Accessibility Statement
Accessibility Statement
Our Commitment to Accessibility
ARS WorkAbility is committed to ensuring that our website, programs, services, and employment opportunities are fully accessible to all people, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that access is not a privilege — it is a right — and we work continuously to remove barriers that prevent people from fully participating in our workforce development services and resources.
This commitment is rooted in ARS’s founding mission: to provide employment and workforce development services through which individuals with disabilities can achieve their highest potential. Accessibility is not a compliance checkbox for us — it is central to who we are and the communities we serve.
About This Statement
This accessibility statement applies to the ARS WorkAbility website at www.arsworkability.org. It describes the standards we follow, what we have done to improve access, and what to do if you encounter a barrier or need assistance. This statement is informed by ARS’s Accessibility Policy and the ARS Accessibility Plan 2024–2025, adopted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, and ARS’s internal equity commitments.
Web Accessibility Standards
ARS WorkAbility strives to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities, including:
- Visual impairments, including blindness and low vision
- Hearing impairments and deafness
- Cognitive and learning disabilities
- Motor and mobility limitations
- Speech and language disabilities
WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance means our website is designed to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust — the four core accessibility principles that guide inclusive web design.
What We Have Done
In implementing this statement, ARS WorkAbility has taken the following steps to improve accessibility across our website and service delivery:
Website Design & Technology
- Designed the website with high-contrast color combinations and scalable text to support users with visual impairments
- Structured content using semantic HTML headings to support screen reader navigation
- Provided descriptive alternative (alt) text for images and visual content
- Ensured all interactive elements — links, buttons, and forms — are operable by keyboard alone
- Avoided content that flashes or blinks at rates known to trigger photosensitive conditions
- Ensured video content is accompanied by captions or transcripts where applicable
Documents & Materials
- Available in large print upon request
- Written in plain language accessible at a reading level appropriate for our diverse client base
- Offered in alternative formats as needed — contact us to request any document in an accessible format
Staff Training & Organizational Practice
- All ARS staff receive quarterly training on respectful communication, person-first language, and disability etiquette
- An Accessibility Committee conducts annual barrier assessments and semiannual progress reviews across all service areas
- Satisfaction surveys include specific accessibility feedback questions to continuously identify and address gaps
Accessibility Compliance Summary
The table below summarizes ARS WorkAbility’s current accessibility status across the key barrier categories identified in our Accessibility Plan:
| Accessibility Area | Status | Current Action / Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Web Content (WCAG 2.1 AA) | ✅ Targeted | Website designed with WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the target standard; ongoing review and remediation as content is updated |
| Alternate Formats | ✅ Available | Large print, plain language, and alternative format materials are available upon request for all program documents |
| Assistive Technology | ✅ Supported | Site tested for compatibility with common screen readers and keyboard-only navigation; improvements ongoing |
| Physical / Architectural | ✅ Addressed | Office locations are assessed annually by the ARS Accessibility Committee; accessible entry, elevator access, and restroom signage are maintained |
| Communication Barriers | ✅ Ongoing | Person-first language standards enforced; multilingual support available; satisfaction surveys include accessibility feedback questions |
| Employment Accessibility | ✅ Active | Reasonable accommodations provided to all employees and job applicants per ADA; ergonomic equipment, assistive technology, and flexible scheduling available |
| Attitudinal / Training | ✅ Ongoing | Quarterly staff training on respectful communication, person-first language, and disability awareness; employer outreach includes disability inclusion education |
| Technology Barriers | ⚠️ In Progress | Digital literacy supports and accessibility enhancements to online tools and training modules are actively being developed |
Known Limitations & Ongoing Work
While we are committed to full WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance, we acknowledge that some areas of the website and our online tools are still being improved. Known limitations include:
- Online training modules (LMS): Some existing training modules are being reviewed for screen reader compatibility and captioning completeness. Remediation is actively in progress.
- Third-party content: Links to external employer portals, job listings, or partner agency pages may not fully meet WCAG 2.1 standards. ARS does not control third-party websites but encourages our partners to adopt an accessible design.
- Digital literacy support: We recognize that not all clients have equal access to technology or digital skills. We offer one-on-one digital assistance through our Job Developers and are expanding digital literacy workshops for clients who need support navigating online services.
We are actively working to resolve these limitations through our Accessibility Plan and welcome feedback on any additional barriers you encounter.
Reasonable Accommodation
ARS WorkAbility provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to all programs, services, and employment opportunities. Accommodations are available for:
- Job seekers and clients participating in ARS WorkAbility workforce development services
- Employers, funders, and partner organizations attending ARS events or accessing ARS resources
- ARS employees and job applicants, in accordance with the ADA and ARS Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Accommodations available include but are not limited to: accessible document formats, sign language interpretation, assistive technology, flexible scheduling, modified service delivery methods, and alternative communication channels.
📞 To Request an Accommodation
Contact ARS WorkAbility at least five (5) business days in advance of any program, event, or service engagement:
Email: info@arsworkability.org
Phone: 562-632-1141
Website: www.arsworkability.org
We will respond within two (2) business days to discuss your needs and arrange appropriate support at no cost to you.
Feedback & Contact
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of the ARS WorkAbility website and our services. If you experience any barriers, encounter content that is not accessible, or would like to suggest improvements, please contact us:
Accessibility Coordinator
ARS WorkAbility
Email: info@arsworkability.org
Phone: 562-632-1141
Website: www.arsworkability.org
What to Include in Your Feedback
- The page or content you had difficulty with
- The assistive technology or browser you were using
- A description of the problem or barrier
- Your preferred method of response
We aim to respond to all accessibility feedback within five (5) business days and to resolve identified issues as quickly as reasonably practicable.
Formal Complaints & Enforcement
If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you have the right to contact the following authorities:
- U.S. Department of Justice (ADA): ada.gov · ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301 (voice) / 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
- U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (Section 504): ocr@ed.gov 1-800-872-5327
- California Department of Rehabilitation: dor.ca.gov · 1-800-952-5544
- California Civil Rights Department (Unruh Act): calcivilrights.ca.gov · 1-800-884-1684
Legal Basis & Standards
This accessibility statement and ARS WorkAbility’s accessibility practices are grounded in the following laws, regulations, and standards:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (Electronic and Information Technology)
- California Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code § 51)
- California Building Code — Title 24 Accessibility Standards
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA — W3C Recommendation
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) — nondiscrimination provisions
- ARS Accessibility Policy (2022–2023) and ARS Accessibility Plan (2024–2025)