Configuring Ask AI for accessibility compliance

Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s an ongoing practice that spans both the technology behind a product and how it’s used day to day.

Finalsite products, including Ask AI, are built with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards in mind, providing a strong foundation for accessible digital experiences. This foundation is further strengthened by native support for over 70 languages, allowing community members, including faculty and families who are non-native English speakers, to interact with school data in their preferred language naturally within the chat.

Accessibility in Ask AI depends on how the tool is configured and how the underlying knowledge base is structured. Schools and districts play an important role in ensuring the conversational experience works for all users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have low vision, or have motor impairments.

In this Article:

• Part 1: Styling and testing the chat interface
• Part 2: Configuring the conversational experience
• Part 3: Preparing the knowledge base
• How we support assistive technologies
• Our shared responsibility in accessibility

Part 1: Styling and testing the chat interface

The visual presentation of the chatbot determines whether users with low vision or motor impairments can interact with the tool.

Verify widget bubble and header contrast

• Adjust styling settings: Ensure the widget bubble and header colors contrast sharply against your website background under the Ask AI Appearance tab.
• Target contrast ratios: Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. We recommend using tools like the Coolors Color Contrast Checker to verify your selections.

Perform keyboard focus testing

• Navigate via keyboard: Use the Tab key to move through the interface. Ensure users can open the chat, type, and close the window using only a keyboard to support those with motor impairments.
• Touch targets: All interactive elements are designed to meet the 44x44 pixel minimum for easy interaction.

Part 2: Configuring the conversational experience

Clear, predictable communication is essential for users with cognitive disabilities.

• Identify the AI assistant: Configure your welcome message to state clearly that the user is interacting with an AI.
• Provide clear instructions: Use direct language (e.g., "I am an AI assistant. How can I help you find school information?") to help users understand the interaction.

Part 3: Preparing the knowledge base

Ask AI is only as accessible as the website content it surfaces. To ensure the AI provides accessible answers, maintain high standards on your source pages:

• The Accessibility Checker
• Structuring pages for accessibility with HTML headings
• Full Library of CMS Accessibility Articles

How we support assistive technologies

We design Ask AI to work with screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Android), NVDA, and JAWS. Our focus includes:

• Structured responses: Information is read in a logical order so users can navigate without confusion.
• Video accessibility: If the AI surfaces video content, ensure you have reviewed auto-generated captions for accuracy to support community members who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Keyboard navigation: Full support for non-mouse interactions and predictable interface behaviors.

Our shared responsibility in accessibility

Because Ask AI allows for customization, including colors, styling, and conversation logic, accessibility is a shared responsibility. We remain committed to improving the foundation of Ask AI so schools can rely on a strong conversational tool that supports all community members over time.