Accessibility Statement

Last updated: 2024-12-17

Conformance Status

We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities.

Our accessibility efforts are guided by:

• WCAG 2.1 Level AA — W3C Web Accessibility Guidelines
• Section 508 — U.S. Federal accessibility requirements
• ADA Web Accessibility Guidance — Americans with Disabilities Act

Accessibility Features

CultureSherpa includes the following accessibility features:

Navigation

• Skip to content links for keyboard users
• Consistent navigation structure across pages
• Logical heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)
• Breadcrumb navigation where applicable

Visual Design

• Color contrast ratios meeting WCAG AA standards
• Text resizable up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Focus indicators visible for keyboard navigation
• No content that flashes more than 3 times per second

Content

• Alt text for meaningful images
• Descriptive link text (avoiding "click here")
• Clear, simple language where possible
• Tables with proper headers where used

Technical

• Semantic HTML5 markup
• ARIA landmarks for screen reader navigation
• Form labels associated with inputs
• Works without JavaScript for core content

Known Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, some content may have limitations:

• Interactive map — The world map visualization may have limited screen reader support. Text-based culture search is available as an alternative.
• Cultural images — Some historical/cultural images may lack detailed alt text. We are working to improve descriptions.
• Third-party content — Embedded content from external sources may not meet our accessibility standards.

Feedback & Assistance

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of CultureSherpa. If you encounter accessibility barriers or need assistance:

When contacting us, please include:

• The web address (URL) of the content
• Description of the accessibility issue
• Your assistive technology (if applicable)

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days and to resolve issues within 30 days where feasible.

Compatibility

CultureSherpa is designed to be compatible with:

• Modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
• Keyboard-only navigation
• Browser zoom up to 200%
• High contrast mode

Assessment Approach

CultureSherpa assesses accessibility through:

• Self-evaluation using automated tools (Lighthouse, axe)
• Manual testing with keyboard navigation
• Testing with screen reader software
• Review of user feedback

Legal Framework

This statement aligns with requirements from:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
• International accessibility policies

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