We’re pleased to share that our platform now meets WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards.
This marks a significant milestone in our accessibility journey. HeinOnline previously met WCAG 2.0 A. Since then, we have steadily advanced our standards, and with this latest initiative, alongside the implementation of ADA Title II standards, we’ve moved beyond 2.1 AA and aligned with the most current AA standard available: WCAG 2.2 AA.
Rather than aiming for the minimum requirement, we chose to take accessibility one step further by improving navigation consistency, focus visibility, and usability for individuals with cognitive and motor disabilities.
What This Initiative Included
We focused on reviewing HeinOnline’s core pages and global interface elements, the areas researchers interact with most frequently.
Overall updates included:
- Improvement of high-traffic pages to meet WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria
- Resolution of identified A and AA accessibility issues through structured testing and validation
- Internal review to ensure functionality, accessibility, and stability
- Completion of an updated Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) reflecting WCAG 2.2 AA conformance
- Updates to our Accessibility and Accommodations page
This effort builds on the accessibility improvements introduced with our 2025 interface update, including enhanced color contrast, improved readability through typography, and keyboard-friendly navigation. Those enhancements laid important groundwork, and this initiative brings our platform fully into alignment with WCAG 2.2 AA.
Accessibility: What Comes Next
Accessibility has always been an important priority for HeinOnline, and it remains an ongoing commitment.
Our development team integrates accessibility review into new databases, features, and interface enhancements as a standard part of the release process. We also conduct regular testing and monitoring to ensure continued conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards as our platform evolves.
Accessibility Resources
For institutions that require formal accessibility documentation, our updated VPAT is available below. If you have questions about accessibility features or need accommodations, you can also explore our Accessibility & Accommodations page for additional information and support.
