includes using proper heading styles, lists, and alternative text for images.
Use Microsoft Word or PDF/UA documents: Microsoft Word allows you to create accessible content easily, and it has a built-in Accessibility Checker. PDF/UA documents should be tagged and tested under WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines to meet accessibility requirements.
Provide clear tooltips and labels: When adding DocuSign fields to a document, ensure that all fields have tooltips or labels to help screen readers understand their purpose. This is particularly important for form fields.
Use the Note field: The Note field can provide additional instructions for screen reader users when filling in forms, enhancing the overall accessibility of the signing process.
Optimize signature options for mobile devices and assistive technology: Configure your account to offer alternative signature adoption methods to draw a signature. This includes selecting the "Start on Adopt" option for both Mobile Signature Adoption Mode and Signature Adoption Mode.
Customize colors with contrast: If you choose to use the branding options that allow you to change certain colors of text and backgrounds in DocuSign, ensure these color changes provide enough contrast as required by WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines.
Test the experience with assistive technology: Use the Recipient Preview feature to test how the document reads with a screen reader after adding the DocuSign fields to the document.
Educate your team: Train your team members on the importance of accessibility and provide them with the tools and resources to create and maintain accessible documents and signing experiences.
Empower Your Users by Enhancing DocuSign Accessibility
By understanding and implementing these features, we can ensure that everyone can easily participate in the digital world, regardless of their abilities. Remember, an inclusive digital environment not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also fosters a better experience for everyone.
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