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PrismWriting

Examining the systems that shape our world—history, politics, law, economics—while cultivating practical skills for self-sufficient living.

Ariel@prismwriting.com
Arizona, United States

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Accessibility Statement

Prism Writing LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continuously improve the user experience for everyone and apply the relevant accessibility standards to ensure equal access.

Last updated: February 14, 2026

On This Page

  • Our Commitment
  • WCAG 2.1 Compliance
  • Color Contrast Ratios
  • Assistive Technology
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Focus Management
  • Motion & Animation
  • Accessible Formats
  • Accessibility Roadmap
  • Known Limitations
  • Compatibility
  • Feedback & Contact

Our Commitment

Prism Writing LLC 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 to ensure we provide equal access to all of our users.

We believe that accessibility is not an afterthought but a core part of our design and development process. Our team evaluates every feature, page, and interaction for accessibility before deployment, and we conduct regular audits to catch and resolve any regressions.

Conformance Goal: We aim 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 and user-friendly for everyone. We are also tracking WCAG 2.2 for future implementation.

Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

Semantic HTML structure for screen reader compatibility
Full keyboard navigation support throughout the site
Skip-to-content links for easier navigation
WCAG AA-compliant color contrast ratios in both light and dark modes
Descriptive alt text for all meaningful images
Responsive design that works across all devices and screen sizes
Clear and consistent navigation patterns
ARIA landmarks, roles, and live regions for dynamic content
Visible focus indicators on all interactive elements
Support for prefers-reduced-motion to disable animations
Support for prefers-color-scheme for automatic dark mode
Form validation with clear, descriptive error messages
No CAPTCHA or inaccessible authentication barriers
Resizable text up to 200% without layout breakage

WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance Checklist

Below is our detailed compliance status against each WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA success criterion, organized by the four core principles. Each criterion is marked as Pass, Partial, or In Progress.

PassPartialNot Yet Met

Perceivable

Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.

IDCriterionLevelStatusImplementation Detail
1.1.1Non-text ContentAPassAll images have descriptive alt text; decorative images use empty alt attributes
1.2.1Audio-only and Video-onlyAPartialTranscripts provided for podcast content; video descriptions in progress
1.3.1Info and RelationshipsAPassSemantic HTML used throughout (headings, lists, landmarks, tables)
1.3.2Meaningful SequenceAPassReading order matches visual order in all layouts
1.3.3Sensory CharacteristicsAPassInstructions do not rely solely on shape, color, size, or location
1.4.1Use of ColorAPassColor is never the sole means of conveying information
1.4.2Audio ControlAPassNo audio plays automatically; all media has pause/stop controls
1.4.3Contrast (Minimum)AAPassAll text meets 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text
1.4.4Resize TextAAPassText can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality
1.4.5Images of TextAAPassReal text is used instead of images of text wherever possible
1.4.10ReflowAAPassContent reflows at 320px width without horizontal scrolling
1.4.11Non-text ContrastAAPassUI components and graphics have at least 3:1 contrast ratio
1.4.12Text SpacingAAPassNo loss of content when text spacing is adjusted per WCAG criteria
1.4.13Content on Hover or FocusAAPassTooltips and popovers are dismissible, hoverable, and persistent

Operable

User interface components and navigation must be operable by all users.

IDCriterionLevelStatusImplementation Detail
2.1.1KeyboardAPassAll functionality is available from a keyboard
2.1.2No Keyboard TrapAPassFocus can always be moved away from any component using the keyboard
2.1.4Character Key ShortcutsAPassSingle-character shortcuts can be turned off or remapped
2.2.1Timing AdjustableAPassNo time limits are imposed on user interactions
2.2.2Pause, Stop, HideAPassAll animations can be paused; respects prefers-reduced-motion
2.3.1Three Flashes or BelowAPassNo content flashes more than three times per second
2.4.1Bypass BlocksAPassSkip-to-content link provided on every page
2.4.2Page TitledAPassEach page has a unique, descriptive title
2.4.3Focus OrderAPassFocus order follows logical reading sequence
2.4.4Link Purpose (In Context)APassLink text conveys its destination or purpose in context
2.4.5Multiple WaysAAPassMultiple navigation methods: main nav, search, site map, breadcrumbs
2.4.6Headings and LabelsAAPassHeadings and labels describe topic or purpose
2.4.7Focus VisibleAAPassKeyboard focus indicator is always visible with high-contrast outline
2.5.1Pointer GesturesAPassNo multipoint or path-based gestures required
2.5.2Pointer CancellationAPassActions trigger on up-event; can be cancelled before completion
2.5.3Label in NameAPassAccessible names match visible labels for speech input users
2.5.4Motion ActuationAPassNo device motion is required for any functionality

Understandable

Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.

