Our Commitment to Accessibility
At Grand Escapes, we firmly believe that everyone should be able to easily access and navigate our website. We are dedicated to ensuring our online content is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies. Our commitment extends to complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, an internationally recognized standard for web accessibility.
To achieve this goal, we continually strive to improve our website's accessibility by implementing the following measures:
- Providing alternative text for all images and non-text content, ensuring screen reader users can understand the purpose and context of visual elements.
- Ensuring sufficient color contrast between text and background colors to improve readability for users with low vision or color blindness.
- Structuring our website content with semantic HTML, including headings, lists, and landmarks, to facilitate navigation for screen reader users.
- Making our website keyboard-navigable, allowing users to access all interactive elements and content using only a keyboard.
- Providing captions and transcripts for all video and audio content, ensuring that users with hearing impairments can access multimedia information.
- Using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and interactive widgets.
- Regularly testing our website with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation tools, to identify and address accessibility issues.
- Providing a skip navigation link to allow users to bypass repetitive navigation menus and jump directly to the main content of the page.
- Maintaining a clear and consistent website structure to improve overall usability and accessibility.
Assistive Technologies Compatibility
We have designed our website to be compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies, including:
| Assistive Technology | Description | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Readers | Software that reads the text on the screen aloud, enabling users with visual impairments to access digital content. | Fully compatible with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and other popular screen readers. |
| Screen Magnifiers | Software that enlarges portions of the screen, making it easier for users with low vision to see digital content. | Compatible with ZoomText, MAGic, and other screen magnification tools. |
| Keyboard Navigation | The ability to navigate a website using only a keyboard, without relying on a mouse or other pointing device. | All interactive elements and content on our website are fully keyboard-navigable. |
| Speech Recognition Software | Software that allows users to control their computer and navigate websites using voice commands. | Compatible with Dragon NaturallySpeaking and other speech recognition programs. |
| Alternative Input Devices | Devices such as head pointers, eye-tracking systems, and switch devices that enable users with motor impairments to control their computers. | Our website is designed to be compatible with a variety of alternative input devices. |
Ongoing Efforts
Grand Escapes is dedicated to maintaining and improving the accessibility of our website on an ongoing basis. We conduct regular accessibility audits and testing to identify and address any potential barriers. Our team actively monitors accessibility standards and best practices to ensure our website remains compliant and user-friendly. We also provide accessibility training to our staff to promote awareness and understanding of accessibility principles.
Our Accessibility Team, led by Senior Web Developer, Anya Petrova, works diligently to ensure consistent adherence to WCAG guidelines and to address any accessibility concerns raised by our users. Anya can be reached at anya.petrova@grandescapes.com for specific inquiries.
Feedback and Contact Information
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:
- Email: accessibility@grandescapes.com
- Phone: (828) 555-0145
- Mailing Address: Grand Escapes, Accessibility Department, 42 Oak Street, Suite 200, Asheville, NC 28801
We strive to respond to accessibility inquiries within two business days. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create a more inclusive and accessible online experience for all users.
Formal Complaints
If you feel your accessibility concerns haven't been adequately addressed, you may file a formal complaint with our Compliance Officer, Mr. Robert Davies. He is responsible for ensuring Grand Escapes adheres to all accessibility standards and laws. Complaints can be submitted in writing to the address above, clearly marked "Accessibility Complaint" or via email to compliance@grandescapes.com. Robert will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 business days and provide a timeline for investigation and resolution. We are committed to a fair and thorough process for addressing all accessibility complaints.
Exceptions
While we strive to make all content accessible, there may be instances where certain content is not fully compliant with accessibility standards. This may include older archived documents or third-party content that is beyond our direct control. We are continually working to address these exceptions and provide accessible alternatives whenever possible. If you encounter any inaccessible content, please contact us, and we will do our best to provide the information in an alternative format.
Policy Updates
This accessibility statement is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment to accessibility. The last update was made on October 26, 2023. We encourage you to check this page periodically for any changes.
Browser Compatibility
Our website is designed to be compatible with the latest versions of major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the most up-to-date version of your browser to ensure the best possible experience. While we strive for cross-browser compatibility, some features may function differently on older or less common browsers.
Third-Party Content
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or content that is not under our control. We are not responsible for the accessibility of third-party content and encourage you to review the accessibility statements of those websites. However, we carefully select third-party partners who share our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Alternative Formats
If you require information on our website in an alternative format, such as large print, braille, or audio, please contact us at accessibility@grandescapes.com or (828) 555-0145. We will make every effort to provide the information in a format that meets your needs.
Accessible Meeting Spaces
Grand Escapes is dedicated to providing accessible meeting spaces for clients and partners. Our physical location at 42 Oak Street, Suite 200, Asheville, NC 28801, is equipped with:
- Ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.
- Accessible restrooms.
- Assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing impairments.
- Large-print materials available upon request.
Please notify us in advance if you require any specific accommodations for your meeting.