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Ember Thomas

Accessibility Statement

Introduction:

I am committed to ensuring that my website and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. I believe everyone deserves equal access to mental health resources and support, regardless of their abilities.

This statement outlines the accessibility features of this website and my ongoing efforts to improve access for all users.

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1. My Commitment to Accessibility

I strive to provide:

  • A website that meets or exceeds accessibility standards

  • Content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust

  • Services that accommodate diverse needs and abilities

  • Continuous improvements based on user feedback

Accessibility is not a one-time effort—it's an ongoing commitment. I regularly review and update this website to ensure it remains accessible to all visitors.

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2. Accessibility Standards

This website aims to conform to:

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (U.S. federal accessibility standards)

  • ADA Title III requirements for digital accessibility

What this means:

  • Content is accessible via keyboard navigation

  • Screen readers can navigate and understand all content

  • Sufficient color contrast for readability

  • Text can be resized without losing functionality

  • Alternative text provided for images

  • Captions and transcripts for multimedia (when applicable)

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3. Accessible Features of This Website

Navigation:

  • Clear, consistent navigation menu on all pages

  • Logical tab order for keyboard users

  • Skip navigation links to jump to main content

  • Breadcrumb navigation where applicable

Content:

  • Semantic HTML structure (proper use of headings, lists, labels)

  • Descriptive link text ("Read more about therapy services" not "Click here")

  • Simple, clear language avoiding unnecessary jargon

  • Text formatted for easy scanning (headings, short paragraphs, bullet points)

Visual Design:

  • Minimum font size of 16px for body text

  • High contrast between text and background (meets WCAG AA standards)

  • Text can be resized up to 200% without breaking layout

  • No content relies solely on color to convey meaning

  • Focus indicators visible when navigating by keyboard

Forms:

  • All form fields have clear, descriptive labels

  • Required fields clearly marked

  • Error messages are clear and helpful

  • Forms can be completed using only a keyboard

Multimedia:

  • Alternative text (alt text) for all meaningful images

  • Decorative images marked as such for screen readers

  • Videos include captions (when applicable)

  • Audio content includes transcripts (when applicable)

Interactive Elements:

  • All buttons and links are keyboard accessible

  • Interactive elements have visible focus states

  • Touch targets are large enough for mobile users (minimum 44x44 pixels)

  • No content relies on hover-only interactions

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4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

This website has been tested with:

Screen Readers:

  • JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

  • VoiceOver (macOS and iOS)

  • TalkBack (Android)

Browsers:

  • Chrome

  • Firefox

  • Safari

  • Microsoft Edge

Operating Systems:

  • Windows 10 and 11

  • macOS

  • iOS

  • Android

Other Assistive Technologies:

  • Screen magnification software

  • Speech recognition software

  • Alternative input devices

If you experience difficulty using assistive technology on this site, please contact me so I can address the issue.

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5. Known Limitations

While I strive for full accessibility, there may be some limitations:

Third-Party Content:

  • Some embedded content (maps, scheduling widgets, payment processors) may be controlled by third parties

  • I work only with vendors that prioritize accessibility

  • If you have difficulty with third-party tools, please contact me for alternative options

Older Content:

  • Some legacy documents or older blog posts may not meet current accessibility standards

  • I am working to update these materials progressively

  • If you need an accessible version of any content, please request it

PDF Documents:

  • I aim to make all PDFs accessible with proper tagging and structure

  • If you encounter an inaccessible PDF, contact me for an alternative format (Word, plain text, HTML)

Images:

  • Stock photos and client-submitted images may occasionally lack optimal alt text

  • I continuously review and improve image descriptions

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6. Alternative Formats

If you need content in an alternative format, I can provide:

  • Large print documents

  • Plain text versions of web pages

  • Audio recordings of written content

  • Screen-reader-friendly document formats

  • Simplified language versions

To request an alternative format:

I will respond within 2 business days and provide the requested format as quickly as possible.

