Accessibility Statement
Access Instructions for Users with Disabilities:
This page contains information to assist users in accessing HCBS content. HCBS is committed to ensuring that its site is accessible to all users. This web site adheres to existing recommendations and standards and has been tested with various assistive technologies. If you encounter a problem accessing this site, or if you would like to provide feedback on this site please contact us.
To get the most out of these instructions, it is best to familiarize yourself with the site and how it is organized first.
This Web site contains a variety of content created by state grantees as well as content authored by external sources. The Clearinghouse for Home and Community Based Services provides suggestions to content providers with regard to accessibility, but does not edit content provided to it for accessibility.
Navigating the Site
The site has two major navigation systems; one for site navigation, and another for filtering and locating resource documents. The site navigation bar is located at the bottom of each page for screen reader and keyboard users. The document filtering links are located in the left column of each page visually, but occur after the main page content. The filtering links can be reached by using the "skip to filter" link or by navigating by headings.
The filtering links are presented with the major four category (topic, type/tool, source, and state) links first. Links associated with the active major category are presented after the link to the State filter, the last major category.
Accessibility Features
Hyperlinks:
Most text hyperlinks are written so that they make sense when read out of context. Additional information about most links is provided via the 'title' of the link. Blind and visually-impaired users can access this information by modifying the link verbosity setting in their screen reader or talking browser to either read link titles or to read the longer of the link text and link title.
Headers:
Headers are used to convey site structure. Users can access headers in screen readers such as JAWS or Window-Eyes.
Images:
All important images on this site are accompanied by a brief alt-text tag which identifies the image or its function. If you are using a graphic browser, alt-text tags are visible only if the browser's automatic image-loading feature is turned off.
Forms:
All forms elements used to gather information from users (e.g. feedback forms, search function) on this site have labels associated with them to ensure that all users will be able to utilize these features.
Access Keys:
Access keys are used to increase the usability of the site. Windows operating system users can utilize access keys by combining the 'alt' key with the access key. Macintosh users use the 'control' key. Depending on the browser used, some users will need to hit the enter key to activate the access key link. Some of the access keys used on this site are:
- 1 - main content
- 2 - filters
- 3 - topic
- 4 - type/tool
- 5 - source
- 6 - state
- d - site map
- o - home
Tables:
Tables are used on this site only for data, and are designed to function properly with assistive technologies.
Site Architecture:
The Clearinghouse is designed using valid XHTML 1.0 and CSS 2.0, and it also meets the standards set in the Web-based applications section of the Section 508 standards.
