Accessibility

Our website is designed and developed to conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the Level AA success criteria. WCAG 2.1 is an internationally recognized standard by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that defines how to make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. In fact, WCAG 2.1 Level AA has been adopted as a key benchmark for digital accessibility compliance in recent regulations. By following these guidelines, we aim to ensure our site is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.

Our commitment to WCAG 2.1 Level AA means that we continuously work to:

• Provide text alternatives for images. All meaningful images on our site have descriptive alt text so that users who are blind or using screen readers can understand the content and purpose of the image.
• Caption videos and multimedia. All videos include synchronized captions (and/or transcripts) so that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the audio information. Any audio-only content is accompanied by transcripts.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast and cues. We choose text and background color combinations with high contrast, and we do not rely on color alone to convey important information. This helps users with low vision or color blindness read our text and perceive required fields or links (for example, we add an asterisk or the word "required" in addition to red color for mandatory form fields).
• Make forms accessible. Our online forms are built with clear labels, instructions, and error messages. Each form field is labeled so that a screen reader will announce its purpose (e.g. “Name,” “Email address”), and if a field is missing or has an error, the form provides an alert explaining the issue and how to fix it. This ensures all users, including those using assistive technologies, can successfully submit forms.
• Enable keyboard navigation. Our website can be navigated using a keyboard alone, without requiring a mouse. Users who cannot use a mouse or touchpad can use keystrokes (such as the Tab key and Enter/Space keys) to move through menus, links, form fields, and other controls on the site. This makes our content accessible to those using assistive technologies like switch devices or voice control, or anyone who prefers keyboard navigation.

By implementing these and other best practices from the WCAG guidelines, we address many common accessibility barriers (such as missing alt text, lack of captions, poor contrast, or keyboard traps) that could otherwise hinder users with disabilities. We also aim to follow accessibility guidance from relevant authorities and laws. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice has consistently stated that ADA requirements apply to website services, and recommends practices like providing text alternatives, captions, sufficient contrast, and accessible forms to ensure effective communication with all users. Our adherence to these standards reflects our dedication to an inclusive web experience for everyone.
 

To achieve and maintain our accessibility goals, ALA has taken the following measures:

• AudioEye Accessibility Toolkit: We have integrated the AudioEye accessibility platform into our website for continuous monitoring and improvement. AudioEye is a third-party provider of web accessibility technology that tests our site, identifies issues, and helps fix them in real time. This tool provides an interactive accessibility toolbar (visible via the circular accessibility icon on each page) which offers assistive features for users. For example, visitors can enable an on-page screen reader that will read aloud site content, use a visual magnifier, adjust display settings (like color contrast or text size), and navigate page structure more easily, all through the AudioEye interface. The presence of the “Trusted by AudioEye” seal on our site signifies our ongoing partnership with AudioEye in striving for compliance with the latest accessibility standards (currently aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and updating towards WCAG 2.2). AudioEye’s team conducts automated and manual audits of our site and either remedies issues or provides reports for our developers to address, ensuring that accessibility is continually monitored and improved.
• Ongoing Training and Content Reviews: Our web content team is educated on accessibility principles and best practices. We use accessibility checklists and tools during the design and publishing process to catch potential issues (similar to using a spell-checker, but for accessibility). We recognize that automated tools alone are not perfect, so we combine them with manual reviews. Before new content or features go live, we test them for keyboard-only use, screen reader compatibility, and other assistive technology support. Our goal is to integrate accessibility into our website updates from the start, rather than as an afterthought.
• Regular Audits and Updates: Accessibility is not a one-time effort. We perform regular audits of our website to ensure ongoing compliance. With the assistance of AudioEye’s 24/7 monitoring, we receive alerts of any new accessibility issues that may arise and work to fix them promptly. We also keep an eye on updates to accessibility standards or guidelines (for instance, as WCAG guidelines evolve) and adjust our site accordingly to meet or exceed those requirements.
• Third-Party Content: Our website may include content from third-party providers or external sites (for example, embedded Google Maps for campus locations, social media feeds, or PDF documents from external sources). While we strive to ensure all content on our site is accessible, there may be instances where third-party content is not fully compliant. These external platforms are not under our control and may present accessibility challenges that we cannot fix ourselves. However, we attempt to provide alternative solutions or information when possible. For instance, if an embedded video player from a third party is not accessible, we aim to provide an alternative link or description. We also provide links to the accessibility statements or support pages of major third-party services we use (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps, YouTube, etc.) so that users can learn how to use those services with assistive technology or report issues on those platforms.

Through these measures, ALA is continuously working to enhance the accessibility of our websites. We value digital inclusion as an ongoing commitment and will continue to invest in technologies and practices that support equal access for all users.

Despite our best efforts, you may encounter a part of our website that is difficult to use or accessibility barriers that we have not yet identified. We welcome and encourage feedback from our users so we can continue improving. If you experience any accessibility issues with our website or have suggestions on how we can improve accessibility, please let us know.

Reporting an Issue: The quickest way to report a problem is by using the AudioEye Help Desk on our site. Click the circular accessibility icon (usually located in the bottom corner of the page) to open the assistive toolbar, then select the "Help Desk" or "Report Issue" option. This allows you to send us direct feedback about any accessibility barrier you encountered. Our accessibility partner AudioEye monitors these reports and will assist in addressing the issue promptly.

Contact Us Directly: Alternatively, you can contact American Leadership Academy’s team via phone or email for assistance with any accessibility concerns. Our District Office staff is ready and willing to help with any questions or concerns you have, including help with inaccessible content or requests for alternative formats of material. Please reach out to us at:

• Email: itweb@charter.one
• Phone: (480) 420-2101 (ALA District Office)
• Contact Us Here: Contact Us

When you contact us, please provide the URL of the page where you encountered the issue, a description of the problem, and your contact information. A member of our team will investigate the issue and get back to you as soon as possible. We are prepared to provide the information you need through alternative means (such as providing a PDF in an alternate format, reading content over the phone, or another method) if we cannot immediately resolve the web accessibility issue. Our goal is to respond to accessibility feedback and resolve any issues promptly, ensuring that you can successfully access the information or service you were seeking.

Continual Improvement: Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are committed to regular improvement. We will update our website and this accessibility statement as needed to reflect advances in technology, changes in standards, or feedback from our users. By working together with our community and accessibility experts, we aim to make our website experience positive for everyone. If you have any questions about this Accessibility Statement or about the accessibility of any specific page on alaschools.org, please contact us. We greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Thank you for supporting our commitment to an inclusive website. We are dedicated to providing all our students, parents, and community members equal access to information and opportunities.

Last Updated: June 12, 2025