2023 Open Arms Challenge

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  • 1.  Website Accessibility

    Posted 03-09-2023 10:45 AM

    Hi everyone! Cat Adoption Team is excited to be working on three initiatives during the Open Arms Challenge this year - one of which includes making progress toward improving our website accessibility. 

     An issue we're finding is that color contrast in our brand colors and image overlays is a big issue - especially online. And it means we likely need to make some sweeping changes to meet accessibility standards. Any tips or tricks from someone who's gone through this process? I'm struggling with the balance of retaining brand identity while also wanting to ensure that our site is welcoming and usable of course!

    Open to thoughts and suggestions, as well as general support. I know we can make something great - but, darn it, change is scary too! :-)

    In case you're curious to see our current site: catadoptionteam.org



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    Heather Miller
    Communications & Development Manager
    Cat Adoption Team (CAT)
    Sherwood OR
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  • 2.  RE: Website Accessibility

    Posted 03-10-2023 07:23 PM

    Hi Heather. Have you already explored the Userway accessibility widget? If you go to the website, you can get a free demo of how the widget works.

    https://userway.org/widget/



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    Christine Kim
    My Dog Is My Home
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  • 3.  RE: Website Accessibility

    Posted 03-13-2023 10:25 AM

    I hadn't seen this or explored it before. Will definitely check it out - thank you!



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    Heather Miller
    Communications & Development Manager
    Cat Adoption Team (CAT)
    Sherwood OR
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Website Accessibility

    Posted 03-13-2023 10:33 AM

    Hi Heather. You've got a really engaging home page. If you love color as much as I do, you might worry that meeting accessibility standards will make your website and printed materials dull or bland or stark, but it doesn't have to be that way! I did a couple of quick tests using the WebAIM contrast checker, and you're not doing too badly on that. The Donate button at the top meets WCAG AA standards, and the yellow and purple just below are OK too, at least from a contrast point of view. It looks to me like your first step might be to simplify. For example, one thing you should consider is reducing the number of link colors and button styles you have on your home page.

    Pick a couple of fairly high-contrast color combinations that work, and use those for all your text, including links and buttons. You can still use all the other colors for decorative elements, you just have to stick to the high-contrast combos for information. I hope that's helpful.



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    andy cowitt
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  • 5.  RE: Website Accessibility

    Posted 03-15-2023 05:01 PM

    Thanks, Andy! I really appreciate your feedback and used the WebAIM contract checker you mentioned. Feeling a bit better and coming up with some do-able ideas already. Grateful for the support!



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    Heather Miller
    Communications & Development Manager
    Cat Adoption Team (CAT)
    Sherwood OR
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    Original Message


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