Accessibility

1. Introduction

Windsor Regional Employment Network is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We strive to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level. This policy outlines our commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible online environment for all users.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all web-based content and digital services offered by Windsor Regional Employment Network, including but not limited to our website, web applications, documents, and multimedia content.

3. Accessibility Standards

Our commitment to accessibility is guided by the following principles:

a. Perceivable: We ensure that information and user interface components are presented in a way that is easy to perceive, regardless of a user’s abilities or disabilities.

b. Operable: We strive to provide functionality that can be operated by users through various input methods, including keyboard navigation, voice commands, and assistive technologies.

c. Understandable: We make efforts to ensure that content is clear, concise, and organized, making it easy for all users to understand.

d. Robust: Our web content and applications are designed to be compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies and future-proofed for evolving accessibility standards.

4. Compliance

We are committed to achieving and maintaining accessibility compliance with the AODA and WCAG 2.1 AA standards for our website and digital content. To achieve this, we will:

a. Conduct Regular Audits: Regularly review and audit our website for accessibility issues.

b. Provide Accessibility Training: Provide training to our staff involved in content creation, development, and maintenance to ensure they understand and implement accessible design and content practices.

c. Procurement: Ensure that any third-party products or services that we procure for our website meet accessibility standards or are accompanied by an accessibility statement.

d. Continuous Improvement: Continuously monitor and improve our website’s accessibility based on feedback from users and emerging best practices.

5. Accessibility Features

We have implemented the following accessibility features to enhance the user experience:

Alt text or a similar solution is used for images that convey meaning.
Color contrast is, in most instances, at least 4.5:1.
Form fields have accurate labels.
Headings are used in a logical order.
Navigation elements are consistent throughout the site.
Website can be navigated by keyboard.

6. Feedback and Contact Information

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

7. Timeline for Accessibility Compliance

We are committed to achieving and maintaining accessibility compliance as quickly as possible. A detailed accessibility timeline and progress updates will be made available on our website.

8. Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in achieving accessibility goals.

9. Accessibility Statement

To complement this policy, we will also provide an accessibility statement that describes the level of accessibility of our website, known issues, and contact information for users who require assistance.

10. Availability of Policy

This policy will be made available to the public on our website and in accessible formats upon request.

11. Conclusion

Windsor Regional Employment Network is committed to creating an inclusive digital environment for all users, and we will continue to work towards ensuring that our website and digital content are accessible to everyone, in compliance with the AODA and WCAG 2.1 AA standards.