Thespian Arts Academy

Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

At Thespian Arts Academy, we are committed to ensuring that our website and its content are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone should have equal access to information and resources, regardless of their abilities. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our online platforms to provide a seamless and inclusive experience for all users.

This accessibility statement outlines our ongoing efforts to make Thespian Arts Academy's website compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. These guidelines are internationally recognized standards for creating accessible web content. Our approach involves a combination of automated and manual testing, ongoing monitoring, and continuous improvement based on user feedback and evolving accessibility standards.

We understand that accessibility is an ongoing journey, and we are dedicated to making continual enhancements to meet and exceed accessibility expectations. We value feedback from our users and encourage anyone who encounters accessibility barriers on our site to contact us so we can address and resolve the issues promptly.

The Thespian Arts Academy strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment both online and offline. Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond our website to encompass all aspects of our organization, including our curriculum, facilities, and community engagement initiatives. We believe that embracing diversity and inclusion enriches the learning experience for all our students and fosters a more vibrant and creative arts community.

Accessibility Features

We have implemented several features to enhance the accessibility of our website:

• Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML tags to structure our content in a meaningful and logical way, making it easier for assistive technologies to understand and navigate the site. For example, we utilize appropriate heading levels ( <h1> , <h2> , etc.), lists ( <ul> , <ol> ), and landmarks ( <header> , <nav> , <main> , <footer> ) to provide a clear and consistent structure.
• Alternative Text for Images: All images on our website have descriptive alternative text (alt text) that provides context and meaning for users who cannot see the images. This allows screen readers to convey the content of the images to visually impaired users. For example, the academy logo has the alt text "Thespian Arts Academy logo, a stylized theatrical mask with laurel leaves."
• Keyboard Navigation: Our website is fully navigable using a keyboard, allowing users who cannot use a mouse or other pointing device to access all content and functionality. We ensure that the focus order is logical and intuitive, and that all interactive elements are accessible via the keyboard.
• Color Contrast: We have carefully selected color combinations that provide sufficient contrast between text and background, making it easier for users with low vision or color blindness to read and understand the content. We regularly check our color contrast ratios to ensure they meet WCAG guidelines.
• Resizable Text: Users can easily resize the text on our website without losing content or functionality. This can be done through browser settings or by using keyboard shortcuts.
• Clear and Consistent Navigation: Our website has a clear and consistent navigation structure that makes it easy for users to find the information they are looking for. We use descriptive link text and provide multiple ways to navigate the site, including a site map and search functionality.
• Forms Accessibility: All forms on our website are designed to be accessible to users with disabilities. We use clear labels, provide instructions and error messages, and ensure that all form fields are keyboard accessible.
• Video Captions and Transcripts: All video content on our website includes captions and transcripts, making it accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing. We strive to provide accurate and synchronized captions that convey the audio content of the videos.
• ARIA Attributes: We use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and interactive elements on our website. ARIA attributes provide additional information to assistive technologies, allowing them to understand the purpose and functionality of these elements.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: We regularly test our website with screen readers to ensure that it is compatible with these assistive technologies. We make adjustments as needed to improve the screen reader experience.
• Focus Indicators: Visible focus indicators are provided for all interactive elements on the page, enabling keyboard users to easily identify the currently selected element. This ensures clear navigation and interaction for those who rely on keyboard input.

Ongoing Efforts

Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond the initial design and development of our website. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our online platforms through the following efforts:

• Regular Audits: We conduct regular accessibility audits of our website to identify and address any potential issues. These audits are performed by both automated tools and manual testing by accessibility experts.
• Training: We provide ongoing training to our staff on accessibility best practices. This ensures that everyone involved in creating and maintaining our website is aware of accessibility requirements and how to implement them.
• User Feedback: We actively solicit feedback from our users on the accessibility of our website. We use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and to prioritize our accessibility efforts.
• Staying Up-to-Date: We stay up-to-date on the latest accessibility standards and technologies. This allows us to implement the most effective accessibility solutions and to ensure that our website remains accessible over time.
• Content Review: We regularly review and update our website content to ensure that it is accurate, clear, and accessible. This includes checking for broken links, updating outdated information, and ensuring that all content is written in plain language.
• Technology Updates: We keep our website's underlying technologies up-to-date, which often includes built-in accessibility enhancements and improved compatibility with assistive technologies.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Thespian Arts Academy's website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us. You can reach our Accessibility Coordinator, Ms. Beatrice Alvarez, at accessibility@thespianartsacademy.com or by phone at (213) 555-2323, extension 112. Please provide specific details about the issue you encountered, including the web page address and the assistive technology you were using.

We are committed to responding to accessibility feedback in a timely manner and to taking appropriate action to address any issues identified. Our goal is to provide a website that is accessible to all users, and your feedback is essential to helping us achieve that goal.

Reporting an Issue

If you encounter an accessibility issue while using our website, please provide the following information when contacting us:

• The web page URL where you encountered the issue.
• A description of the accessibility problem.
• The type of assistive technology you were using (e.g., screen reader, screen magnifier).
• Your operating system and browser version.

This information will help us to better understand the issue and to resolve it more effectively.

Third-Party Content

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or content that is not under our control. We are not responsible for the accessibility of third-party content and encourage users to contact the third-party directly if they encounter any accessibility issues.

Alternative Access

If you are unable to access certain content or features on our website due to an accessibility barrier, please contact us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an alternative way to access the information or service you need. This may include providing documents in alternative formats (e.g., large print, Braille) or offering assistance over the phone.

Legal Compliance

The Thespian Arts Academy is committed to complying with all applicable accessibility laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. We will continue to monitor and update our website to ensure that it meets these standards.