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Important Disclaimer:
This is an open source template project and is not an official project of the United States Government. This was created as a weekend project to help developers build federally compliant websites more easily.

About this template:
This template helps developers create websites that follow the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) standards. It provides a starting point for building accessible, mobile-friendly government websites. The template is released under the CC0 license, making it free to use, modify, and distribute.

View on GitHub: https://github.com/williamzujkowski/uswds-11ty-template

Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

USWDS 11ty Template Contributors is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

Our Commitment

We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities and user-friendly for everyone.

Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

  • Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements can be accessed using only a keyboard
  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Content is structured to work with assistive technologies
  • Alternative Text: Images include descriptive alt text when relevant to content
  • Color Contrast: Text and background colors meet WCAG contrast requirements
  • Resizable Text: Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of functionality
  • Clear Navigation: Consistent navigation structure and descriptive link text
  • Form Labels: All form inputs have clear, descriptive labels
  • Skip Links: Skip navigation links for keyboard users
  • Semantic Markup: HTML is structured to convey meaning and context

Standards Compliance

Our website is designed to comply with:

Federal Requirements

  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Federal accessibility requirements
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Non-discrimination requirements
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Equal access requirements

Technical Standards

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
  • HTML5 Semantic Standards: Proper markup for assistive technologies
  • ARIA Standards: Accessible Rich Internet Applications specifications

Accessibility Testing

We regularly test our website accessibility through:

  • Automated Testing: Continuous monitoring with accessibility testing tools
  • Manual Testing: Regular reviews by accessibility specialists
  • Screen Reader Testing: Testing with popular screen reading software
  • Keyboard Navigation Testing: Ensuring all functionality works without a mouse
  • User Testing: Feedback from users with disabilities
  • Code Reviews: Developer training and accessibility code reviews

Known Issues

We are aware of the following accessibility issues and are working to address them:

Currently, we are not aware of any significant accessibility barriers on this website. If you encounter any issues, please report them using the contact information below.

Assistive Technologies

This website has been tested with the following assistive technologies:

Screen Readers

  • JAWS (Job Access With Speech) - Windows
  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) - Windows
  • VoiceOver - macOS and iOS
  • TalkBack - Android

Browsers

  • Internet Explorer 11+ with JAWS
  • Firefox with NVDA
  • Safari with VoiceOver
  • Chrome with screen readers
  • Edge with screen readers

Third-Party Content

Some content on our website may be provided by third-party services. While we strive to ensure all content meets accessibility standards, we may not have complete control over third-party accessibility features. We work with vendors to address accessibility issues when they are identified.

Feedback and Contact Information

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please let us know:

Report Accessibility Issues

USWDS 11ty Template Contributors
Email: See GitHub Issues
Phone: N/A

Open Source Project
GitHub, Repository CC0

What to Include in Your Report

When reporting accessibility issues, please provide:

  • URL of the page with the accessibility issue
  • Description of the accessibility barrier you encountered
  • Assistive Technology you were using (if applicable)
  • Browser and Version you were using
  • Operating System you were using
  • Contact Information so we can follow up with you

Response Commitment

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days. Complex issues may take longer to resolve, but we will keep you informed of our progress.

Alternative Formats

If you need information from our website in an alternative format, we can provide:

  • Large print documents
  • Audio recordings
  • Braille documents
  • Electronic text files
  • Other formats as requested

Please contact us using the information above to request alternative formats.

Accessibility Training

Our staff receives regular training on:

  • Web accessibility principles and best practices
  • Assistive technology awareness
  • Inclusive design principles
  • Section 508 and WCAG compliance requirements
  • Testing methods and tools

Ongoing Improvements

We are committed to continuous improvement of our website’s accessibility. Our efforts include:

  • Regular accessibility audits and testing
  • User feedback incorporation
  • Staff training and awareness programs
  • Technology updates and improvements
  • Policy reviews and updates

Enforcement Procedure

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may contact:

Internal Appeals

  • Agency Section 508 Coordinator
  • Agency Equal Employment Opportunity Office
  • Agency Civil Rights Office

External Complaints

  • U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
  • Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Formal Complaint Process

You have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination based on disability with:

U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division, Disability Coordination Section - 1425 NYAV
Washington, D.C. 20530

Online: ADA.gov
Phone: 800-514-0301 (Voice)
Phone: 800-514-0383 (TTY)

Resources

For more information about web accessibility:


This accessibility statement was last reviewed and updated on August 10, 2025.