Accessibility Statement

Last Updated: 28/12/2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Project Youth is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to promote inclusivity, equality, and full participation of all youth in our programs and resources.

We believe that accessibility is a fundamental human right, not a feature. Our commitment extends beyond legal compliance to creating genuinely inclusive digital experiences that empower all young people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

2. Conformance Status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.

Project youth conform with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines, which means that our website content should be:

Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable
Understandable: Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable
Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies

We are actively working to achieve this level of accessibility across our entire website and digital platforms.

3. Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

3.1 Navigation and Structure

Logical heading structure for easy navigation with screen readers
Skip navigation links to bypass repetitive content
Consistent navigation across all pages
Properly labeled links and buttons with descriptive text
Breadcrumb navigation to show location within site hierarchy
Keyboard-accessible dropdown menus
Focus indicators for all interactive elements
Landmark regions (header, main, navigation, footer) properly identified
ARIA landmarks where appropriate
Logical tab order throughout the site

3.2 Visual Design and Display

High contrast mode option available
Text resizing up to 200% without loss of content or functionality
Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and orientations
Customizable color schemes for users with color vision deficiencies
Option to disable animations for users with vestibular disorders
Clear visual focus indicators
Sufficient color contrast between text and background (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text)
Text alternatives for meaningful images and graphics
No reliance on color alone to convey information
Scalable vector graphics (SVG) where appropriate

3.3 Content and Multimedia

Alternative text for all meaningful images
Descriptive titles for links and buttons
Transcripts for all audio content
Captions for all video content
Audio descriptions for video content where necessary
Clear, simple language appropriate for youth audiences
Glossary of terms for specialized vocabulary
Multiple content formats (text, audio, visual) where possible
Predictable page layouts and consistent navigation
Error identification and suggestions for correction in forms
Timing adjustments available for time-based content

3.4 Interactive Elements and Forms

Keyboard-accessible all interactive elements
Form labels associated with their controls
Clear error messages with suggestions for correction
Logical form structure with proper grouping
Customizable timeout periods for forms and quizzes
Confirmation before submitting important information
Undo functionality where possible
Multiple ways to complete tasks
Clear instructions for all interactive elements
Status messages announced to screen readers

3.5 Assistive Technology Compatibility

Compatible with screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
Compatible with screen magnification software
Compatible with speech recognition software
Compatible with braille displays
Proper semantic HTML structure
ARIA attributes where necessary
Accessible names for all interactive elements
Live region announcements for dynamic content updates
Properly formed tables with headers and captions
Accessible PDFs and documents available upon request

4. Youth-Specific Accessibility Considerations

4.1 Age-Appropriate Accessibility

Simplified language options for younger users
Visual aids to support text comprehension
Interactive tutorials for using accessibility features
Age-appropriate examples in educational content
Gradual complexity in learning materials
Multisensory learning options
Peer modeling in accessibility tutorials
Gamified accessibility learning
Youth-created accessibility guides
Mentorship in digital accessibility skills

4.2 Learning Disability Support

Dyslexia-friendly fonts available as option
Text-to-speech functionality integrated
Line spacing and letter spacing customization
Syllable breakdown option for difficult words
Reading ruler tool available
Vocabulary support with definitions on hover
Chunking of complex information
Visual organizers for complex concepts
Step-by-step instructions with progress tracking
Memory aids and repetition of key concepts

4.3 Neurodiversity Accommodations

Reduced motion option for users with autism or ADHD
Minimalist view option to reduce cognitive load
Predictable navigation patterns
Consistent design patterns throughout site
Clear transitions between activities
Warning before unexpected changes
Customizable notification settings
Break reminders and pacing tools
Sensory-friendly color palettes available
Focus mode to minimize distractions

5. Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

5.1 Current Initiatives

Regular accessibility audits using automated and manual testing
User testing with youth with diverse disabilities
Continuous staff training on accessibility best practices
Accessibility-first design process for new features
Collaboration with disability organizations specializing in youth
Accessibility feedback program for continuous improvement
Regular updates to meet evolving accessibility standards
Inclusive design workshops for content creators
Accessibility certification for development team members
Youth accessibility advisory council

5.2 Future Goals

Full WCAG 2.2 compliance by [Date]
Enhanced mobile accessibility improvements
Expanded language accessibility including ASL video content
Personalized accessibility profiles for returning users
Integration with more assistive technologies
Accessibility innovation lab for youth with disabilities
Peer-to-peer accessibility training programs
Accessibility certification for our entire digital platform
Research partnerships on youth digital accessibility
Global accessibility standards implementation

