Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Working with Epilepsy, Inc. is committed to ensuring that our website at https://workingwithepilepsy.org is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. We believe that accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of creating an inclusive digital environment that serves our mission of empowering professionals with epilepsy.

Working with Epilepsy, Inc. is an equal opportunity organization committed to accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for all community members. We welcome partnerships that align with our mission of transforming professional opportunities for people with epilepsy and chronic illness.

Accessibility Standards

Our Target Standards

This internationally recognized standard helps ensure that our website is accessible to users with various disabilities, including:

• Visual disabilities (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
• Hearing disabilities (deafness, hearing loss)
• Motor disabilities (inability to use a mouse, slow response time, limited fine motor control)
• Cognitive disabilities (learning disabilities, distractibility, inability to remember or focus)

Enhanced Standards for Our Community

Given our focus on the epilepsy community, we implement additional considerations:

• Photosensitive Epilepsy Protection: We avoid content that could trigger seizures, including flashing elements, rapid transitions, or high-contrast animations
• Cognitive Accessibility: We use clear, straightforward language and consistent navigation patterns
• Stress Reduction: Our design minimizes elements that could cause anxiety or confusion

Current Accessibility Features

Technical Accessibility

• Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Our content is structured for assistive technologies
• Color Contrast: Text meets or exceeds WCAG AA contrast requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
• Responsive Design: Our website adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels up to 200%
• Semantic HTML Structure: Proper heading hierarchy and meaningful page structure

Content Accessibility

• Clear Language: We use plain language principles and avoid unnecessary jargon
• Descriptive Links: Link text clearly describes the destination or function
• Alternative Text: All meaningful images include descriptive alt text
• Consistent Navigation: Our navigation structure remains consistent across all pages
• Error Prevention: Forms include clear instructions and validation messages

UserWay Accessibility Widget

We have implemented the UserWay accessibility widget to provide additional accessibility features:

• Text Size Adjustment: Increase or decrease text size for better readability
• Color Adjustments: High contrast, inverted colors, and grayscale options
• Navigation Assistance: Keyboard navigation highlighting and screen reader optimizations
• Reading Tools: Text-to-speech functionality and reading guides
• Seizure Safe Profile: Automatically eliminates flashing and reduces color to protect users with photosensitive epilepsy

Known Limitations and Ongoing Improvements

Current Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge some areas for ongoing improvement:

• Third-Party Content: Some embedded content from external sources may not meet our full accessibility standards
• Legacy Content: Older content is being systematically reviewed and updated for accessibility compliance
• Complex Interactions: Some advanced features may require additional accessibility enhancements

Planned Improvements

Our ongoing accessibility roadmap includes:

• Regular accessibility audits using both automated tools and manual testing
• User testing with members of the disability community
• Staff training on accessibility best practices
• Continuous monitoring and improvement of accessibility features

Testing and Validation

Our Testing Methods

We regularly test our website accessibility through:

• Automated Testing: Using tools like WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse to identify technical issues
• Manual Testing: Keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing, and color contrast verification
• User Testing: Feedback from users with disabilities, including our community members
• Expert Review: Professional accessibility audits when resources permit

Testing Environment

Our accessibility testing covers:

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and mobile browsers
• Screen Readers: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack
• Devices: Desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones
• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Feedback and Support

Accessibility Feedback

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our website. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please let us know:

What to Include in Your Feedback

To help us address accessibility issues quickly, please include:

• The specific page or feature where you encountered the barrier
• A description of the accessibility problem
• The browser, device, and assistive technology you were using
• Any error messages you received

Our Response Commitment

We will:

• Acknowledge your feedback within 2 business days
• Investigate the reported issue promptly
• Provide updates on our progress toward resolution
• Implement fixes or workarounds as quickly as possible

Alternative Access

If you cannot access content due to accessibility barriers, we can provide information in alternative formats:

• Email: Send content directly via email
• Phone: Discuss content over the phone at (332) 264-5352
• Mail: Provide printed materials upon request
• Video Call: Schedule a consultation to discuss resources

Accessibility Training and Awareness

Staff Training

Our team receives training on:

• Web accessibility principles and WCAG guidelines
• Accessible content creation and document formatting
• Testing methods and assistive technology usage
• Inclusive design principles

Community Education

We are committed to promoting accessibility awareness within the epilepsy community by:

• Sharing accessibility resources and best practices
• Advocating for accessibility in workplace accommodations
• Providing guidance on accessible communication methods

Legal and Compliance Information

Applicable Standards

Our accessibility efforts align with:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III requirements
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for equal access
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA
• New York State accessibility requirements

Compliance Monitoring

We monitor compliance through:

• Regular internal accessibility reviews
• Tracking accessibility metrics and user feedback
• Staying current with evolving accessibility standards and regulations
• Participating in accessibility community discussions and training

Contact Information

Accessibility Support

For accessibility questions, feedback, or alternative format requests:

General Contact

For general questions about our services:

• Website: https://workingwithepilepsy.org/contact
• Email: [email protected]

Legal Contact

Corporate Secretary:
The Reverend Deacon Andrew P. Jones
Email: [email protected]

Updates to This Statement

This accessibility statement will be updated as we make improvements to our website and as accessibility standards evolve. We review this statement at least annually and update it whenever we make significant changes to our website or accessibility features.

Recent Updates

• August 29, 2025: Initial accessibility statement published