Accessibility Statement

Commitment to Accessibility

LanieCarmelo.tech is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. As a blind, autistic website owner and advocate for accessibility, I strive to create an inclusive and welcoming online experience for everyone. My goal is to continually improve the accessibility of this website by applying relevant standards and welcoming feedback from visitors.

Standards Applied

This website aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which provides guidance on making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

Assessment Approach

The accessibility of this website has been evaluated using the following methods:

  • Self-Evaluation: I test the site using screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA (Windows), and Orca (Linux) to ensure compatibility for blind users.
  • External Feedback: Sighted visitors provide feedback on visual design elements, such as color contrast and layout, to ensure the site meets the needs of low-vision users.
  • Automated Tools: Tools like WAVE and Lighthouse are occasionally used to identify potential accessibility issues.

Compatibility with User Environments

This website is designed to work with the following combinations of web browsers, operating systems, and assistive technologies:

  • Google Chrome with JAWS or NVDA screen readers on Windows 10 or 11
  • Microsoft Edge with JAWS or NVDA screen readers on Windows 10 or 11
  • Firefox with JAWS or NVDA screen readers on Windows 10 or 11
  • Safari with VoiceOver screen reader on macOS Monterey or later
  • Google Chrome with VoiceOver screen reader on macOS Monterey or later
  • Firefox with Orca screen reader on Linux
  • Google Chrome with TalkBack screen reader on Android 11 or later
  • Safari with VoiceOver screen reader on iOS 15 or later

If you encounter issues using a different combination of browser, operating system, or assistive technology, please contact me.

Known Accessibility Limitations

Despite my best efforts, some parts of this website may not yet fully conform to WCAG standards. Known limitations include:

  1. User-Generated Media in Comments:
    Issue: Media uploaded by users in comments may lack text alternatives or descriptions.
    What I’m Doing: I monitor comments and request users to add descriptions when needed.
    What You Can Do: If you encounter inaccessible media in comments, please contact me.
  2. Captioning for Videos:
    Issue: Videos uploaded by me may only have automatic captions, which may not always be accurate.
    What I’m Doing: I strive to ensure videos are well-described and will explore better captioning solutions upon request.
    What You Can Do: If you require more accurate captions, please reach out to me.
  3. Visual Design Accessibility:
    Issue: As a blind website owner, I cannot independently verify visual design elements (e.g., color contrast).
    What I’m Doing: Sighted individuals regularly review my site for visual accessibility issues.
    What You Can Do: If you encounter visual accessibility issues, please let me know.
  4. Third-Party Plugins:
    Issue: Some third-party plugins used on this site may not fully conform to WCAG standards.
    What I’m Doing: I aim to use accessible plugins and review updates regularly.
    What You Can Do: If you experience issues with plugin functionality, please contact me so I can investigate alternatives.

Feedback Mechanism

I value your feedback! If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using this website or have suggestions for improvement, please contact me through one of the following methods:

I aim to respond within five business days and resolve issues within ten business days wherever possible. Please note that response times may vary due to my health conditions, but I will do my best to address your concerns promptly.

Date of Statement

This accessibility statement was last updated on November 27, 2024.