WGAC Accessibility

While our organisation is committed to accessibility and the principles of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the LLN Robot online quiz serves a highly specific function as a diagnostic, high-stakes assessment tool designed to measure a learner's core language, literacy, and numeracy capabilities in a secure and standardised manner. 

The following points outline why strict WCAG conformance is not appropriate for this assessment component: 

1. Assessment Integrity Over Interface Flexibility 

The quiz is intended to measure foundational skills without support tools that could compromise the authenticity or validity of the result. For example, providing screen readers or predictive text tools could unintentionally assist learners in a way that masks LLN gaps—thus defeating the purpose of the diagnostic. 

2. Purpose-Built Design to Assess Capability, Not Just Usability 

Unlike informational webpages or general content, this tool is deliberately constructed to challenge a learner’s independent reading, comprehension, and numeracy. WCAG modifications like extended time, alternative text, or guided reading could significantly alter the nature of what is being assessed. 

3. Reasonable Alternative Formats Are Offered 

To ensure equitable access, our system allows administrators to: 

- Administer the assessment in a supported environment (e.g. with human supervision or facilitation) 

- Enter responses manually based on verbal, scribed, or assisted attempts 

- Review flagged results and provide contextual evidence to override automated judgements where appropriate 

This ensures learners with disability or specific access needs are not excluded, but assessed in a way that preserves fairness and aligns with RTO duty-of-care obligations. 

4. Exclusion Supported by WCAG & Government Accessibility Guidelines 

WCAG itself acknowledges that full compliance may not always be feasible for content where accessibility adaptations would invalidate the purpose of the tool. 

Additionally, the Australian Government Digital Service Standard allows for exemptions when accessibility changes interfere with critical functionality or the purpose of the service, provided reasonable alternatives are in place. 

5. Platform Commitment to Broader Accessibility 

All non-assessment pages, including results, reports, help content, and dashboards, are being reviewed in line with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines. Our broader platform architecture either currently does (or at some point in the future will) support screen readers, keyboard navigation, and responsive design for inclusive access across devices. The LLN Robot online quiz is not a typical “web page” but a controlled assessment environment where WCAG alterations would compromise its function. However, reasonable adjustments are supported via alternative formats, administrative tools, and human oversight - ensuring accessibility is addressed without undermining the validity of the diagnostic outcome.