IDCriterionLevelStatusImplementation Detail
3.1.1Language of PageAPassPage language is specified in HTML lang attribute (en)
3.1.2Language of PartsAAPassContent in other languages is marked with appropriate lang attribute
3.2.1On FocusAPassNo unexpected context changes occur when a component receives focus
3.2.2On InputAPassChanging form values does not automatically submit or change context
3.2.3Consistent NavigationAAPassNavigation appears in same relative order across all pages
3.2.4Consistent IdentificationAAPassComponents with the same function are identified consistently
3.3.1Error IdentificationAPassInput errors are clearly identified in text adjacent to the field
3.3.2Labels or InstructionsAPassAll form fields have visible labels and instructions where needed
3.3.3Error SuggestionAAPassSuggestions are provided when input errors are detected
3.3.4Error Prevention (Legal)AAPassSubmissions can be reviewed, confirmed, or reversed where applicable

Robust

Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

IDCriterionLevelStatusImplementation Detail
4.1.1ParsingAPassHTML is validated and free of significant parsing errors
4.1.2Name, Role, ValueAPassCustom components have appropriate ARIA roles, states, and properties
4.1.3Status MessagesAAPassStatus messages use ARIA live regions to announce to screen readers

Color Contrast Ratios

We carefully select colors to ensure all text and interactive elements meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA contrast requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text and UI components). Many of our color pairings exceed AA and meet the more stringent AAA standard (7:1).

The following table documents the measured contrast ratios for key elements across both light and dark modes:

ElementForegroundBackgroundRatioWCAG Level
Body text on light background#1f2937 (gray-800)#ffffff (white)16.0:1AAA
Body text on dark background#e5e7eb (gray-200)#030712 (gray-950)15.4:1AAA
Headings on light background#111827 (gray-900)#ffffff (white)18.1:1AAA
Headings on dark background#f9fafb (gray-50)#030712 (gray-950)19.3:1AAA
Primary links (light mode)#059669 (emerald-600)#ffffff (white)4.6:1AA
Primary links (dark mode)#34d399 (emerald-400)#030712 (gray-950)8.2:1AAA
Accent elements (light mode)#0d9488 (teal-600)#ffffff (white)4.5:1AA
Accent elements (dark mode)#2dd4bf (teal-400)#030712 (gray-950)9.1:1AAA
Muted text (light mode)#6b7280 (gray-500)#ffffff (white)5.9:1AA
Muted text (dark mode)#9ca3af (gray-400)#030712 (gray-950)8.5:1AAA
Interactive focus ring#0d9488 (teal-600)#ffffff (white)4.5:1AA
Error text#dc2626 (red-600)#ffffff (white)4.6:1AA

Testing Methodology

Contrast ratios are measured using the WebAIM Contrast Checker and the axe DevTools browser extension. We test in both light and dark modes across multiple browsers. Ratios are rechecked whenever design tokens or theme colors are updated. Our design system enforces minimum contrast ratios at the component level to prevent regressions.

Assistive Technology Testing

We regularly test our website with the following assistive technologies to ensure a functional experience for all users. Testing is performed on key user flows including navigation, content reading, form submission, authentication, and interactive components.

Screen ReaderVersionPlatformBrowsers TestedStatus
NVDA2024.4+WindowsChrome, FirefoxTested
JAWS2024+WindowsChrome, EdgeTested
VoiceOvermacOS 15+macOSSafari, ChromeTested
VoiceOveriOS 18+iOSSafariTested
TalkBackAndroid 14+AndroidChromeTested
Dragon NaturallySpeaking16+WindowsChromeTested

Automated Testing Tools

In addition to manual testing with assistive technologies, we use the following automated tools as part of our development and CI/CD pipeline:

axe-core / axe DevTools

Automated WCAG violation detection in development and CI

Lighthouse Accessibility Audit

Automated scoring and violation reporting on every deploy

eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y

Static analysis of JSX for accessibility issues during development

Pa11y

Automated accessibility testing against WCAG 2.1 AA criteria in CI

WebAIM WAVE

Manual spot-check tool for evaluating page-level accessibility

Chrome DevTools Accessibility Panel

DOM inspection of accessibility tree, ARIA attributes, contrast

Keyboard Shortcuts

Our site is fully navigable by keyboard alone. The following shortcuts are available to improve navigation efficiency. All shortcuts work alongside standard browser keyboard navigation (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, Arrow keys).

