The Deafblind Network of Ontario (DBNO) is a group of individuals, organizations and service providers who work together for the improvement of services for Ontarians who are deafblind. In 2017 DBNO issued a request for website redevelopment services. Their previous website was outdated, and did not provide a positive user experience for their audience. It also lacked the accessibility tools necessary to support users from the deafblind community. The website also did not function well on mobile devices, leading users to abandon their tasks before completion.

  • Create a modern website that adheres to AODA and W3C accessibility standards
  • Support users browsing from mobile and tablet devices
  • Provide advanced user accessibility tools

Solution

A discovery process was undertaken by Sandbox Software to ascertain the needs and requirements for the DBNO website. This process included a workshop conducted by the Sandbox team in conjunction with key DBNO website stakeholders, the results of which helped form the recommendations for the new website. Key features of the new website include a colour contrast toggle, resource library and publications, font resizing and bilingual functionality. Sandbox also created a dedicated portal for clients, partners and DBNO staff to share and obtain relevant information and files.

Outcome

The new DBNO website features a simple and clean, but modern and responsive design, with the ability to adjust colour contrast. It proudly introduces DBNO and it's partners and provides detailed information on Intervenor Services.

DBNO image shadow

In working with DBNO, Sandbox was able to conduct user testing with stakeholders who use web browsing assistive technologies daily. These sessions have provided us with key insights into how these users navigate websites and their third party tools of preference. Those learnings continue to shape our quality assurance process to this day.

> Auditing & Quality Assurance

Sandbox is currently working with DBNO on a custom Intervenor Services Application portal that will allow those who are deafblind to apply for intervenor services as well as other programs and services.

> Portals and Intranets

OASIS is the CMS behind the DBNO website and portal. This powerful CMS is flexible and scaleable - it can be used for multiple digital solutions, so staff only need knowledge of one platform to manage all your web properties.

> OASIS CMS Development