Our Accessibility Goal

We aim to improve the website in alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, with WCAG 2.2 Level AA used as a practical reference for design, content, and development decisions. Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-time certification, and individual pages or third-party features may not yet meet every guideline.

Measures We Take

Accessibility considerations are incorporated into content preparation, page design, and maintenance. Measures may include:

• Using a logical heading hierarchy and meaningful page structure;
• Maintaining readable text size, line spacing, and color contrast;
• Keeping text links visually distinguishable without relying on color alone;
• Providing keyboard-visible focus indicators for interactive elements;
• Writing descriptive link text instead of relying on vague labels;
• Adding alternative text to informative images and leaving decorative images appropriately neutral;
• Labeling tables and presenting units, headings, and relationships clearly;
• Avoiding unnecessary motion and supporting reduced-motion preferences where animation is used;
• Reviewing templates and common components when accessibility problems are reported.

Maps, Charts, and Geographic Visuals

Maps, terrain images, charts, and diagrams can contain relationships that are difficult to express in a short text alternative. Where practical, important conclusions and data are also explained in nearby text, captions, lists, or tables. A visual may still be challenging for some users because of scale, density, color, or the limitations of the original source.

If a map, chart, or table prevents access to information you need, contact us with the page URL and a description of the information or format required. We will consider a reasonable accessible alternative where feasible.

Keyboard and Screen Reader Use

The website is intended to support standard browser keyboard commands and modern screen readers. Menus, links, buttons, disclosure controls, and form fields should be reachable and understandable without a mouse. Browser zoom and operating-system text controls may also be used to enlarge content.

Compatibility

The best experience is generally available with a current version of a major browser and an up-to-date operating system or assistive technology. Very old browsers, unsupported devices, custom extensions, or disabled browser features may affect presentation or function.

Known Limitations

Despite continuing work, some limitations may occur:

• Older articles may contain images or complex tables that need improved alternatives;
• Third-party advertisements, embedded media, consent interfaces, or external widgets may have accessibility behavior outside our direct control;
• Interactive charts may expose more information to pointer users than to keyboard or screen-reader users;
• Documents or historical source files supplied by third parties may not be fully accessible;
• Automated testing may not identify every real-world barrier.

These limitations are not treated as permanent exceptions. Reports help us prioritize corrections according to severity, frequency, and impact.

Third-Party Content

Plateaus.org links to scientific institutions, government agencies, journals, map services, and other websites. We cannot control the accessibility of external pages. A link to an external resource does not represent a claim that the destination conforms to a particular accessibility standard.

Feedback and Assistance

If you encounter an accessibility barrier or need information in a different format, email contact@plateaus.org with the subject line “Accessibility.” We will review the request and work toward a reasonable response based on the nature of the content and available resources.

Accessibility reports are handled respectfully. Personal information included in a report is processed according to the Privacy Policy.

Assessment and Updates

Accessibility may be assessed through a combination of automated checks, keyboard review, contrast evaluation, content review, and user feedback. This statement may be updated as the website, standards, and remediation work evolve.