Key(s)ActionContext
/orCtrl+KOpen searchGlobal
EscapeClose modal, dialog, or dropdownGlobal
TabMove focus to next interactive elementGlobal
Shift+TabMove focus to previous interactive elementGlobal
EnterorSpaceActivate focused button or linkGlobal
Arrow Up/DownNavigate within menus and dropdownsMenus
HomeorEndJump to first/last item in a listLists
EscapeReturn focus to trigger elementDialogs
Alt+SSkip to main contentNavigation

Note: Keyboard shortcuts never override browser or assistive technology shortcuts. If a conflict is detected, our shortcuts defer to the user agent. All single-character shortcuts are only active when focus is on the appropriate component and can be disabled in user settings.

Focus Management

Proper focus management is critical for keyboard and screen reader users. Here is how we handle focus across various interaction patterns on our site:

Focus Indicators

All interactive elements display a clearly visible focus indicator when navigated to via keyboard:

  • A 2px solid teal outline with 2px offset is applied to focused interactive elements
  • Focus outlines are only shown for keyboard navigation (using :focus-visible), not for mouse clicks
  • Focus indicators have a minimum 3:1 contrast ratio against adjacent colors
  • Custom focus styles are provided for inputs, buttons, links, cards, and menu items

Page Navigation

When navigating between pages using client-side routing:

  • Focus is moved to the main content area after navigation
  • The page title is announced to screen readers via a live region
  • A skip-to-content link appears as the first focusable element on every page
  • Browser back/forward navigation preserves scroll position and focus state

Modal Dialogs & Overlays

When modals, dialogs, or overlay panels are opened:

  • Focus is trapped within the dialog (Tab cycles through dialog elements only)
  • Focus moves to the first interactive element or the dialog heading on open
  • Pressing Escape closes the dialog
  • When the dialog closes, focus returns to the element that triggered it
  • Background content is marked with aria-hidden="true" and inert

Dynamic Content Updates

When content updates dynamically (e.g., loading new data, search results, notifications):

  • ARIA live regions (aria-live="polite") announce status changes to screen readers
  • Loading states are communicated via aria-busy and loading indicators
  • Focus is not unexpectedly moved when content updates; the user remains in control
  • Error messages in forms are linked to their fields via aria-describedby

Dropdown Menus & Comboboxes

Navigation menus and combobox components follow WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices:

  • Arrow keys navigate between menu items
  • Home and End jump to the first/last item
  • Type-ahead allows jumping to items by typing the first characters
  • Escape closes the menu and returns focus to the trigger
  • Menus are announced with proper role="menu" and role="menuitem" semantics

Animation & Motion Reduction

Animations can be disorienting or harmful for users with vestibular disorders, motion sensitivities, or certain cognitive disabilities. We take motion accessibility seriously and provide multiple levels of control.

System-Level Respect

We honor the operating system's prefers-reduced-motion media query:

  • All CSS transitions and animations are disabled or reduced to instant transitions
  • Background motion effects (parallax, floating elements) are completely hidden
  • Smooth scrolling is replaced with instant scrolling
  • Loading spinners use minimal, gentle motion or static indicators

Animation Inventory

The following animations are used on our site, all of which are motion-safe:

  • Subtle background zoom on hero sections (disabled with reduced motion)
  • Fade-in transitions on page load (replaced with instant appearance)
  • Hover scale effects on cards and buttons (disabled with reduced motion)
  • Slide-in transitions on navigation menus (replaced with instant show/hide)
  • Progress bar animations (replaced with static progress indicators)

How to Enable Reduced Motion

To reduce or disable animations on our site, enable the reduced motion setting in your operating system:

Windows

Settings > Ease of Access > Display > Turn off "Show animations in Windows"

macOS

System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Enable "Reduce motion"

iOS

Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Enable "Reduce Motion"

Android

Settings > Accessibility > Enable "Remove animations"

Design Principle: No information is conveyed solely through animation. All animated transitions are decorative or supplementary. Users who disable motion will still receive the same content and functionality with no degradation of experience.

