Cross-platform accessibility parity with assistive technology support

User story

As a platform admin, I want all SixDegrees platforms (desktop app, website, tablet, mobile) to provide equivalent accessibility features and assistive technology support, so that users with disabilities have consistent, high-quality experiences regardless of how they access the platform

Description

SixDegrees' commitment to being a truly inclusive professional networking platform requires that accessibility be a first-class concern across all user interfaces. Unlike LinkedIn's inconsistent accessibility implementation across platforms, SixDegrees must ensure that screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice control, and other assistive technologies work seamlessly whether a user is on their phone during a commute, using a desktop at work, or accessing via tablet at home. This cross-platform accessibility parity is essential for SixDegrees' mission to replace LinkedIn as the go-to professional network. Many professionals with disabilities have been underserved by existing platforms that treat accessibility as an afterthought. By making accessibility excellence a core platform requirement, SixDegrees can capture this underserved market while demonstrating its values-driven approach to product development.

Acceptance criteria

1. All interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields) are keyboard navigable with visible focus indicators across all platforms
2. Screen reader compatibility tested and verified on NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack across all platforms
3. Color contrast ratios meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) on all platforms
4. All images, icons, and media content have appropriate alt text or aria-labels across platforms
5. Text can be resized up to 200% without horizontal scrolling or loss of functionality on all platforms
6. Voice control software (Dragon, Voice Control, Voice Access) can successfully navigate core user flows on each platform
7. Platform-specific accessibility features are utilized (iOS VoiceOver gestures, Android accessibility shortcuts, Windows Narrator, macOS accessibility options)
8. Automated accessibility testing integrated into CI/CD pipeline flags regressions before deployment to any platform
9. Manual accessibility testing performed by users with disabilities validates each platform quarterly

Original request

The Desktop app, website, tablet and phone experience should all be equally good, functional with leading accessibility options