Accessibility Statement

Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Last Updated: July 7, 2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Child Arise Tennessee is committed to ensuring that our digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to information, services, and opportunities, regardless of their abilities or the technologies they use.

2. Accessibility Goals and Standards

We are working toward conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. While we have not yet achieved full compliance, we are committed to ongoing improvement to make our website more accessible for people with disabilities.

We recognize our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are taking steps to improve our digital accessibility. We welcome feedback and work with individuals to provide reasonable accommodations.

3. Current Accessibility Features

We are actively working to implement accessibility features on our website. Currently implemented features include:

3.1 Website Accessibility

• Modern responsive design that works across devices
• Alternative text for main images and graphics
• Basic keyboard navigation for form elements
• Scalable text using browser zoom functionality
• Descriptive page titles and headings
• Structured HTML markup
• Form labels for input fields
• Consistent navigation structure
• Focus indicators on interactive elements

3.2 Communication Accessibility

• Multiple communication channels (phone, email)
• Readable fonts and clear typography
• Standard document formats that work with assistive technology
• Alternative communication methods available upon request
• Staff trained to communicate clearly and patiently

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

We strive to ensure our website works with common assistive technologies. While we cannot guarantee compatibility with all devices, we work to support:

• Standard browser accessibility features
• Basic screen reader functionality
• Keyboard navigation for essential functions
• Browser zoom and magnification tools
• Voice control software for basic navigation
• Mobile accessibility features

5. Service Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to making our services accessible and will work with individuals to provide reasonable accommodations:

5.1 Accommodation Approach

• We evaluate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis
• Flexible meeting locations when needed
• Alternative communication methods available
• Staff trained to work with diverse accessibility needs
• Collaboration with community accessibility resources

5.2 Program Accommodations

• Individualized accommodation planning
• Materials in alternative formats when requested
• Flexible program scheduling
• Referrals to accessibility specialists when appropriate
• Ongoing assessment of accessibility barriers

6. Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

We continuously work to improve accessibility through:

• Regular accessibility audits and testing
• Staff training on accessibility best practices
• User feedback and testing with disability communities
• Implementation of accessibility features in new developments
• Collaboration with accessibility experts and consultants
• Staying current with accessibility standards and guidelines

7. Current Accessibility Limitations

We acknowledge that our website and services may not yet meet all accessibility standards. We are working to improve but currently have limitations including:

• Limited screen reader optimization for complex page layouts
• Third-party embedded content (donation forms, social media) may not be fully accessible
• Some images may lack comprehensive alternative text descriptions
• Advanced keyboard navigation features are still being implemented
• Color contrast may not meet WCAG AA standards in all areas
• Video content currently lacks captions and audio descriptions
• Mobile accessibility features are basic and being improved

8. Third-Party Content

Our website may contain content from third-party providers (such as donation platforms, social media widgets, or embedded videos). While we strive to ensure all content meets accessibility standards, we may not have complete control over third-party accessibility features. We actively work with vendors to improve accessibility of all integrated services.

9. Browser and Device Compatibility

Our website is designed to work across various browsers and devices:

• Modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Mobile devices (iOS and Android)
• Tablet devices
• Desktop computers

10. Requesting Accommodations

If you need accommodations to access our services or if you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us. We will work with you to provide the information, services, or assistance you need in an accessible format. Accommodations may include:

• Alternative document formats
• Sign language interpretation
• Assistive listening devices
• Large print materials
• Audio recordings
• Personal assistance services

11. Feedback and Complaints

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our services. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know. We take all feedback seriously and use it to improve our accessibility efforts.

12. Accessibility Training

Our staff and volunteers receive training on accessibility awareness, including how to interact respectfully with people with disabilities, how to use accessibility features, and how to identify and address accessibility barriers in our services.

13. Alternative Access Methods

If you are unable to access our digital services due to accessibility barriers, we offer alternative ways to access our information and services:

• Phone consultations
• In-person meetings
• Email correspondence
• Printed materials
• Audio recordings

14. Legal Compliance Commitment

Child Arise Tennessee is committed to complying with applicable accessibility laws and standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While we are working toward full compliance, we acknowledge that our current implementation may not meet all requirements. We are actively improving our accessibility and welcome feedback to help us better serve individuals with disabilities. If you encounter barriers, please contact us so we can work together to find solutions.

15. Contact Information

For accessibility questions, accommodation requests, or to report accessibility barriers:

We aim to respond to accessibility inquiries within 48 hours during business days.

16. Updates to This Statement

We regularly review and update this accessibility statement to reflect current practices and improvements. This statement will be updated whenever we make significant changes to our accessibility features or policies.