Accessibility Statement

Our commitment to inclusive design and equal access for all visitors

Our Commitment to Accessibility

The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association 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.

We believe that everyone should have equal access to information about our nation's historic heritage. Our goal is to provide 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, in doing so, adhere to many of the available standards and guidelines.

Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance—we strive to create an inclusive digital experience that welcomes all visitors, including those using assistive technologies, mobile devices, or navigating under various constraints. We recognize that accessibility is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process of improvement and refinement.

Accessibility Features

We have implemented the following accessibility features to ensure our website is usable by all visitors:

Semantic HTML Structure

Our website uses semantic HTML5 elements throughout, providing meaningful structure that assistive technologies can interpret. Proper heading hierarchy (h1 through h6) ensures logical content organization and easy navigation.

Keyboard Navigation

All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard. Users can navigate through menus, forms, links, and buttons using standard keyboard commands (Tab, Enter, Escape, Arrow keys). We provide skip navigation links to bypass repetitive content.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Our website is designed to work with popular screen readers including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. We use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks, roles, and labels where appropriate to enhance screen reader navigation.

Alternative Text for Images

All meaningful images include descriptive alternative text (alt text) that conveys the content and purpose of the image. Decorative images are marked appropriately to be skipped by assistive technologies.

Color Contrast

We maintain a minimum color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. Color is never used as the sole means of conveying information.

Resizable Text

Our website supports text resizing up to 200% without loss of content or functionality. Users can adjust text size through browser settings or zoom functionality while maintaining readability and layout integrity.

Clear Navigation

Consistent navigation patterns are used throughout the site. Main navigation, breadcrumbs, and contextual links provide clear pathways to content. Current page indicators help users understand their location within the site.

Form Accessibility

All form fields have associated labels that clearly describe the expected input. Required fields are marked, and error messages are programmatically associated with form fields. Form instructions are provided before the form begins.

Focus Indicators

Visible focus indicators are present on all interactive elements, showing keyboard users which element currently has focus. Focus order follows a logical sequence that matches the visual layout.

Multimedia Alternatives

Videos include captions and, where possible, audio descriptions. Audio content is accompanied by transcripts. We are working toward providing these alternatives for all multimedia content.

Responsive Design

Our website adapts to various screen sizes and orientations, ensuring accessibility across desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Content reflows appropriately without horizontal scrolling at 320px viewport width.

Timeout Warnings

Where sessions or forms may time out, users receive advance warning and an opportunity to extend their session. This ensures users who need additional time can complete their tasks.

Conformance Status

The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities.

Current Compliance Level

We are working toward full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. Our most recent internal assessment indicates that the majority of our website meets these standards, with ongoing efforts to address any remaining gaps.

Known Issues

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

  • Some PDF documents may not be fully accessible. We are working to provide accessible alternatives or HTML versions of critical documents.
  • Third-party embedded content (such as maps and social media feeds) may have accessibility limitations beyond our control.
  • Some older content may not meet current accessibility standards. We are reviewing and updating this content on a priority basis.

Remediation Efforts

We have established a roadmap for addressing known accessibility issues, including:

  • Regular accessibility audits using both automated tools and manual testing
  • Prioritized remediation of issues based on impact and usage
  • Collaboration with accessibility consultants and users with disabilities
  • Ongoing training for content creators and developers

Technical Specifications

Accessibility of this website relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer:

Technologies Used

  • HTML5 (HyperText Markup Language)
  • CSS3 (Cascading Style Sheets)
  • JavaScript (progressively enhanced)
  • WAI-ARIA (Web Accessibility Initiative - Accessible Rich Internet Applications)

Accessibility Standards Followed

Browser Compatibility

This website is designed to be compatible with the following browsers and assistive technologies:

  • Google Chrome (latest two versions) with screen readers on Windows and macOS
  • Mozilla Firefox (latest two versions) with NVDA and JAWS on Windows
  • Apple Safari (latest two versions) with VoiceOver on macOS and iOS
  • Microsoft Edge (latest two versions) with screen readers on Windows
  • Mobile browsers on iOS (Safari) and Android (Chrome) devices

While we strive for broad compatibility, we recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser for the best experience. Some older browsers or assistive technologies may not fully support modern accessibility features.

Feedback & Assistance

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know. We take all feedback seriously and will consider it as we evaluate ways to accommodate all users.

