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Our Commitment to Accessibility: Building a Haystack for Everyone 👥

Learn about Haystack’s journey toward WCAG 2.0 compliance and how we’re improving the platform experience for all users.

At Haystack, we believe that a truly connected workplace must be an inclusive one. To ensure every employee—regardless of how they navigate the digital world—can use our platform effectively, our team is hard at work implementing WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

By early Summer 2026, Haystack will publish our updated VPAT for WCAG standards, reflecting our commitment to creating an interface that is Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust for everyone.

What are Accessibility and WCAG?

Accessibility is the practice of making websites and applications usable by as many people as possible. This includes individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the global gold standard for digital accessibility. Following these guidelines ensures that Haystack works seamlessly with assistive technologies, such as:

  • Screen Readers: Software that reads on-screen text aloud for visually impaired users.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Allowing users to navigate the entire platform without a mouse.
  • High Contrast Modes: Making text easier to read for those with low vision.

What Changes to Expect

As we roll out these updates, you may notice some subtle but important changes to the Haystack interface. These updates are designed to provide more context and control to the user.

1. Enhanced Descriptors

You will see more descriptive labels and "Alt-text" hints on text entry spaces, buttons, and icons. This helps screen readers describe exactly what a field is for (e.g., "Search for a colleague" instead of just "Search").

2. Manual "Toast" Notifications

"Toast" messages (the small pop-ups that appear in the corner of your screen to confirm an action) will now stay visible until they are manually cleared. This ensures users who need more time to read or interact with the notification don't miss vital information.

3. Improved Keyboard Focus

When you use the "Tab" key to move through Haystack, you’ll notice a clearer "focus indicator" (usually a colored border) around the element you are currently selecting.

4. Color and Contrast Adjustments

We are introducing an "Accessible Colors" setting within Workspace Settings. When enabled, this will automatically adjust UI colors to meet the 4.5:1 contrast ratio required for optimal readability across the platform.

The Road Ahead

This is a permanent shift in how we build. Moving forward, all new features and releases will follow strict accessibility compliance protocols across both our Web and Mobile platforms. Whether we are launching a new Directory feature or updating the Events module, accessibility will be baked into the design from day one.

Best Practices for Admins

While we are updating the platform’s "bones," you can help keep your Haystack instance accessible by following these tips when posting content:

  • Use Descriptive Links: Instead of "Click here," use "Read the full Q3 Report" to provide context for screen reader users.

  • Add Alt-Text to Images: When uploading banners or news images, provide a short description so everyone understands the visual context.

  • Keep Layouts Simple: Use Haystack’s built-in heading styles (H1, H2, etc.) to organize long-form articles logically.

  • Choose High-Contrast Content Colors: When customizing text or background colors within the editor, ensure your selections remain legible. Aim for high contrast to ensure your content is accessible to users with visual impairments.

Need More Help?

If you encounter an area of the platform that feels difficult to navigate, or if you have specific questions about our accessibility roadmap, we want to hear from you!

  • Support Chat: Click the chat bubble icon on any Haystack support page to speak with our team.
  • Email Us: Reach out directly at support@haystackteam.com.

Keywords: Accessibility, WCAG 2.1, Inclusive Design, Screen Readers, Compliance, Product Updates, Disability Support, Mobile Accessibility, UI Changes, User Experience