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St. Helena Historical Society

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Accessibility Policy

Effective Date: April 15, 2026
Last Updated: April 15, 2026

The St. Helena Historical Society (“SHHS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to ensuring that our website, digital content, programs, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This policy outlines our commitment to compliance with applicable accessibility laws and standards.

1. Legal Framework

As a nonprofit organization that serves the public, SHHS is committed to compliance with the following accessibility laws and standards:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III: As a place of public accommodation, SHHS ensures that our services, programs, and activities — including those offered through our website — are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Although primarily applicable to federal agencies, we voluntarily adhere to Section 508 standards as a benchmark for digital accessibility.
  • California Government Code §§ 11135–11139.5 (Unruh Civil Rights Act): We comply with California’s civil rights protections ensuring full and equal access to all individuals regardless of disability.
  • California Disabled Persons Act (Civil Code § 54–54.8): We ensure equal access to our facilities, services, and digital platforms for individuals with disabilities.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA: Our target standard for digital accessibility, as referenced by the Department of Justice’s ADA rulemaking on web accessibility (28 CFR Part 35, effective April 2026).

2. Website Accessibility Standards

We are committed to conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA across our entire website. This means our site is designed and developed to be:

Perceivable

  • All non-text content (images, icons, graphics) includes meaningful alternative text descriptions
  • Video and multimedia content will include captions and/or transcripts when published
  • Content can be presented in different ways without losing information or structure
  • Color is not the sole means of conveying information; sufficient color contrast ratios are maintained (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
  • Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality

Operable

  • All functionality is available via keyboard navigation without requiring specific timing for keystrokes
  • Users are given adequate time to read and interact with content; no content auto-advances without user control
  • Content does not contain elements that flash more than three times per second
  • Multiple navigation methods are available (menus, search, site map)
  • Focus indicators are visible on all interactive elements
  • Touch targets meet minimum size requirements (at least 44×44 CSS pixels)

Understandable

  • Text content is written in clear, plain language
  • Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways
  • Form fields include descriptive labels and provide clear error identification and suggestions for correction
  • The language of the page is programmatically identified
  • Navigation is consistent across pages

Robust

  • Content is built using valid, semantic HTML that is compatible with current and future assistive technologies
  • ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes are used where appropriate to enhance accessibility
  • The site is tested for compatibility with major screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver), voice recognition software, screen magnifiers, and operating system accessibility features

3. Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies:

  • Screen Readers: NVDA (Windows), JAWS (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), TalkBack (Android)
  • Voice Recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Voice Access, Voice Control (macOS/iOS)
  • Screen Magnification: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, macOS Zoom
  • Alternative Input Devices: Switch navigation, eye-tracking systems, sip-and-puff devices
  • Browser Accessibility Features: High contrast modes, custom stylesheets, text-only browsing

We recommend using the latest versions of browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) for the best accessible experience.

4. Physical Accessibility

In addition to our digital accessibility commitments, SHHS strives to ensure our physical locations and events are accessible:

  • Our facilities comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for physical spaces
  • We provide reasonable accommodations for events and programs upon request
  • Accessible parking and entrances are available at our locations
  • We welcome service animals in accordance with ADA regulations
  • We provide materials in alternative formats upon request (large print, digital copies)

5. Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. Our efforts include:

  • Regular Audits: We conduct periodic accessibility reviews of our website using both automated tools and manual testing
  • Remediation: Identified accessibility issues are prioritized and remediated on a rolling basis
  • Training: Staff and volunteers who manage website content receive accessibility awareness guidance
  • Third-Party Content: We encourage third-party content providers and vendors to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards and evaluate accessibility when selecting tools and services
  • Historical Archive: We are progressively adding alternative text and descriptions to digitized historical photographs, documents, and archival materials. Due to the volume of our collection, this is an ongoing process.

6. Known Limitations

Despite our best efforts, some content may not yet be fully accessible:

  • Historical Documents: Some scanned historical documents and photographs in our digital archive may not yet have complete alternative text descriptions. We are addressing this on an ongoing basis as resources allow.
  • Third-Party Content: Embedded content from third-party platforms (e.g., social media feeds, embedded maps, external video) may not fully conform to WCAG 2.1 AA. We select accessible platforms when possible and provide alternative means of accessing this information upon request.
  • PDF Documents: Some older PDF documents may not be fully tagged for accessibility. When identified, these are being converted to accessible formats.

7. Feedback and Accommodation Requests

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website and services. If you encounter an accessibility barrier, need content in an alternative format, or require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our programs, please contact us:

  • Email: info@sthelenahistory.org
  • Phone: (707) 963-4555
  • Mail: St. Helena Historical Society, 1637 Spring Street, P.O. Box 87, St. Helena, CA 94574

When contacting us about an accessibility issue, please include:

  • The web page URL where you encountered the issue
  • A description of the problem
  • The assistive technology you were using (if applicable)
  • Your preferred method of contact

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 3 business days and to resolve identified issues as quickly as possible. If a particular page or feature cannot be made accessible immediately, we will provide the information in an alternative accessible format.

8. Grievance Procedure

If you believe you have been denied access to our services or programs due to a disability, or if your accessibility concern has not been adequately resolved, you may file a formal grievance:

  1. Submit a Written Complaint: Send a written description of the accessibility barrier to us via email or mail using the contact information above. Include your name, contact information, a description of the problem, and your desired resolution.
  2. Review and Response: We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 business days and provide a written response with our findings and any proposed resolution within 15 business days.
  3. External Remedies: If you are not satisfied with our response, you retain the right to file a complaint with:

9. Non-Discrimination Statement

The St. Helena Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, or employment practices. All individuals are welcome to participate fully in our mission to preserve and share the history of St. Helena.

10. Policy Review

This Accessibility Policy is reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently as laws, standards, or our services change. Any material updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

This policy reflects the commitment of the St. Helena Historical Society to digital and physical accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, California civil rights laws, and WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.