How to Report Accessibility Issues

If you experience difficulty accessing any part of our website, please contact us using one of the following methods:

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association

Email: inbox@elpaseorealdelostejas.org

Phone: +1 (718) 629-7474

Address: 3710 CEDAR ST, Austin, TX 78705

When reporting an accessibility issue, please include the following information:

  • The web page URL where you encountered the issue
  • A description of the problem you experienced
  • The browser and assistive technology you were using
  • Any suggestions you may have for improvement

Response Time Commitment

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 2 business days and to propose a solution within 10 business days. For urgent accessibility issues that prevent you from accessing critical information, we will make every effort to provide an immediate alternative means of access.

Alternative Formats

Upon request, we will provide information in alternative formats to accommodate your needs. Available formats include:

  • Large print versions of documents
  • Plain text versions of web content
  • Audio recordings of written materials
  • Braille (upon request, with reasonable lead time)

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

Third-Party Content

While we strive to ensure accessibility throughout our website, some third-party content may not be fully accessible. This includes:

Third-Party Tools and Services

  • Interactive Maps: We use mapping services (such as Google Maps) to display trail locations and points of interest. While these services are working to improve accessibility, some features may not be fully accessible to all users.
  • Form Services: Our contact forms are powered by third-party services. We select services that prioritize accessibility, but some limitations may exist.
  • Social Media Integration: Links to our social media profiles direct you to third-party platforms with their own accessibility policies and limitations.
  • Embedded Documents: PDF documents and other file formats may have accessibility limitations depending on how they were created.

Our Approach to Third-Party Content

When selecting third-party tools and services, we:

  • Evaluate the accessibility features and commitments of potential vendors
  • Provide alternative methods to access information when third-party tools present barriers
  • Advocate for improved accessibility from our third-party partners
  • Regularly reassess third-party tools as accessibility features are updated

If you encounter accessibility barriers with third-party content on our site, please contact us. We will work to provide you with the information you need through alternative means.

Ongoing Efforts

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time project. We are dedicated to continuous improvement in making our digital presence accessible to everyone.

Regular Audits

We conduct regular accessibility audits using a combination of:

  • Automated Testing: Tools such as WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse help identify technical accessibility issues across our website.
  • Manual Testing: Our team performs manual testing, including keyboard navigation and screen reader testing, to identify issues that automated tools may miss.
  • User Testing: We periodically conduct usability testing with people who use assistive technologies to gain real-world feedback.
  • Code Reviews: Accessibility checks are integrated into our development and content publishing processes.

Training and Awareness

We invest in ongoing training for our team members to ensure accessibility is considered at every stage:

  • All content creators receive training on creating accessible content, including proper heading structure, alt text writing, and accessible document creation.
  • Developers are trained in accessible coding practices and WCAG guidelines.
  • Staff members understand how to respond to accessibility requests and feedback.
  • Accessibility considerations are included in our design and content style guides.

Continuous Improvement

Our accessibility program includes:

  • Staying current with evolving accessibility standards and best practices
  • Monitoring updates to WCAG and other accessibility guidelines
  • Participating in accessibility communities and sharing knowledge
  • Setting and tracking accessibility goals and metrics
  • Incorporating accessibility into our procurement processes for new tools and services

Enforcement Procedure

In certain situations, and despite our best efforts, you may encounter accessibility barriers. We want to ensure you have multiple avenues to resolve any issues.

Internal Resolution

If you are unsatisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may escalate the issue by contacting our leadership team directly at inbox@elpaseorealdelostejas.org with the subject line "Accessibility Escalation." We take all accessibility concerns seriously and will work with you to find a satisfactory resolution.

ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments and places of public accommodation to ensure their communications with people with disabilities are as effective as their communications with others. Our organization is committed to meeting these requirements.

External Resources

If you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability, you have the right to file a complaint:

  • U.S. Department of Justice: You may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Visit ada.gov/file-a-complaint for more information.
  • State and Local Agencies: Many states have civil rights agencies that handle disability discrimination complaints. Contact your state's attorney general's office for more information.

We prefer to work directly with you to resolve any accessibility issues and encourage you to contact us first. Our goal is to ensure all visitors can access the information and services they need.

Statement Approval

This accessibility statement was approved on January 1, 2026, and last updated on May 22, 2026.

We review and update this statement annually or as significant changes are made to our website. The statement was prepared based on guidelines from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.

For questions about this accessibility statement or the accessibility of our website, please contact us at inbox@elpaseorealdelostejas.org.