Ensuring the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) website meets ADA compliance was a meticulous and time-intensive process. We had to carefully review almost every line of content, from the text on each page to the captions and descriptions for every image. Each PDF required conversion into accessible formats, ensuring screen readers could interpret them accurately. We also verified that all interactive elements, like menus and buttons, were fully navigable by keyboard and accessible to users with assistive technologies. From color contrast adjustments to semantic HTML improvements, every detail was scrutinized to create an inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors. This thorough effort reflects our commitment to making the MWPA website accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Here’s what we accomplished for MWPA to address accessibility violations based on WCAG criteria:
Images Missing Alt Attributes (Level A): Ensured all images include a clear and concise
altattribute to describe their purpose, enhancing usability for visually impaired users relying on screen readers.Frames Missing Title Attributes (Level A): Populated all frame
titleattributes with descriptive content to assist users navigating with screen readers and improve content clarity.Links Lacking Descriptive Text (Level AAA): Updated links to include meaningful descriptive text, ensuring users understand their purpose. When link text was not feasible, added
aria-labelattributes to describe the link or usedaria-hiddenfor non-interactive links.Heading Structure (Level AA): Ensured each page contains a single
<h1>element with a clear and logical heading hierarchy. This makes navigation more efficient for users relying on screen readers.Form Fields Missing Labels (Level AA): Added
<label>elements or descriptive text to all form fields to ensure screen readers can identify the purpose of each input.New Tabs or Windows Without Warning (Level AAA): Added warnings for any links opening new tabs or windows to prevent disorientation for users relying on assistive technologies.
Broken Links (Level A): Identified and resolved broken links to improve usability, particularly for users with visual or cognitive disabilities.
Unclear Link Text (Level A): Replaced vague link text (e.g., “click here”) with meaningful descriptions to ensure users understand the destination or purpose of each link.
Missing Skip Navigation Link (Level A): Implemented skip links to allow users to bypass repetitive navigation elements and directly access the main content.
These measures have significantly improved MWPA’s website accessibility, ensuring a better experience for all users, especially those relying on assistive technologies.
Here are examples of sample titles, alt text, captions, and descriptions for each image.
Title:
“Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority Logo”
Alt Text:
“Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority logo featuring the text ‘Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority’ and a flame icon within a circular shape.”
Description:
“This logo represents the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA). It features a minimalist design with a flame symbol inside a circular element on the left, followed by the organization’s name in bold, capitalized text. The logo reflects MWPA’s mission to promote wildfire prevention and preparedness across Marin County.”
Caption:
“Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority – Committed to wildfire prevention and community safety.”
Title:
Marked Trees in Forest for Wildfire Risk Mitigation
Alt Text:
Close-up of two large trees in a forested area marked with numbers and ribbons for potential removal as part of wildfire prevention. A sign attached to one tree reads, “Please pick up after your dog.”
Description:
The image features a pair of large trees in a forested area, marked with numbers and ribbons to indicate their identification for potential removal as part of wildfire safety measures. The trees are surrounded by dense vegetation, and a small sign on one tree reminds visitors to “Please pick up after your dog.” This setting highlights efforts to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks while maintaining public awareness of shared spaces.
Caption:
Trees marked for removal as part of wildfire safety efforts, with signage reminding visitors to keep the area clean.
Title:
“Everyone Has a Role in Adapting to Wildfire – MWPA Community Collaboration”
Alt Text:
“Illustration of diverse community members, including families, first responders, and officials, standing together with the message ‘Everyone has a role in adapting to wildfire.'”
Description:
“This image shows a variety of community members, including families, firefighters, and city workers, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in wildfire prevention and preparation. The text emphasizes the shared responsibility of adapting to wildfire, with a focus on developing a fire-adapted Marin County.”
Caption:
“Everyone has a role in adapting to wildfire – MWPA leading the way in creating a fire-adapted Marin County.”
Title:
Wildfire Safety Assessment in a Forested Area
Alt Text:
A woman and a man in safety gear stand on a forested path near a wooden structure. The woman points uphill, discussing wildfire risks.
Description:
The image captures a woman and a man conducting a wildfire safety assessment in a wooded area. The woman, dressed in jeans and a dark shirt, points uphill while discussing potential hazards. The man, wearing a safety vest, stands beside her, observing. The setting includes a dirt path, a forested hillside, and a large wooden structure, emphasizing the importance of wildfire risk evaluation in vulnerable areas.
Caption:
Wildfire safety experts evaluate potential hazards near a wooded hillside and discuss mitigation strategies.
Total of images: …