Accessibility Center
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Creative West is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible spaces in the arts. We recognize accessibility is an ongoing commitment, and we rely on our team and partners to learn and implement practices that enhance the experience for all we serve in the Creative West region and beyond. Our accessibility initiatives align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. We aim to make our content accessible to those with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities.
Recent & Completed Improvements
We’re always working to improve accessibility. Here’s what we’ve recently updated:
| Date | Improvement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Menu Accessibility Issues | Updated lists to use proper semantic markups. Improved for screen readers including: - Accessing modal for additional resource menu. - Selected state of menu announced Expand and collapse elements announced. Updated so content is not lost when zoomed in at 200%. | Released |
| April 2025 | Footer Accessibility Issues | Improved color contrast for links. | Released |
| March 2025 | Updates to the Homepage | Updated hidden navigation elements to be no longer focusable. Added proper heading markups to key sections, such as Events List, Blog, and Getting Started. Updated focused items in the Events List to scroll into view. | Released |
| March 2025 | Updates to the Event Details Page | Updated hidden navigation elements to be no longer focusable. Added an accessible name to the “Favorite event” control, changed it to a button, and included an attribute to indicate its current state. | Released |
| March 2025 | Updates to the Registration | Added an accessible name to the “Remove Social Media Link” button, changed it to a button, and improved the error color contrast. Ensured proper focus order when adding social media links and associated error messages. Removed the placeholder text to prevent repetition for screen reader users. Clearly labeled required fields. Ensured proper labels for Terms and Conditions, Password, and Confirmed Password fields, and fixed the “What is your age?” label association. Connected instructions to relevant input fields. Corrected radio and checkbox group markup to include fieldset and legend. Updated the “Other” input labels to prevent confusion. | Released |
| March 2025 | General Accessible Updates | Added “Skip to Content” link for better navigation. Added a focus state to the menu icon. Updated the login/signup button focus to meet contrast guidelines. | Released |
| Jan 2025 | Labeled Required Fields in Event Editor | Updated the fields in the Event editor with the “(required)” label to help users identify the information necessary to publish their event. | Released |
| Jan 2025 | Artist Login Label Updates | Properly labeled the “Log In” heading and the “Show Password” field. | Released |
Upcoming Accessibility Improvements
Here’s what we’re actively working on to improve accessibility:
| Feature/Fix | Expected Release | Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improve Heading Structure on Profile | Q4 2025 | Improving the profile page to include headings to better understand the fields. | In Progress |
| Improve Link Styles | Q4 2025 | Improve links so they include underlines and the color contrast meets 2.1 standards. | In Progress |
| Improve Color Contrast on Application Forms | Q4 2025 | Improve the color contrast for all parts of the form to meet 2.1 standards. | Planned |
| Improve Keyboard Navigation for Application Forms | Q4 2025 | Improve the application forms so users can navigate throughout the form using a keyboard. | Planned |
| Improve Focus State on Application Forms | Q4 2025 | Improve the application forms so as users move through the site focus is clear. | Planned |
| Ensure Status & Error Messages Announced | Q4 2025 | Improve the application forms so any errors, success, and status messages are announced. | Planned |
| Improve Submission Table | Q4 2025 | Improve the submission table to help with focus order and ensure that users understand any missing elements of the form. | Planned |
| Panel UI/UX Update | Q4 2025/ Q1 2026 | Improve the layout and design of the panelist side addressing common accessibility issues. | Planned |
| Improve Heading Structure & Page Titles | 2026 | Add page titles and improve heading structure throughout the admin side. | Planned |
| Associate Labels & Error Messages with Fields | 2026 | Ensure that all fields have labels and error messages associated with the field throughout the admin side. | Planned |
| Improve Date Pickers to be Accessible | 2026 | Update date pickers to allow for typing in dates. | Planned |
| Improve Keyboard Navigation | 2026 | Improve the admin side so users can navigate and complete functionality with a keyboard. | Planned |
How to Get Support or Provide Feedback
We want to hear from you! If you experience any accessibility issues or have suggestions, please reach out:
- Email: accessibility@WeAreCreativeWest.org
- Feedback Form: Submit a Request
Creative West is committed to continuously improving our technical platforms, and we invite all users to reach out with questions, concerns, or feedback on the accessibility of our sites. Thank you for helping us create a more inclusive experience!