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7. Accessibility in My Practice

Beyond the website, I am committed to accessible services:

Physical Office:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance and facilities

  • Accessible parking available

  • Elevator access to office suite

  • Quiet, low-sensory waiting area available upon request

  • Service animals welcome

Virtual Sessions:

  • HIPAA-compliant video platform with accessibility features

  • Closed captioning available for virtual sessions

  • Flexible communication options (video, phone, chat)

Communication:

  • Documents can be provided in accessible formats

  • Visual aids, written summaries, or recordings available upon request

  • Flexible appointment scheduling for those with disabilities

  • ASL interpreter can be arranged (advance notice required)

If you have specific accessibility needs, please let me know during scheduling so I can accommodate you.

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8. Feedback & Contact

Your feedback helps me improve accessibility.

If you:

  • Encounter an accessibility barrier on this website

  • Need content in an alternative format

  • Have suggestions for improving accessibility

  • Experience difficulty accessing my services

Please contact me:

Ember Thomas, LCSW
Email: [hello@emberthomas.com]
Phone: [(555) 123-4567]
Contact Form: [/contact]

When reporting an accessibility issue, please include:

  • The page or feature you were trying to access

  • The assistive technology you're using (if applicable)

  • A description of the problem

  • Your contact information so I can follow up

I will respond within 2 business days and work to resolve the issue promptly.

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9. Third-Party Accessibility

This website may link to or embed content from third-party services:

Services Used:

  • Website hosting: [Wix/Squarespace/etc.]

  • Scheduling system: [Calendly/Acuity/etc.]

  • Payment processing: [Stripe/Square/etc.]

  • Maps: [Google Maps]

  • Analytics: [Google Analytics]

I select vendors based on their accessibility commitments, but I don't have full control over their platforms.

If you encounter accessibility issues with third-party services:

  • Contact me for alternative solutions

  • I can provide manual scheduling via phone or email

  • Payment can be processed via alternative methods

  • Directions can be provided in text format

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10. Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is a continuous process. My current efforts include:

Regular Audits:

  • Quarterly accessibility testing with automated tools

  • Annual review with accessibility consultants

  • User testing with people who use assistive technologies

Staff Training:

  • Ongoing education about accessibility best practices

  • Training on serving clients with diverse abilities

  • Updates on new accessibility standards and guidelines

Technology Updates:

  • Regular website updates to maintain compatibility

  • Testing with new assistive technology versions

  • Monitoring for accessibility issues after updates

Community Engagement:

  • Seeking feedback from users with disabilities

  • Partnering with disability advocacy organizations

  • Staying informed about accessibility trends and needs

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11. Compliance & Standards

This accessibility statement reflects:

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance goals

  • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance

  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

  • Professional ethical obligations to provide accessible services

Testing & Validation:

  • Automated testing with tools like WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse

  • Manual testing with keyboard navigation

  • Screen reader testing (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)

  • Color contrast validation

  • Mobile accessibility testing

Last Comprehensive Audit: [Date]
Next Scheduled Audit: [Date]

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12. Grievance Procedure

If you believe this website or my services are not accessible:

Step 1: Contact Me

  • Report the issue via email, phone, or contact form

  • I will respond within 2 business days

  • Most issues can be resolved quickly through direct communication

Step 2: Formal Complaint (if unresolved)

  • Submit a written complaint describing:

    • The accessibility barrier

    • How it impacts your ability to access services

    • Steps you've taken to resolve it

    • Your proposed solution (if any)

Step 3: Resolution

  • I will investigate within 5 business days

  • Provide a written response with:

    • Findings of the investigation

    • Steps I will take to address the issue

    • Timeline for resolution

External Resources:

  • [State] Attorney General's Office - Civil Rights Division

  • U.S. Department of Justice - ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301

  • Disability Rights [State]: [website/phone]

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13. Resources

For more information about web accessibility:

For assistive technology resources:

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14. Updates to This Statement

This accessibility statement will be updated:

  • When significant changes are made to the website

  • When new accessibility features are added

  • When accessibility issues are identified and resolved

  • At least annually to reflect ongoing improvements

The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent review.

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Commitment:

I am committed to making my website and services accessible to all people, regardless of ability. Accessibility is integral to my practice values of inclusivity, dignity, and respect for every individual.

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Thank you for helping me improve accessibility by sharing your feedback and experiences.

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