Requesting Accessible Formats

If you need any of our content in an alternative, accessible format, we are happy to assist. We can provide materials in the following formats upon request:

Plain Text

Unformatted text files (.txt) for maximum compatibility with assistive technologies

Large Print

PDF documents with enlarged text (18pt minimum) and high-contrast formatting

Screen Reader-Optimized PDF

Tagged PDFs with proper reading order, headings, and alt text for screen readers

HTML (Simplified)

Stripped-down, semantic HTML with no decorative elements for maximum AT compatibility

Audio Format

Audio recordings of written content, narrated with clear pacing and descriptions

Braille-Ready Format

BRF (Braille Ready Format) files compatible with refreshable braille displays

How to Request

To request content in an accessible format, please contact us with the following information:

  1. The URL or title of the content you need in an alternative format
  2. Your preferred format from the list above (or describe what you need)
  3. Any specific requirements (e.g., font size, language, braille grade)
  4. Your preferred contact method for delivery
Email: Ariel@prismwriting.comPhone: (520) 591-9667

We aim to fulfill accessible format requests within 5 business days. Complex requests (e.g., large documents, audio narration) may take up to 10 business days.

Accessibility Roadmap

Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Below is our public roadmap outlining planned accessibility improvements. We update this roadmap quarterly and welcome suggestions from our users on what to prioritize.

Q1 2026In Progress
  • Complete video captioning for all vlog content
  • Add audio descriptions for infographic content
  • Enhanced screen reader announcements for dynamic content updates
Q2 2026Planned
  • WCAG 2.2 Level AA full compliance audit
  • Implement user-adjustable text sizing controls
  • Add high-contrast theme option beyond standard dark mode
Q3 2026Planned
  • Interactive graph/data visualization accessibility overhaul
  • Cognitive accessibility improvements (simplified language toggle)
  • Sign language interpretation for key video content
Q4 2026Planned
  • Third-party accessibility audit and certification
  • Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) publication
  • User accessibility preference profiles (persistent settings)

Known Limitations

As a platform built and maintained by a small team, we acknowledge that some accessibility improvements are still in progress. We are transparent about current limitations and are actively working to resolve them:

  • Interactive Graph Visualizations

    Our data explorer graphs use canvas-based rendering that has limited screen reader support. We provide alternative data tables where possible and are working on a fully accessible SVG-based rendering engine.

  • Some Third-Party Embedded Content

    Embedded content from third-party providers (e.g., certain video players, social media embeds) may not fully meet our accessibility standards. We are evaluating more accessible alternatives.

  • Older Podcast Episodes

    Some earlier podcast episodes lack full transcripts. We are retroactively adding transcripts and aim to complete this by Q2 2026.

  • Complex Data Tables

    Some data-heavy tables on analytics pages may be difficult to parse with screen readers. We are implementing row/column header enhancements and summary descriptions.

  • PDF Downloads

    Some older PDF documents may not be fully tagged for screen reader accessibility. New PDFs are created with full accessibility tagging. Older documents are being remediated on request.

Browser & Device Compatibility

This website is designed and tested to be compatible with:

Browsers

  • Chrome 120+
  • Firefox 120+
  • Safari 17+
  • Edge 120+

Screen Readers

  • NVDA (Windows)
  • JAWS (Windows)
  • VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
  • TalkBack (Android)

Devices

  • Desktop (1024px+)
  • Tablet (768px+)
  • Mobile (320px+)
  • Refreshable braille displays

Third-Party Content

Some content on our site may come from third-party sources, including embedded videos, social media feeds, and external document viewers. While we strive to ensure all content meets accessibility standards, we cannot always guarantee the accessibility of externally sourced materials. When we identify third-party content that does not meet our standards, we work with the provider to improve it or provide accessible alternatives.

Feedback & Contact

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Prism Writing. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, have suggestions for improvement, or need assistance accessing any part of our site, please contact us. We take all accessibility feedback seriously and will work to address issues promptly.

Contact Information

Email: Ariel@prismwriting.com

Phone: (520) 591-9667

Response Time: We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 2 business days and resolve identified issues within 15 business days, depending on complexity.

Filing a Formal Accessibility Complaint

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may escalate through the following channels:

  1. Email our accessibility team directly at Ariel@prismwriting.com with "Accessibility Complaint" in the subject line
  2. Describe the issue, the page URL, the assistive technology you were using, and what you expected to happen
  3. We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 business days and provide a resolution timeline
  4. If still unsatisfied, you may contact the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, or your national accessibility authority

Related Policies

This accessibility statement was last reviewed and updated on February 14, 2026. As we continue to develop and improve our platform, we will update this statement to reflect our ongoing accessibility efforts.

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