Accessibility Statement for Sterling Academy of Dramatic Arts

Sterling Academy of Dramatic Arts is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our website to ensure we provide equal access to all users. Our goal is to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

This accessibility statement describes our ongoing efforts to ensure our online content is accessible to people with disabilities. We understand that providing accessible websites is not just a legal requirement, but also a moral imperative. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of dramatic arts, both on and off the stage, and that includes access to information about our programs and services through our website.

We welcome feedback on how to improve the accessibility of our website. Please contact us if you experience any accessibility barriers while using our site. Your input helps us to continually improve our website and provide a more inclusive online experience.

Features Implemented to Enhance Accessibility

To ensure our website meets the needs of all users, we have implemented the following features:

• Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML5 elements to structure our content, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret and navigate our website.
• Alternative Text for Images: All images on our website include descriptive alternative text, allowing users who are visually impaired to understand the content and purpose of each image.
• Keyboard Navigation: Our website is fully navigable using a keyboard, ensuring users who cannot use a mouse can access all content and functionality.
• Sufficient Color Contrast: We have carefully selected color combinations to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background, making our website easier to read for users with low vision or color blindness.
• Clear and Consistent Navigation: Our website features a clear and consistent navigation structure, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
• Resizable Text: Users can easily resize the text on our website without losing content or functionality.
• Forms with Labels and Instructions: All forms on our website include clear labels and instructions, making it easier for users to complete and submit forms successfully.
• ARIA Attributes: We use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide additional information to assistive technologies, enhancing the accessibility of interactive elements on our website.
• Video Captions and Transcripts: All videos on our website include captions and transcripts, making them accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Descriptive Link Text: Our link text clearly describes the destination of each link, allowing users to understand where they will be taken when they click on a link.
• Use of CSS Variables: We employ CSS variables throughout our stylesheet to provide easy customization and maintainability, which aids in ensuring a consistent and accessible user experience across the site.
• Font Inclusion: The Inter font family is included locally using @font-face declarations, ensuring consistent typography and legibility regardless of the user's system fonts.
• Table Accessibility: All tables include a descriptive caption, and table headers utilize the scope attribute to clearly define row and column relationships for screen readers.

Ongoing Efforts

We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our website. This includes:

• Regularly auditing our website for accessibility issues using automated testing tools and manual reviews.
• Providing accessibility training to our staff.
• Incorporating accessibility considerations into our website design and development processes.
• Seeking feedback from users with disabilities to identify areas for improvement.

Assistive Technology Support

We strive to ensure our website is compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies, including:

• Screen Readers: We have tested our website with popular screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
• Screen Magnifiers: Our website is designed to work well with screen magnifiers.
• Voice Recognition Software: Users can navigate our website using voice recognition software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
• Keyboard Navigation Tools: Our site fully supports keyboard navigation, enabling users with motor impairments to navigate without a mouse.

We regularly test our website with these assistive technologies to ensure compatibility and address any accessibility issues that may arise.

Contact Information for Accessibility Issues

If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using our website, or if you have any questions or suggestions regarding accessibility, please contact us:

Accessibility Coordinator: Eleanor Vance

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (312) 555-2281, ext. 707

Address: 600 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

We are committed to responding to accessibility inquiries in a timely manner and will make every effort to address any accessibility issues you report.

Sterling Academy of Dramatic Arts is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore the world of acting, and we are committed to making our website a valuable resource for aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts alike.