Our Commitment to Accessibility
At Thespian Academy, we firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should have equal access to information and services. As such, we are dedicated to ensuring that our website, www.thespianacademy.com, is accessible to the widest possible audience. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our site to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, which are internationally recognized benchmarks for web accessibility.
Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance; we strive to create a user-friendly experience that caters to diverse needs and preferences. We understand that accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are committed to regular evaluation and improvement to maintain a high level of accessibility.
Accessibility Features Implemented
To ensure our website is accessible, we have implemented a variety of features and techniques, including:
- Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML elements to structure our content logically, making it easier for assistive technologies like screen readers to interpret and navigate the site.
- Alternative Text for Images: All images on our website have descriptive alternative text, allowing users who cannot see the images to understand their content and purpose. For example, our images showing acting classes have alt-text like "Students practicing acting techniques in class".
- Keyboard Navigation: Our website can be navigated entirely using a keyboard, ensuring that users who cannot use a mouse can still access all content and functionality.
- Color Contrast: We have carefully selected color combinations that provide sufficient contrast between text and background, making it easier for users with visual impairments to read the content.
- Resizable Text: Users can easily increase or decrease the text size on our website without losing content or functionality.
- Clear and Consistent Navigation: Our navigation is designed to be clear, consistent, and easy to use, helping users quickly find the information they need.
- Form Accessibility: Our forms are designed to be accessible to users with disabilities, with clear labels, instructions, and error messages.
- 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.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: We regularly test our website with screen readers to ensure it is compatible and provides a smooth and intuitive experience.
Specific Accessibility Efforts
Thespian Academy has undertaken several specific initiatives to enhance the accessibility of our online presence. These include:
- Website Redesign: A comprehensive redesign of the website was undertaken in 2024 to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines. This included a thorough audit of existing content and code, followed by extensive revisions to improve accessibility.
- Ongoing Training: Our web development and content creation teams receive ongoing training on accessibility best practices to ensure that new content and features are accessible from the outset.
- User Testing: We conduct regular user testing with individuals with disabilities to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
- Accessibility Audits: We partner with accessibility experts to conduct regular audits of our website and identify any remaining accessibility barriers.
Known Limitations
Despite our best efforts, there may be some limitations in the accessibility of our website. For example, some older documents may not be fully accessible. We are committed to addressing these limitations as quickly as possible.
Feedback and Contact Information
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:
- Email: accessibility@thespianacademy.com
- Phone: +1-555-ACCESSIBLE (555-222-3774)
- Address: Accessibility Department, Thespian Academy, 42 Maple Street, Springfield, IL 62704
We strive to respond to accessibility inquiries within two business days and will work with you to resolve any issues you may encounter.
Third-Party Content
Our website may contain content provided by third parties, such as embedded videos or social media feeds. While we make every effort to ensure that third-party content is accessible, we cannot guarantee that it will always meet the same accessibility standards as our own content. We encourage users to contact the third-party provider directly if they encounter any accessibility barriers.
Browser Compatibility
Our website is designed to be compatible with a wide range of browsers and assistive technologies. We recommend using the latest versions of your preferred browser and assistive technology to ensure the best possible experience.
Ongoing Efforts
Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our website. We will continue to monitor our website, conduct regular audits, and incorporate user feedback to ensure that it remains accessible to everyone. We will update this accessibility statement as needed to reflect any changes in our accessibility efforts.
Alternative Formats
If you require content from our website in an alternative format, such as large print or Braille, please contact us using the contact information provided above. We will do our best to provide the content in a format that meets your needs.
Enforcement Procedure
Thespian Academy has established a formal procedure for addressing accessibility complaints. If you believe that our website has failed to meet accessibility standards, please submit a written complaint to our Accessibility Department. We will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to address any accessibility barriers identified.