6. Technical Specifications

6.1 Technologies Relied Upon

HTML5 with WAI-ARIA attributes where appropriate
CSS with responsive design principles
JavaScript with progressive enhancement
PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) standards for documents
EPUB3 accessibility guidelines for digital publications
Video players supporting closed captions and audio description
Accessible rich internet applications (ARIA) patterns
Semantic markup following web standards
Accessible form validation patterns
Keyboard navigation standards

6.2 Browser and Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to be compatible with:

Screen readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, Narrator
Screen magnifiers: ZoomText, MAGic, built-in OS magnifiers
Speech recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition
Browsers: Latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Mobile devices: Smartphones and tablets with accessibility features enabled

7. Known Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility of Empowering Youth, there may be some limitations. Below is a description of known limitations, and potential solutions. Please contact us if you observe an issue not listed below.

7.1 Current Limitations

Some legacy PDF documents may not be fully accessible (we are converting these to accessible formats)
User-generated content (forum posts, project submissions) may not always meet accessibility standards (we provide guidelines and tools for accessible content creation)
Some third-party integrations (such as social media widgets) may have limited accessibility (we are working with providers to improve this)
Live webinar captions may have occasional errors (we provide post-event corrected transcripts)
Complex data visualizations may be challenging for some screen reader users (we provide data tables as alternatives)
Some interactive games may have timing constraints (we provide extended time options where possible)
Mobile responsiveness on very old devices may be limited
Browser-specific issues with certain assistive technology combinations
Heavy reliance on JavaScript for some interactive features (we provide fallbacks where possible)
Limited availability of some features in all languages

7.2 Our Improvement Plan

Quarterly accessibility audits with external experts
Monthly user testing with youth with disabilities
Accessibility roadmap integrated into development cycles
Priority fixing of critical accessibility issues
Regular training updates for all staff and volunteers
Partnership development with disability organizations
Resource allocation specifically for accessibility improvements
Transparent reporting on accessibility progress
Community involvement in accessibility planning
Continuous monitoring of new accessibility standards

8. Feedback and Support

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Empowering Youth. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers:

8.1 Contact Information

Accessibility Coordinator: [Name]
Email: accessibility@empoweringingyouth.org
Phone: [Phone Number with TTY relay service information]
Mail: [Physical Address]
Feedback Form: [Link to accessibility feedback form]
ASL Video Line: [Link if available]
Text Message: [SMS number if available]
Online Chat: [Accessible chat interface]

8.2 Response Time

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 48 hours and to provide a substantive response to accessibility concerns within 5 business days. For urgent accessibility issues preventing participation in time-sensitive programs, we provide expedited support.

8.3 Alternative Access

If you encounter accessibility barriers that prevent you from accessing our content or services:

Contact us immediately using any of the methods above
We will work with you to provide the information in an accessible format
We can arrange alternative means of participation in programs
We will prioritize fixing the accessibility barrier
We will document the issue and our response for continuous improvement

9. Youth-Centered Accessibility Support

9.1 Accessibility Assistance for Youth Users

Peer support network for accessibility questions
Youth-friendly tutorials on using accessibility features
Mentorship program with youth experienced in assistive technology
Confidential accessibility counseling for youth unsure about disclosing needs
Accessibility ambassadors program in youth leadership
Creative accessibility projects led by youth with disabilities
Accessibility innovation challenges and competitions
Youth-led accessibility testing opportunities
Accessibility skill-building workshops
Digital accessibility badges and recognition

9.2 Parent and Educator Resources

Accessibility guides for supporting youth online
Webinars on digital accessibility for families
Resource lists for assistive technology funding
Collaboration tools for IEP/504 plan integration
Accessibility advocacy training
Toolkits for accessible remote learning
Consultation services for educators
Accessibility checklists for youth programs
Training on accessible content creation
Partnership opportunities for inclusive programming

10. Legal Compliance

10.1 Relevant Laws and Regulations

We strive to comply with the following accessibility laws and standards:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
European Accessibility Act
21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)
Various state and local accessibility laws
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) principles

10.2 Voluntary Compliance

While we aim for legal compliance, our commitment goes beyond mere legal requirements. We embrace the principles of:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in educational content
Inclusive design in all digital experiences
Nothing about us without us - involving youth with disabilities in design decisions
Continuous improvement rather than checkbox compliance
Proactive accommodation rather than reactive fixes
Accessibility as innovation rather than constraint
Digital inclusion as a core organizational value

