Accessibility WCAG Conformance Report
Synthiam Accessibility Conformance Report
WCAG Edition
Based on VPAT® Version 2.5Rev
Note: Download a PDF copy for offline viewing
here.
Product Information
Name of Product / Version: Synthiam ARC Teams / Pro / Free (v2026.02.21.00+)
Report Date: March 6, 2026
Product Description
Synthiam ARC (Autonomous Robot Control) Desktop is a robotics development environment for programming, controlling, and interacting with robots. It includes a visual programming editor, scripting capabilities, and extensive hardware integration to support development workflows and robot operation.
Contact Information
- [email protected]
- +1-587-800-3430
- https://synthiam.com/About/Contact
Notes
Synthiam ARC Desktop provides extensive documentation, including manual pages for features and robot skills, written instructions, and instructional videos. The application supports configurable themes and respects Windows display scaling to improve accessibility. The interface supports keyboard navigation, touchscreen interaction, and Windows screen readers such as Narrator.
Synthiam welcomes accessibility feedback. If you encounter barriers while using ARC, please contact Synthiam support at [email protected]. We will work with users to provide reasonable accommodations and improve accessibility in future updates.
Evaluation Methods Used
The evaluation of Synthiam ARC Desktop combined manual testing and automated accessibility scanning. Testing focused on common user workflows (project editing, robot control, Blockly programming, and general navigation) and included the following methods:
- Manual keyboard navigation testing
- Review of UI labeling and control accessibility
- Hover-over detailed descriptions for options
- Automated accessibility scanning tools
- Verification with Windows Narrator screen reader
- Inspection of UI components used by the application framework
- Review of color contrast and visual indicators
Applicable Standards / Guidelines
This report covers the degree of conformance with the following accessibility standards and guidelines:
| Standard / Guideline | Included in Report |
|---|---|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 |
Level A — Yes
Level AA — Yes
Level AAA — No
|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 |
Level A — Yes
Level AA — Yes
Level AAA — No
|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 |
Level A — Yes
Level AA — Yes
Level AAA — No
|
Terms
The terms used in the conformance information are defined as follows:
- Supports: Functionality meets the criterion without known defects or provides an equivalent facilitation.
- Partially Supports: Some functionality meets the criterion, but other parts do not.
- Does Not Support: The majority of functionality does not meet the criterion.
- Not Applicable: The criterion is not relevant to the product.
- Not Evaluated: The product was not evaluated against the criterion (used only for WCAG Level AAA criteria).
WCAG 2.x Report
When reporting conformance with WCAG 2.x Success Criteria, conformance is scoped for full pages, complete processes, and accessibility-supported ways of using technology as described in the WCAG 2.0 Conformance Requirements.
Table 1: Success Criteria — Level A
Notes are provided in the Remarks and Explanations column to clarify the evaluation outcome for each criterion.
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) | Partially Supports | Images, icons, and robot visualizations typically include descriptive labels or hover-help. Documentation pages include explanations and videos. Some graphical elements within robot visualization areas do not yet provide equivalent alternative text. |
| 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Not Applicable | The software does not provide standalone prerecorded audio-only or video-only media. Instructional videos are supplemental and hosted on documentation pages. |
| 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Partially Supports | Most instructional videos include captions where the hosting platform provides them. Caption availability depends on the video host. |
| 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A) | Not Applicable | ARC Desktop does not depend on prerecorded video content for core functionality. |
| 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A) | Supports | UI elements are organized into clearly labeled groups and windows with descriptive titles and hover-help descriptions. |
| 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A) | Supports | Navigation through dialogs and configuration pages follows a logical order supporting sequential workflows. |
| 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A) | Supports | Instructions do not rely solely on color or other sensory cues; labels and documentation links clarify required actions. |
| 1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A) | Supports | Color is not the only means of conveying information. Text labels, icons, and descriptive help accompany color-coded elements. Themes include higher-contrast options. |
| 1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A) | Not Applicable | The application does not automatically play audio longer than three seconds. |
| 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A) | Supports | The software supports keyboard navigation for dialogs and controls. Touchscreen interaction is also supported. |
| 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A) | Supports | Users can enter and exit interface elements using standard keyboard controls without becoming trapped. |
| 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Single-key shortcuts are limited and do not interfere with assistive technology usage. |
| 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A) | Supports | Most interactions and configuration workflows do not rely on time-limited input. |
| 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A) | Supports | Animated or continuously updating interface elements (e.g., robot status) can be paused by stopping robot activity or closing the related window. |
| 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A) | Supports | The software does not use flashing elements that would violate this criterion. |
| 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A) | Supports | Navigation allows users to move directly between windows and functional sections. |
| 2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A) | Supports | Configuration windows and dialogs contain descriptive titles indicating their purpose. |
| 2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A) | Supports | Navigation order follows the logical layout and grouping of controls. |
