Our Commitment to Accessibility
At Aurora Creative Studio, located in the heart of Seattle's creative district, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to information and digital content. As such, we strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, which sets a high standard for accessibility. This accessibility statement outlines our ongoing efforts to enhance our website's usability and inclusivity.
Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance with guidelines. We actively work to create a user experience that is both intuitive and inclusive, regardless of the technology used to access our site or the abilities of our users. We understand that accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuously improving our website to meet and exceed the expectations of all our visitors.
Accessibility Features Implemented
We have incorporated a variety of features to improve the accessibility of our website for users with disabilities. These features are designed to enhance the user experience for individuals using assistive technologies, as well as those with other accessibility needs.
Semantic HTML
We use semantic HTML5 elements to structure our content in a meaningful and logical way. This helps assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to understand the content and present it to users effectively. For example, we use <article>, <nav>, <aside>, and <main> elements to define the different sections of our pages.
Alternative Text for Images
All images on our website include descriptive alternative text (alt text). This allows users who are visually impaired to understand the content of the images through screen readers. Our alt text is carefully crafted to provide concise and relevant descriptions of the images, ensuring that no essential information is lost.
Keyboard Navigation
Our website is designed to be fully navigable using a keyboard. Users can access all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, using the keyboard alone. We have also implemented skip navigation links to allow users to bypass repetitive content and jump directly to the main content areas of each page.
Color Contrast
We have carefully selected color combinations that provide sufficient contrast between text and background. This helps users with low vision to read the content more easily. We regularly test our color contrast ratios using accessibility tools to ensure that they meet the WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Resizable Text
Users can easily increase or decrease the text size on our website without losing any content or functionality. This can be done using the browser's built-in zoom feature or by adjusting the font size settings in their browser preferences. Our responsive design ensures that the layout adapts appropriately to different text sizes.
Form Labels and Instructions
All form fields on our website are clearly labeled with descriptive labels. We also provide clear instructions and error messages to help users complete the forms correctly. We use the <label> element to associate labels with form fields, and we use ARIA attributes to provide additional context and instructions to assistive technologies.
ARIA Attributes
We use Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and interactive elements. ARIA attributes provide additional information to assistive technologies about the role, state, and properties of these elements. This helps users with disabilities to interact with our website more effectively.
Video Captions and Transcripts
All videos on our website include captions and transcripts. Captions provide synchronized text for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, while transcripts provide a text-based alternative for users who prefer to read the content. Our captions and transcripts are accurate and comprehensive, ensuring that all users have access to the same information.
Consistent Navigation
Our website features a consistent navigation structure throughout, making it easy for users to find the information they need. We use clear and descriptive link text, and we avoid using ambiguous or generic terms like "click here." Our navigation menus are also keyboard accessible and screen reader friendly.
Dark Mode Toggle
Recognizing the needs of users with sensitivity to light, we have implemented a dark mode toggle. This feature allows users to switch to a darker color scheme, reducing eye strain and improving readability, especially in low-light environments. This enhances comfort and accessibility for all users, particularly those with visual impairments or those who prefer a darker interface.
Accessibility Standards Compliance
We are committed to maintaining compliance with the following accessibility standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
We regularly test our website using a combination of automated tools and manual reviews to ensure that it meets these standards. We also welcome feedback from our users about their experiences using our website.
| WCAG 2.1 Guideline | Description | Compliance Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Text Alternatives | Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language. | Compliant |
| 1.3 Adaptable | Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure. | Compliant |
| 1.4 Distinguishable | Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background. | Compliant |
| 2.1 Keyboard Accessible | Make all functionality available from a keyboard. | Compliant |
| 2.2 Enough Time | Provide users enough time to read and use content. | Compliant |
| 2.4 Navigable | Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are. | Compliant |
| 3.1 Readable | Make text content readable and understandable. | Compliant |
| 3.2 Predictable | Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways. | Compliant |
| 3.3 Input Assistance | Help users avoid and correct mistakes. | Compliant |
| 4.1 Compatible | Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies. | Compliant |
Ongoing Efforts
We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our website. Our ongoing efforts include:
- Regularly auditing our website for accessibility issues using automated tools and manual reviews.
- Providing accessibility training to our staff to ensure that they are knowledgeable about accessibility best practices.
- Incorporating accessibility considerations into our design and development processes.
- Seeking feedback from our users about their experiences using our website and using that feedback to improve our accessibility.
- Staying up-to-date on the latest accessibility standards and technologies.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of our website, or if you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us:
Accessibility Coordinator: Evelyn Reed
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (206) 555-0123
Address: 123 Art Avenue, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101
We are committed to responding to accessibility inquiries in a timely manner and to working with users to resolve any accessibility issues they may encounter.