11. Assessment Methods

Empowering Youth assesses the accessibility of our website through the following approaches:

11.1 Evaluation Methods

Automated testing using tools like WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse
Manual testing by accessibility specialists
User testing with youth with various disabilities
Assistive technology testing with screen readers, magnifiers, etc.
Keyboard-only navigation testing
Mobile accessibility testing on various devices
Color contrast analysis
Code review for semantic HTML and ARIA usage
Document accessibility evaluation
Third-party audit by independent accessibility experts

11.2 Evaluation Schedule

Weekly: Automated scans of key pages
Monthly: Manual testing of new features
Quarterly: Comprehensive accessibility audit
Biannually: User testing with youth with disabilities
Annually: Full third-party accessibility evaluation
Continuous: Monitoring of user feedback and support requests

12. Partnerships and Collaborations

12.1 Disability Organization Partnerships

We collaborate with:

National and local disability advocacy organizations
Schools and programs serving youth with disabilities
Assistive technology companies and developers
Accessibility research institutions
Government agencies focused on disability inclusion
Youth-led disability organizations
Parent networks for children with disabilities
Professional associations of accessibility specialists
Inclusive design consultancies
Disability culture and arts organizations

12.2 Youth Involvement

Youth with disabilities are involved in our accessibility efforts through:

Youth Accessibility Advisory Council with decision-making power
Paid accessibility testing opportunities for youth
Accessibility internships and fellowships
Co-design workshops for new features
Feedback circles on accessibility improvements
Leadership roles in accessibility initiatives
Mentorship between youth with different types of disabilities
Creative expression of accessibility experiences
Advocacy training for digital rights
Representation in our marketing and storytelling

13. Accessibility Training

13.1 Staff Training

All staff, volunteers, and contractors receive training on:

Disability awareness and etiquette
Digital accessibility principles and standards
Creating accessible content (documents, videos, presentations)
Using accessibility testing tools
Responding to accessibility requests
Universal Design for Learning principles
Assistive technology basics
Inclusive communication strategies
Accessibility law basics
Emergency procedures for participants with disabilities

13.2 Youth and Community Training

We offer training opportunities for:

Youth with disabilities on digital self-advocacy
Youth without disabilities on disability awareness and allyship
Parents and caregivers on supporting digital accessibility
Educators on accessible online learning
Partner organizations on inclusive programming
Content creators on accessible multimedia
Developers and designers on accessibility skills
Volunteers on accessibility best practices
Mentors on inclusive mentorship strategies
Community leaders on digital inclusion policies

14. Continuous Improvement Commitment

This accessibility statement will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment and progress. We recognize that accessibility is a journey, not a destination, and we commit to:

Continuous learning about new accessibility needs and solutions
Regular investment in accessibility improvements
Transparent communication about our accessibility efforts
Meaningful engagement with youth with disabilities
Proactive rather than reactive accessibility work
Integration of accessibility into all organizational processes
Celebration of accessibility innovations and successes
Accountability for accessibility commitments
Collaboration with the broader accessibility community
Leadership in youth digital accessibility

15. Document Information

Statement Version: 2.0
Last Review Date: [Date]
Next Scheduled Review: [Date - typically 6 months from last review]
Primary Contact: [Accessibility Coordinator Name and Contact]
Approved By: [Executive Director/Board Chair Name]
Distribution: Publicly available on website footer and upon request

16. Simplified Youth Version

(Note: This is a simplified version written for youth users)

We Want Everyone to Join!

At Empowering Youth, we believe EVERYONE should be able to use our website and join our programs. That means making sure our site works for people with all kinds of abilities.

Our website has cool features like:

Bigger text if you need it
Videos with captions (words on the screen)
Pictures that describe themselves if you can't see them
Keyboard controls if you can't use a mouse
Easy-to-read colors and layouts
Different ways to learn the same thing

Need help or found something that doesn't work for you?
Tell us! We want to know.

Email: accessibility@empoweringingyouth.org
Call: [Phone Number]
Text: [SMS Number]
Use our feedback form: [Link]

We promise to:

Listen to your ideas
Fix problems quickly
Keep making our site better for everyone
Include youth with disabilities in our planning
Help you participate in whatever way works for you

Remember: Your way of using technology is important. We're here to make sure it works for YOU.

Accessibility Statement

PROJECT YOUTH