LeapSpace accessibility statement

Our commitment

At LeapSpace, we are dedicated to ensuring that researchers can find, explore and verify information with confidence and without barriers.

Our commitment to accessibility is integral to our mission of advancing knowledge and discovery for all. We recognize that equitable access to research tools supports a more diverse and inclusive global research community.

To support this, we continuously improve accessibility, ensuring that all researchers can effectively navigate and use our platform.

Accessibility is embedded in our product development lifecycle, from initial design to ongoing enhancements, aligning with Elsevier's broader commitment to inclusion and usability.

LeapSpace is developed to meet and exceed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard. By fostering an inclusive digital environment, we contribute to Elsevier's corporate responsibility and accessibility policy, and support UN SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

Building accessibility expertise

At LeapSpace, we:

• Employ a dedicated digital accessibility team that provides expert guidance to development teams and customers, ensuring accessibility best practices are implemented.
• Offer structured accessibility awareness training to all employees, with specialized programs for product and engineering teams.
• Engage in continuous learning and collaboration with industry experts, accessibility advocates, and researchers with disabilities to refine our approach.

Integrating accessibility into product development

At LeapSpace, we:

• Maintain an accessibility-focused product roadmap as part of LeapSpace development priorities.
• Ensure accessibility considerations are integrated from the outset of product design, following Elsevier's empathic design principles and Digital Brand Guidelines.
• Conduct automated and manual accessibility testing throughout development, using industry-standard tools and real-world feedback from users with disabilities.
• Strive to meet and exceed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, ensuring that LeapSpace remains perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
• Detail our conformance in our Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs).

Collaborating for inclusive research

At LeapSpace, we:

• Partner with researchers, librarians, and institutions to understand real-world accessibility needs in research discovery and verification workflows.
• Maintain direct feedback channels to address accessibility concerns quickly and transparently.
• Engage external accessibility agencies and industry leaders to benchmark best practices and drive continuous improvement.
• Promote accessibility standards with vendors and partners through assessments and contracting.

Tracking progress and driving improvements

At LeapSpace, we:

• Monitor accessibility improvements through a data-driven approach, ensuring measurable progress.
• Use a maturity model to track the LeapSpace evolution in accessibility and inclusivity.
• Recognize teams and individuals who champion accessibility within LeapSpace, reinforcing our commitment at every level of the organization.

LeapSpace Voluntary Product Accessibility (VPAT)

For a detailed review of how LeapSpace meets each of the WCAG 2.1 AA Success Criteria, please refer to our Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). This document was produced by the Elsevier Digital Accessibility Team and most recently updated for LeapSpace on April 10, 2026.

Download the latest LeapSpace VPAT/ACR: Accessibility Conformance Reports | Elsevier

Accessibility features in LeapSpace include:

• Descriptive, unique page titles and clear headings and landmarks for logical navigation.
• Keyboard-accessible links, buttons, and controls with visible focus indicators and logical focus order.
• Well-labeled forms and interactive elements with accessible names and roles.
• "Skip to main content" and related navigation aids.
• High-contrast text and color-safe palettes; support for browser zoom and responsive layouts across devices.
• Accessible status messaging and error handling.
• Ongoing improvements to complex and interactive components to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.

Accessibility support and feedback

We value your feedback and use it to guide continuous accessibility improvements across LeapSpace. To report an accessibility issue or request support, email [email protected]. For general LeapSpace support, use our contact form at the bottom of this page.