Accessibility Statement

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

We strive to create an inclusive digital experience by:

• Designing our website with accessibility in mind from the ground up
• Following established web accessibility guidelines and best practices
• Regularly reviewing and improving our digital content for accessibility
• Providing alternative formats and accommodations when requested
• Training our team on accessibility principles and inclusive design

2. Standards We Aim to Meet

Our website aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, an internationally recognized standard for web accessibility developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

These guidelines help make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities, including:

• Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
• Hearing impairments
• Motor or mobility impairments
• Cognitive and learning disabilities
• Speech disabilities

3. Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

• Semantic HTML: Properly structured headings, landmarks, and content hierarchy for screen reader navigation
• Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Alternative text: Descriptive alt text for images and graphics
• Color contrast: Sufficient contrast between text and background colors for readability
• Resizable text: Text can be resized without loss of functionality
• Clear focus indicators: Visible focus states for keyboard navigation
• Consistent navigation: Predictable and consistent navigation structure throughout the site
• Form labels: Clear labels and instructions for all form fields

4. Known Limitations

While we work hard to ensure accessibility, we recognize that our website may not be perfect. Some areas where we are actively working to improve include:

• Some older content may not fully meet current accessibility standards
• Third-party embedded content (such as maps or payment forms) may have accessibility limitations beyond our control
• Some PDF documents may not be fully accessible and are being converted to alternative formats

We are committed to addressing these issues and continuously improving the accessibility of our digital content.

5. Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to be compatible with common assistive technologies, including:

• Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
• Screen magnification software
• Speech recognition software
• Keyboard-only navigation
• Alternative input devices

We test our website with various assistive technologies and browsers to ensure broad compatibility.

6. Requesting Accommodations or Alternative Formats

If you encounter barriers while using our website or need information in an alternative format, we are here to help. We can provide:

• Information in large print
• Plain text versions of documents
• Information read aloud over the phone
• Assistance completing forms or applications
• Email or print versions of web content

To request an accommodation or alternative format, please contact us at seedandspoonnj@gmail.com. Please include:

• A description of the specific information or page you need
• Your preferred format (large print, audio, plain text, etc.)
• Your contact information

We will respond to your request as quickly as possible, typically within 3-5 business days.

7. Reporting Accessibility Issues

If you encounter an accessibility barrier on our website, please let us know. Your feedback helps us identify issues and improve our site for everyone.

When reporting an issue, please include:

• The web page or feature where you encountered the problem
• A description of the issue and how it affects your ability to access the content
• The assistive technology or browser you were using (if applicable)
• Any error messages you received

Contact us at seedandspoonnj@gmail.com with the subject line "Accessibility Issue" to report a problem.

8. Ongoing Efforts and Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time project. We are continuously working to:

• Conduct regular accessibility audits of our website
• Test with real users who rely on assistive technology
• Update our content and design to meet evolving accessibility standards
• Train staff and volunteers on accessible content creation
• Incorporate accessibility into all new features and content

We view accessibility not just as compliance, but as a fundamental part of serving our community with dignity and respect.

9. Physical Accessibility

In addition to digital accessibility, we are committed to ensuring physical access to our programs and services:

• Distribution sites with accessible parking and entrances
• Alternative service delivery options (home delivery, curbside pickup)
• Assistance with carrying food boxes or navigating facilities
• Communication support for people with hearing or speech disabilities

If you need accommodations to access our in-person services, please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

10. External Resources

For more information about web accessibility and assistive technology, we recommend these resources:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): W3C's international standard for web accessibility
• WebAIM: Resources and training on web accessibility
• Accessible Technology Coalition: Advocacy and resources for digital accessibility

11. Contact Us

We welcome feedback and questions about the accessibility of our website and services.

Seed & Spoon NJ
Email: seedandspoonnj@gmail.com

We take accessibility seriously and are committed to ensuring that everyone can access the information and resources they need. Thank you for helping us create a more inclusive digital experience.