[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #7715: Add accessibility information section on theme single in Theme Directory

[Making WordPress.org]

#7715: Add accessibility information section on theme single in Theme Directory
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 Reporter:  alh0319        |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement    |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal         |  Milestone:
Component:  Theme          |   Keywords:  needs-patch needs-design-feedback
  Directory                |
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 **Background**
 Currently, themes can receive the accessibility ready tag after undergoing
 an initial accessibility review by the accessibility team. Once a theme is
 approved, the theme developer can add the tag to the theme and is allowed
 to use that tag for the life of the theme without any further review.

 For users who are looking for an accessible theme, they have no context
 for if a theme received the accessibility ready tag 10 days ago or 10
 years ago. They also do not have context as to which version of the theme
 was reviewed, or that it may no longer pass accessibility-ready
 requirements.

 Additionally, there is no visibility about accessibility on most WordPress
 themes in the directory. Many laws around the world require all businesses
 to have accessible websites, and it would benefit users to understand the
 current accessibility status of available themes.

 This proposal stems from conversations at WordCamp Canada Contributor Day
 with @heatherleagault, @slferguson, @kjethapl12, @jessicagoddard, and
 @miriamgoldman.

 **Proposed Changes**

 We propose that a new section should be added to the right sidebar on
 every theme single. This section would appear below the report section and
 above the Translations section.

 The section would have the following information:
 - Heading: Accessibility information
 - Accessibility review information
  - If no accessibility review has been completed this will say "This theme
 has not yet been reviewed for accessibility."
  - If a review has been completed there will be the following meta:
   - Last reviewed date
   - Version number of theme reviewed
   - Status Passed or Failed depending upon if the theme passed the review
 - Link to view accessibility statement for theme
 - Link CTA to review this theme for accessibility

 @slferguson will upload a design showing these proposed changes.

 **Prerequisites**

 In order to achieve this design, there needs to be a way to store meta on
 the theme that someone from the community can edit. This would be separate
 from meta that comes out of the theme readme editable by the developer.

 We would need to establish a process or workflow that allows anyone in the
 community or perhaps just people on the themes or accessibility team to
 submit accessibility reviews on themes that would log the reviewed date,
 version tested, and status (possibly with additional details available to
 the theme developer such as what items failed and the username of the
 reviewer?).

 The accessibility statement link is a new accessibility.txt file we're
 proposing theme developers should be able to add to their theme to
 document their approach to accessibility, how they've tested for it, etc.
 There will be a separate ticket for this, which I will link in a comment
 later.

 **Why this should be on every theme**

 We strongly believe that the accessibility information section should be
 included in every theme and should not be tied to requesting the
 accessibility-ready tag.

 With the upcoming European Accessibility Act legislation, and other laws
 around the world requiring accessibility, WordPress users should be aware
 if a theme has not been reviewed for accessibility, if it has been
 reviewed and has failed, or if it has been reviewed a long time ago.

 Putting a section that points out the accessibility status on every theme
 may encourage theme developers to take accessibility into account;
 especially once there is a mechanism for the community to submit feedback
 on accessibility status independent of accessibility-ready tag requested
 reviews.

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/7715>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
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