Accessibility Statement
Our commitment to providing an accessible wildfire tracking platform for all users
Accessibility Commitment
Eye on the Fire is committed to ensuring that our wildfire tracking platform is accessible to everyone, including users with disabilities. We believe that life-saving emergency information should be available to all members of our community.
Our Accessibility Standards
We strive to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for digital accessibility.
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
We follow international standards for web accessibility, ensuring our platform works with assistive technologies and provides multiple ways to access information.
ADA Compliance
Our platform is designed to meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act for digital services.
Section 508
We incorporate Section 508 standards to ensure compatibility with federal accessibility requirements.
Emergency Accessibility
Special consideration is given to accessibility during emergency situations when information access is most critical.
Accessibility Features
Screen Reader Compatibility
- Semantic HTML markup for proper content structure
- ARIA labels and landmarks for navigation
- Alt text for all informative images and icons
- Live regions for dynamic content updates
- Descriptive headings and page structure
- Skip links for efficient navigation
Keyboard Navigation
- Full keyboard accessibility without mouse dependency
- Visible focus indicators on all interactive elements
- Logical tab order throughout the interface
- Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
- Escape key functionality for closing dialogs
- Enter and Space key support for custom buttons
Keyboard Shortcuts
Visual Accessibility
- High contrast color schemes that meet WCAG standards
- Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text
- Minimum 3:1 contrast ratio for large text and graphics
- Color is not the only means of conveying information
- Scalable text up to 200% without horizontal scrolling
- Support for browser zoom up to 500%
- Distinct focus indicators with sufficient contrast
Motor Accessibility
- Large touch targets (minimum 44px) for mobile users
- Adequate spacing between clickable elements
- Support for alternative input methods
- Drag and drop interactions have keyboard alternatives
- No time limits on critical safety information
- Gesture-based interactions have alternative methods
Cognitive Accessibility
- Clear, consistent navigation throughout the platform
- Simple, plain language for emergency instructions
- Consistent layout and design patterns
- Error messages with clear instructions for correction
- Important information is prominently displayed
- Progress indicators for multi-step processes
- Help text and tooltips for complex features
Emergency Accessibility Considerations
During wildfire emergencies, accessibility becomes even more critical. We have implemented special features for emergency situations:
Emergency Alerts
- Screen Reader Announcements: Critical alerts are announced immediately to screen reader users
- Visual Alerts: High-contrast emergency banners with clear iconography
- Multiple Notification Methods: Information provided through visual, auditory, and text formats
- Persistent Alerts: Emergency information remains accessible even during navigation
Evacuation Information
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, numbered evacuation procedures
- Priority Information: Most critical information presented first
- Multiple Formats: Information available in text, audio, and visual formats
- Offline Access: Critical safety information works without internet connection
Assistive Technology Compatibility
Our platform has been tested with various assistive technologies to ensure broad compatibility:
Screen Readers
- NVDA (Windows) - Full compatibility
- JAWS (Windows) - Full compatibility
- VoiceOver (macOS/iOS) - Full compatibility
- TalkBack (Android) - Full compatibility
- Orca (Linux) - Basic compatibility
Browser Compatibility
- Chrome - Full accessibility features supported
- Firefox - Full accessibility features supported
- Safari - Full accessibility features supported
- Edge - Full accessibility features supported
- Mobile Browsers - Optimized for mobile accessibility
Other Assistive Technologies
- Voice recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
- Switch navigation devices
- Eye-tracking systems
- Alternative keyboards and input devices
Ongoing Accessibility Efforts
Regular Testing and Audits
- Automated Testing: Continuous accessibility testing with tools like axe-core
- Manual Testing: Regular testing with actual assistive technologies
- User Testing: Feedback sessions with users who have disabilities
- Expert Reviews: Periodic audits by accessibility consultants
Staff Training
- Accessibility awareness training for all development staff
- Regular updates on accessibility best practices
- User experience training focused on inclusive design
- Emergency response accessibility protocols
Continuous Improvement
- Monthly accessibility reviews of new features
- User feedback integration into development processes
- Regular updates to meet evolving accessibility standards
- Accessibility considerations in all design decisions
Known Accessibility Limitations
While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge some current limitations that we are actively working to address:
Interactive Map Features
- Current Limitation: Some map interactions may be challenging for users with motor disabilities
- Workaround: Alternative text-based fire information is provided
- Timeline: Enhanced map accessibility planned for Q2 2025
Real-Time Data Updates
- Current Limitation: Frequent data updates may be disruptive to some screen readers
- Workaround: Users can pause live updates in settings
- Timeline: Improved live region management in development
Complex Data Visualizations
- Current Limitation: Some data charts may not be fully accessible
- Workaround: Data tables with the same information are provided
- Timeline: Enhanced chart accessibility planned for Q3 2025
Third-Party Accessibility
Our platform integrates with several third-party services that may have their own accessibility considerations:
- Map Services: We provide alternative text-based location information
- Emergency Contacts: Direct links to accessible emergency services
- Social Media: Alternative communication methods available
- Advertising Partners: We work with partners to ensure accessible ad content
Accessibility Feedback
Your feedback helps us improve accessibility for everyone. Please let us know about:
- Accessibility barriers you encounter
- Features that work well for you
- Suggestions for improvement
- Assistive technology compatibility issues
Accessibility Support
If you encounter accessibility barriers or need assistance using our platform, please contact our accessibility team:
Contact Methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-800-FIRE-AID (1-800-347-3243)
- TTY: 711 (Relay Service)
- Mail: Eye on the Fire, LLC
Attn: Accessibility Team
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Response Times:
- Emergency Assistance: Same business day
- General Accessibility Issues: Within 2 business days
- Feature Requests: Within 5 business days
- Technical Support: Within 1 business day
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Legal Compliance
Eye on the Fire is committed to compliance with applicable accessibility laws and regulations:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): We comply with Title III requirements for digital accessibility
- Section 508: Our platform meets Section 508 standards for federal accessibility
- EN 301 549: We follow European accessibility standards for digital services
- AODA: Compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Statement Updates
This accessibility statement is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our current accessibility status and ongoing improvements.
Last Updated: January 1, 2025
Next Review: June 1, 2025
Our Promise
We are committed to providing equal access to life-saving wildfire information for all users. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement for us—it's a fundamental part of our mission to protect communities through inclusive emergency preparedness.