This site was designed specifically to be accessible. There are several features on this site which all increase its level of accessibility. Most are available to those who need them — on demand. Should you have difficulties, please tell us what they are.
- Resizing Your Text.
- Resizable text content is a browser feature many web developers inadvertently disable for Internet Explorer (IE) users. Our text can be resized by using the function in your web browser — even in Internet Explorer. Try this, if you’re so equipped: Hold ctrl (or command key on a Mac) and rotate your mouse’s scroll wheel — though on IE version 7 this will trigger Zoom and not a true text enlargement. Unfortunately, IE 7 doesn’t zoom nicely like, say the Opera browser. On most browsers, including IE 7, use
View > Text Sizeon your browser. There are different ways to do this on different browsers, but by exploring your browser’s interface you should be able to find you tools or viewing controls in just a few minutes. - Keyboard Supporting Focus.
- Links and form fields were made to indicate focus to prevent you from becoming disoriented on the page if you’re using a keyboard to navigate. Links change to their hover state when focused upon and form fields change in a couple of ways. This is of infinite use for keyboard users.
- Jump or Skip Links.
- We’ve added hidden “jump links” which will reveal themselves when needed. Want to see what we mean? Go ahead, using your keyboard, Tab onto any page. The links will show in the upper left-hand portion of your viewing area. Sorry, not supported in Opera, but Opera has great tools on board for its users.
- Content Clarity.
- Content presentation, contrast, openness of design, simplicity. These were all done with usability and accessibility in mind. Being a non-cluttered site, you should have an easy time getting around and understanding the site. Sure, with well over 200 pages there is a small learning curve, but with its organizational intuitiveness (and navigation help if you need it), you should find yourself feeling comfortable after only a short session.
- Extensive Testing.
- To ensure quality access, a lot of testing was performed using various browsing devices and different users. Moreover, in addition to mark-up and style sheet validation, mechanical checks were made at sites like Content Quality and GrayBit.com (convert this page to grayscale now). Extra support has been provided for handheld device users, content printing, screen reader users, text browsers, and devices that don’t support style sheets, images, or JavaScript. None of it is required.
- Server-Side Scripting.
- JavaScript isn’t required because all necessary scripting used on this site is carried out “server-side” meaning it happens on the server, before it’s sent to your browser. This ensures that everybody has access to the same look and functions as everyone else. To use this site you have to download or install nothing, and if you have JavaScript disabled, that’s no problem either. No requirements as it should be.
- Other Stuff — The Structure.
- Semantic mark-up, valid code, separation of structure, styles, and content. The works. There are even a number of features that are too complicated to mention in brief. In a nutshell, this site adheres to the most current methodologies of proper web design.
We did all this and spent the extra time on a design of this quality because, quite simply, we care. We want to ensure that when you visit our site, you get the goods you’re after without having to struggle.
Need more help? You might want to check out the other pages in the Site Info section. Again, please contact us if you need help.
Interested in Web Accessibility?
Use this form if you want to test a site for accessibility according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG). Do note: This sort of automated test does require human confirmation even on passing sites as many checkpoints cannot be machine checked.
