Enhancing Chatbot Accessibility: A Collaborative Case Study with Botcopy

Introduction

Botcopy, a Santa Monica-based company, specializes in AI-first messaging solutions aimed at improving communication across various sectors. As a Google Cloud partner and a BBB accredited business, Botcopy integrates backend AI cloud services like Google Cloud Dialogflow with modular frontend components to meet stringent compliance requirements. Recognizing the importance of digital accessibility, Botcopy partnered with Zenyth to ensure their chatbot solution was fully accessible.

Scope of Work

Over the course of several months, Zenyth collaborated with Botcopy engineers to audit and verify the accessibility of their chatbot solution. This involved a multi-faceted approach.

Iterative Auditing and Redesign

We conducted multiple rounds of accessibility audits on Botcopy's chatbot, focusing on both frontend and backend components. Our team provided actionable feedback, which led to a collaborative process of component redesign to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

VPAT/ACR Issuance

Upon completion of the auditing process, we issued a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). These documents served as a comprehensive record of the chatbot's accessibility features and known limitations.

Language Attribute Implementation

One of the unique challenges we addressed was the implementation of language attributes within the chatbot. We guided Botcopy in making it possible for clients to adjust language attributes for their messages, ensuring a more inclusive user experience.

Conclusion

Through this research-driven and collaborative approach, we successfully guided Botcopy in enhancing the accessibility of their chatbot solution. The project not only met but exceeded compliance requirements, affirming both Zenyth's and Botcopy's commitment to creating accessible digital environments.

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