Accessibility Statement

Last updated: November 2024

Our Commitment

The International Shellfish Restoration Society (ISRS) 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.

Standards We Follow

We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities, and user-friendly for everyone.

Our Efforts Include:

• Semantic HTML - We use proper heading structures, landmarks, and semantic elements to help screen readers navigate our content
• Keyboard Navigation - All functionality is accessible via keyboard for users who cannot use a mouse
• Color Contrast - We maintain sufficient color contrast ratios for text and interactive elements
• Alternative Text - Images include descriptive alt text for screen reader users
• Responsive Design - Our website adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels
• Clear Language - We use plain language and avoid jargon where possible
• Form Labels - All form fields have associated labels for assistive technology
• Skip Links - Skip navigation links allow keyboard users to bypass repetitive content

Known Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, some areas of our website may have limitations:

• Some older PDF documents may not be fully accessible. We are working to remediate these files.
• Third-party content (embedded maps, social media feeds) may have their own accessibility limitations.
• Some interactive data visualizations may not be fully accessible to screen readers.

Assistive Technologies

Our website is designed to be compatible with:

• Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
• Screen magnification software
• Speech recognition software
• Keyboard-only navigation
• Browser accessibility extensions

Conference Accessibility

For in-person ISRS events and conferences, we provide:

• Wheelchair-accessible venues
• Sign language interpretation upon advance request
• Large-print materials upon request
• Reserved seating for attendees with mobility needs
• Dietary accommodation options for conference meals

Please contact us at least two weeks before any event to arrange specific accommodations.

Feedback and Contact

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

When contacting us about an accessibility issue, please include:

• The web address (URL) of the content
• A description of the issue you encountered
• The assistive technology you are using (if any)
• Your contact information so we can follow up

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days and will work with you to find a solution.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to ongoing accessibility improvements. Our team regularly:

• Conducts accessibility audits of new and existing content
• Tests with assistive technologies
• Trains staff on accessibility best practices
• Reviews and updates this statement annually