| 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A) | Supports | Documentation and help links include descriptive labels that indicate their destination. |
| 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Mouse and touch interactions do not require complex gestures. |
| 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Mouse and touch actions can be canceled or adjusted before committing. |
| 2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Most controls include visible labels that match the programmatic accessible name. |
| 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A 2.1 & 2.2) | Not Applicable | The software does not rely on motion gestures for operation. |
| 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A) | Supports | The application interface is provided in English. |
| 3.2.1 On Focus (Level A) | Supports | Interface elements do not trigger unexpected actions when receiving focus. |
| 3.2.2 On Input (Level A) | Supports | User input does not unexpectedly change context. |
| 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A 2.2 only) | Supports | Help icons and documentation links are consistently placed throughout the interface. |
| 3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A) | Supports | Status messages, popups, and debug logs provide feedback about errors and system status. |
| 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A) | Supports | Configuration fields include descriptive labels and hover-help with detailed instructions. |
| 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A 2.2 only) | Supports | Settings are grouped and user configuration values are retained to minimize repeated entry. |
|
4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)
WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 — Always answer “Supports”; WCAG 2.2 — not applicable
|
Supports | For WCAG 2.0 and 2.1, editorial errata indicate this criterion is always supported. See the WCAG errata links for details. |
| 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A) | Supports | UI controls expose descriptive names, roles, and values for assistive technologies. |
Table 2: Success Criteria — Level AA
Notes are provided in the Remarks and Explanations column to clarify the evaluation outcome for each criterion.
| Criteria | Conformance Level | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA) | Not Applicable | ARC Desktop does not provide live streaming media. |
| 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA) | Not Applicable | Operation of the software does not depend on prerecorded video content. |
| 1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | The application supports standard and scaled display configurations and adapts to system display settings (e.g., Windows DPI scaling). |
| 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Form inputs include descriptive labels and contextual help to identify their purpose. |
| 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) | Supports | The application supports configurable themes, including high-contrast themes or custom color schemes to improve visibility. |
| 1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA) | Supports | The interface respects Windows DPI and text scaling settings so users can enlarge text and interface elements (commonly up to 200% or more depending on system configuration). |
| 1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA) | Supports | Text is rendered using system fonts rather than images of text. |
| 1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Partially Supports | The application is optimized for standard desktop resolutions (e.g., 1080p). Interface scaling is supported through Windows DPI scaling, but there may be scenarios that require additional reflow optimization. |
| 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | UI elements provide sufficient contrast and can be adjusted through built-in theme settings. |
| 1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Spacing and text size scale with system DPI settings. |
| 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | Detailed help descriptions are available via hover-over help icons throughout the interface. |
| 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA) | Supports | Users can navigate using menus, window lists, documentation links, and search features. |
| 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA) | Supports | Settings are grouped under descriptive headings to aid navigation and comprehension. |
| 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA) | Supports | The active interface element is visually highlighted to indicate focus. |
| 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | Interface focus is maintained within visible windows and is not obscured by other content. |
| 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | Dragging is not required for most configuration workflows; alternative controls are available. |
| 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | Control sizes scale with Windows display scaling and are designed for both mouse and touchscreen interaction. |
| 3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA) | Supports | The application interface uses consistent language throughout. |
| 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA) | Supports | Navigation patterns remain consistent across the application. |
| 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA) | Supports | Controls and icons maintain consistent meaning throughout the application. |
| 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA) | Supports | Status messages and debug logs provide helpful information to resolve issues. |
| 3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA) | Supports | Confirmation dialogs and validation help prevent unintended changes to critical data. |
| 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA 2.2 only) | Supports | The login process uses standard email/password authentication with labeled fields, keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, and password manager autofill. Sessions may be remembered to reduce repeated credential entry. No CAPTCHA or puzzle-based steps are required. |
| 4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA 2.1 & 2.2) | Supports | System status messages and debug logs provide continuous feedback on system activity and changes. |
Legal Disclaimer
This Accessibility Conformance Report is provided for informational purposes only and reflects Synthiam’s assessment of the product at the time of publication. For official licensing, terms, conditions, and privacy information, see: https://synthiam.com/Legal/Terms.