How to use this site
Site Structure
We have created a simple site structure that lists sub-pages of the current topic or areas of our site. The following is an outline of the structure:
- Each page, with the exception of the home page, contains a breadcrumb to ensure easy navigation
- Pages that contain additional content related to the current page being viewed will have a “Tell me More About” section. It acts as a table of contents of content related to the page being viewed.
- Content access keys allow easily navigation to major elements of each page for keyboard accessibility.
Access Keys
We are aware that assistive technology layers such as Jaws or Window-Eyes have shortcut keys that are similar and due to the varying environments of users there are no key combinations that can be isolated that are not already used by Assistive Technology software. These keys are present if you choose to use them although keep in mind software running on your computer may override their intended use for our website.
How to use the access keys
- Internet Explorer & FireFox (PC) Hold down the ALT key, press the number or letter of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER.
- Mozilla, Safari and Omniweb (Mac) Hold down the CTRL key and press the number or letter of the access key.
List of Access Keys
- H = Help (How to use this site)
- S = Search
- Q = Contact us
- T = Top of page
- L = Quick links for current page
- C = Content of page
Statement of Accessibility
This website has been designed for accessibility and also showcases SmartATI capabilities. We have reviewed this site using multiple automated testers for W3C conformance to WCAG 2.0 AAA standards. While using automated testing software indications of failing accessibly tests were encountered that required manual review. Items such as empty link references and clickable areas which contain images but no alt tag are purposely created to add accessibility features but not over whelm a user with redundant information. Some false positives are a direct result of maintaining a visually appealing using background images that blend with the default page color of white. Techniques used in this website outline the need for user testing and accessibility experts, you can not rely on automated testing of a website to ensure accessibility.
On March 1, 2010 this site was reviewed using automated and manual testing along with usability testing by persons that are blind, have low vision, and cognitive disabilities. This was done to ensure the end user of various levels of assistive technology proficiency were able to navigate, search, and discover content using their preferred method web browsing.
The SmartATI website uses JavaScript to detect changes in font size invoked by the user using legacy browsers to automatically render pages in flat design by removing stylesheets which create a graphical layout. Modern browsers use zoom technology that mimics a magnifying glass, increasing the size of the page just as a screen magnifier would. Older browsers increased font size, they did not act like screen magnifiers within the browser window. We have considered this to be important to ensure readability of this website and leveraging today’s technology and maintain backwards compatibility.