Accessibility Statement

Alega Preservation Institute is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all people, including those with disabilities.

Last updated: December 2024

Our Commitment

Alega Preservation Institute believes that the web should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability.

We are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website and are guided by relevant portions of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) Level AA standards.

Just as we work to preserve and protect Samoa's natural and cultural heritage for all people, we strive to ensure our digital presence is welcoming and accessible to everyone in our community.

Current Accessibility Features

Visual Accessibility

  • High contrast color scheme with WCAG AA compliant color ratios
  • Alternative text (alt tags) for all meaningful images
  • Scalable text that works with browser zoom up to 200%
  • Clear, readable fonts with appropriate sizing
  • Visual focus indicators for keyboard navigation

Keyboard Navigation

  • Full keyboard navigation support for all interactive elements
  • Logical tab order throughout the website
  • Skip links to main content areas
  • Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
  • No keyboard traps that prevent navigation

Screen Reader Support

  • Semantic HTML markup for proper document structure
  • ARIA labels and descriptions for complex elements
  • Descriptive headings that outline content structure
  • Form labels clearly associated with input fields
  • Status messages and dynamic content announcements

Motor Accessibility

  • Large clickable areas for buttons and links
  • Sufficient spacing between interactive elements
  • No time limits on content consumption
  • Drag and drop alternatives where applicable
  • Mobile-friendly touch targets

Standards and Guidelines

Our website aims to conform to the following accessibility standards and guidelines:

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA compliance
  • Section 508: U.S. federal accessibility requirements for electronic content
  • ADA Compliance: Americans with Disabilities Act digital accessibility standards
  • ARIA: Accessible Rich Internet Applications standards for dynamic content

These standards ensure that our content is:

  • Perceivable: Information can be presented in ways users can perceive
  • Operable: Interface components and navigation are operable by all users
  • Understandable: Information and UI operation are understandable
  • Robust: Content can be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents and assistive technologies

Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are continuously working to improve our website's accessibility. Our current initiatives include:

  • Regular accessibility audits and testing with assistive technologies
  • Staff training on accessibility best practices and inclusive design
  • User testing with community members who have disabilities
  • Implementation of user feedback and suggestions for improvement
  • Regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest assistive technologies
  • Review of new content and features for accessibility compliance

Third-Party Content and Services

Some content on our website may be provided by third-party services, including:

  • Social media feeds and embeds
  • Video content from external platforms
  • Donation processing systems
  • Event registration platforms
  • Maps and location services

While we work to ensure these services are accessible, their accessibility may be outside our direct control. We encourage third-party providers to maintain accessible content and will work with them to address accessibility concerns when possible.

Known Issues and Limitations

We are aware of the following accessibility challenges on our website and are working to address them:

  • Some older PDF documents may not be fully screen reader accessible (we are working to update these)
  • Certain interactive maps may have limited keyboard navigation
  • Some embedded video content may lack closed captions (we are working with content creators)
  • Image galleries may require additional navigation improvements

If you encounter any of these issues or other accessibility barriers, please contact us for assistance or alternative access methods.

Browser and Assistive Technology Support

Our website is designed to work with the following assistive technologies and browsers:

Supported Browsers:

  • Chrome (latest 2 versions)
  • Firefox (latest 2 versions)
  • Safari (latest 2 versions)
  • Edge (latest 2 versions)

Assistive Technologies:

  • NVDA (Windows)
  • JAWS (Windows)
  • VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
  • TalkBack (Android)
  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Accessibility in Our Programs

Beyond our website, Alega Preservation Institute is committed to accessibility in all our programs:

  • Educational Programs: Materials available in multiple formats and languages
  • Events: Accessible venues and accommodations upon request
  • Tours: Modified activities for different ability levels
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Flexible roles that accommodate various abilities
  • Communications: Multiple channels including visual, audio, and text formats

We encourage community members to contact us about specific accommodation needs for any of our programs or activities.

Contact Us About Accessibility

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website and programs. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

Email: accessibility@apias.org

Phone: +684-xxx-xxxx

TTY: Available upon request

Mail: Alega Preservation Institute

Accessibility Coordinator

Alega Village, Tutuila Island

American Samoa 96799

Response Time: We will respond to accessibility inquiries within 3 business days.

Alternative Formats: We can provide information in alternative formats upon request.

Interpretation: American Sign Language interpretation available with advance notice.

When contacting us about accessibility, please include a description of the specific barrier you encountered and your contact information. This helps us respond more effectively to your needs.

Formal Complaints Process

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may file a formal complaint:

  • With the U.S. Department of Justice: civilrights.justice.gov
  • With the Department of Health and Human Services: hhs.gov/civil-rights
  • For American Samoa residents: Contact the American Samoa Government's Civil Rights Office