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View the Detailed Accessibility Tracker

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Creative West is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible spaces in the arts. We recognize accessibility is an ongoing commitment, and we rely on our team and partners to learn and implement practices that enhance the experience for all we serve in the Creative West region and beyond.

Our accessibility initiatives align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. We aim to make our content accessible to those with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities.

Recent & Completed Improvements

We’re always working to improve accessibility. Here’s what we’ve recently updated:

DateImprovementDetailsStatus
March 2025Accessibility Updates to the Upload & View Media ProcessAdded an empty alt attribute to the images in the My Portfolio section for better screen reader navigation.

Added an empty alt attribute to the “Click to Play” video thumbnail images.

Added an appropriate alt attribute with the image title to the “Click to Enlarge” media viewer.

Added correctly associated labels to form fields and the linked work sample icons.

Updated the “Choose File” field to be focusable from a keyboard and added visible focus.

Updated the “Click to Play” option for linked videos to be operable from a keyboard.

Updated the color contrast on the selected media option in the Media Preview.

Replaced the custom select combobox used for navigation with separate buttons.

Added explicit instructions for file uploads to the “Choose File” input.

Added labels to the audio/video link fields.

Added a label for character limits to the description field.

Updated field errors to be properly associated with their inputs.

Replaced the custom select dropdown with a more accessible native option.

Added an upload processing announcement for screen readers.

Labeled all required fields with “(required).”
Released
March 2025Accessibility Updates to the Admin/Juror Login PageAdded alt text to the CaFÉ logo.

Added an H1 heading to the page title, and

H2 headings to each section of the login form.

Added labels to all input fields, and added clarifying descriptions to the Forgot

Password form to indicate field requirements.

Implemented error messages to be specifically associated with each field when an invalid form submission occurs.
Released
March 2025Accessibility Updates to the Admin/Juror SiteUpdated the menu toggle button to report its state and repositioned it for better navigation.

Updated the Jury dropdown menu to report its state.
Released
March 2025Accessibility Updates for Site NavigationUpdated the focus to return to the control that opened the Help dialog after it was closed.Released
March 2025Accessibility Updates to the Call ListingsAdded visible focus states to the filter checkboxes.

Added an accessible name to the Help toggle.

Updated the color of the toggle text to meet contrast requirements.

Updated the filters to announce changes to screen readers.

Replaced the custom slider control with a native range control for better screen reader support.

Added clear references to the associate listings on the “More Info” and “Apply Now” linked.

Added structural headings to the search page to improve content hierarchy.
Released
March 2025Updated Required Fields on Artist Forms with Proper LabelsAdded labels to the required fields on the Application, Upload Media, and Checkout forms.

Removed the “fields in bold are required” text.
Released
Jan 2025Administrator & Juror Header & Menu UpdatesAdded a “Skip to Content” link for users who use assistive technology to allow them to bypass the header and menu.

Added appropriate heading markers throughout the Juror Scorecard page.
Released
Jan 2025Call Listing UpdatesAdded accessible names to the search button and favorite icon.


Updated the filter toggles and the favorite icon to be more keyboard friendly.


Updated the “More Info” and “Apply Now” links to open in a new tab.


Updated the “Select All Regions” option to a button.


Properly labeled the “Search Call Listings” box.
Released
Jan 2025Artist Profile & Registration UpdatesAdded heading text for expanding panels.

Added an accessible name to the “Remove Team Partner” button.

Added labels to the password fields, custom checkboxes, and radio buttons to include a focus state.

Updated the page design for better keyboard navigation.
Released
Jan 2025Login Page UpdatesAdded autocomplete to every field in the “Forgot Password,” “Forgot Username,” and “Login” forms. Released
Jan 2025Loading SpinnersAdded accessible loading spinners to the artist Registration, Profile, and Application pages.Released

Upcoming Accessibility Improvements

Here’s what we’re actively working on to improve accessibility:

Feature/FixExpected ReleaseImpactStatus
Scorecard LabelsQ2/3 2025Ensures that the labels and requirements on the scorecard are associated appropriately for those using assistive technology.In Progress
Improving Page Titles & Heading Structure on Artist SideQ2/3 2025Improving the page title and heading structure so they are clearer. In Progress
Adding Skip to Content LinkQ2/3 2025Ensuring all pages have a skip to content link so users can bypass the header and menu. In Progress
Juror Search & Filter LabelsQ3 2025Ensure that the search and filter labels are associated appropriately and users can access via keyboard. Planned
Juror Artwork View Keyboard Navigation & Label UpdatesQ3 2025Ensure that users can navigate the artwork view pages with a keyboard and all labels are associated and accessible. Planned
Adding Alt TextQ3 2025Allows users to add in their own alternative text for images and ensures that is used throughout the site. Planned
Improving Error HandlingQ4 2025Improves the way error text and the way it displays on the page so any issues are clear for users.Planned
Improve Application FormQ4 2025Improving and ensuring there are application form labels, improved error handling and ability to navigate with a keyboard. Planned
Improve Checkout FormsQ4 2025Improving and ensuring there are application form labels, improved error handling and ability to navigate with a keyboard. Planned
Administrator Accessibility Updates2026Improves the accessibility on the administrator side of CaFÉ. Planned

How to Get Support or Provide Feedback

Creative West is committed to continuously improving our technical platforms, and we invite all users to reach out with questions, concerns, or feedback on the accessibility of our sites.

We want to hear from you! If you experience any accessibility issues or have suggestions, please reach out. Thank you for helping us create a more inclusive experience!

Email: accessibility@WeAreCreativeWest.org
Submit the form below.