Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Features - WCAG 2.1 Principles

The guidelines are organized around four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

1. Perceivable

Web content must be presented in ways that all users can perceive.

• Text Alternatives: Provide alt text for images, videos, and non-text content.

• Captions: Add captions for videos with audio and provide transcripts for audio content.

• Adaptable Content: Ensure content is usable across different orientations (e.g., portrait and landscape).

• Color Contrast: Text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against the background.

• Resize Text: Users must be able to resize text up to 200% without losing functionality.

• Keyboard Focus Indicators: Ensure users can identify the current focus on interactive elements.
   

• 2. Operable

• The interface must be easy to navigate and operate for all users.

• Keyboard Accessibility: All functions must be operable using a keyboard.

• Timing Adjustments: Allow users to control or extend time limits on content, if applicable.

• Navigable Content: Provide consistent navigation and clear headings for easy access to content.

• Avoid Flashes: Do not include content that flashes more than three times per second to prevent seizures.

• Interactive Elements: Make buttons, links, and controls easily accessible and large enough to interact with.
   

• 3. Understandable

• Content must be clear and easy to understand.

• Readable Text: Use readable language and define uncommon terms or abbreviations.

• Predictable Navigation: Ensure consistent navigation and page behaviors across the website.

• Error Identification: Provide clear instructions for forms and highlight input errors with suggestions for correction.

• Input Assistance: Offer guidance, labels, and suggestions for forms and interactive elements.
   

• 4. Robust

• Content must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies.

• Compatible Code: Use clean, standard HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to ensure compatibility with screen readers and other assistive tools.

• Status Updates: Provide programmatic updates (e.g., via ARIA roles) to inform users of dynamic content changes.
   

• Key AA-Level Success Criteria

• Contrast Ratio: 4.5:1 for text, 3:1 for large text.

• Captions: Required for live and pre-recorded audio and video.

• Navigation: More than one way to navigate (e.g., search bars, site maps).

• Focus Visibility: Ensure users can see where their focus is on the page when using a keyboard or assistive device.

• Responsive Design: Ensure content works on various devices and orientations.
   

• Why AA Level?

• AA represents the mid-range accessibility standard, balancing usability and technical feasibility.

• It is the most commonly targeted standard for compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).