Accessibility Policy

At Permaplug, we are committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with our website and benefit from our products and services. We strive to meet and exceed the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At Permaplug, we are aware of the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible digital environment for all users, including those with disabilities. To this end, we are actively working to prevent any barriers that may prevent access to our site or services. We take a proactive approach to meet ADA and WCAG 2.1 compliance not only to ensure inclusivity but also to minimize the risk of ADA-related lawsuits, including frivolous lawsuits that exploit accessibility standards.

Accessibility Efforts

Our accessibility efforts span both physical and digital accessibility, even though our focus is largely online. By ensuring compliance with the ADA and WCAG 2.1 guidelines, we are committed to creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of ability, can access our site and services. Our specific efforts include:

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: We ensure that all content on our website is accessible through screen readers and other assistive technologies.
  • Alt Text for Images: We provide meaningful and descriptive alt text for all non-decorative images on the site to assist visually impaired users.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Our site is fully navigable via keyboard for users with mobility impairments, without the need for a mouse or trackpad.
  • Color Contrast and Readability: We maintain high contrast between text and background colors to enhance readability for users with visual impairments.
  • Avoiding Flashing Content: We have removed any content that may contain flashing or blinking elements, helping prevent physical discomfort or seizures for users with epilepsy.
  • Offering Accessible Alternatives: In case users encounter any issues accessing the site, we offer alternative ways to engage with us, including a dedicated support line and live chat options.

    Ongoing Testing and Audits

    To ensure that we remain compliant and continue to meet the needs of our users, Permaplug.com undergoes regular accessibility audits. We use a variety of testing tools, including screen readers, contrast checkers, and mobile-friendly testing platforms, to ensure that our site is functional and accessible to users with disabilities. In addition to in-house testing, we may engage third-party services to evaluate our compliance with ADA and WCAG guidelines.

    Dedicated Accessibility Contact

    We are committed to maintaining an open dialogue about accessibility improvements. If you encounter any accessibility issues while using Permaplug.com or have suggestions for how we can enhance our accessibility efforts, please contact our designated Accessibility Coordinator at support@permaplug.com.

    Proactive Commitment to Stay Updated

    As part of our commitment, we stay informed about any updates or changes to ADA guidelines and WCAG standards. Our accessibility policy is not static; we are continuously adapting our practices to align with the latest regulations and technologies in web accessibility.

    Proactive Accessibility Testing and SOP

    We consistently monitor our site for accessibility issues through proactive testing using various tools, including screen readers, contrast checkers, and mobile-friendly platforms. We have also implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for accessibility compliance, ensuring that accessibility is considered from the start in every update and modification to the site.

    Documentation and Compliance Reviews

    As part of our commitment, Permaplug maintains detailed documentation of all accessibility updates, reviews, and audits. This helps us demonstrate a good-faith effort in meeting ADA and WCAG compliance, providing a strong defense against potential litigation.

    Staff Training and Awareness

    Our team is regularly trained to ensure that they understand and prioritize accessibility. Every new piece of content and site update adheres to the latest ADA and WCAG guidelines, ensuring that accessibility is part of our standard practices.

    No Reliance on Widgets

    While some businesses may rely on accessibility widgets or plugins as quick-fix solutions, Permaplug focuses on genuine and sustainable accessibility practices. We ensure that our site’s functionality truly aligns with WCAG guidelines and meets the needs of all users.

    Accessibility Feedback

    We value feedback from our users and are committed to resolving any accessibility issues swiftly. If you experience any difficulties or have suggestions for improvement, please contact our dedicated Accessibility Coordinator at support@permaplug.com.

    Risk Awareness and Mitigation

    We are aware of the risk of ADA lawsuits, and we take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. By maintaining thorough documentation, consistently updating our site, and staying informed on the latest standards, we aim to reduce our exposure to legal action while continuing to improve the accessibility of Permaplug.com.

    Accessibility Updates

    UPDATED ON APRIL 1, 2023

    In our initial accessibility efforts, we implemented the following changes to better align with ADA and WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines:

    • Alt Text Implementation: Descriptive alt text was added to all images, ensuring that users relying on screen readers could fully engage with our visual content.
    • Shopify ADA-Compliant Themes: We exclusively used ADA-compliant themes from Shopify to lay the groundwork for an accessible web experience.
    • Text Contrast Adjustments: We reviewed and adjusted the color contrast of text across the site to ensure readability for all users, particularly those with visual impairments.
    • Elimination of Flashing Content: We removed any content that could cause seizures or physical discomfort, adhering to best practices for users with epilepsy.

    UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

    To continue enhancing accessibility, we made further improvements:

    • Alt Text Review and Image Updates: We conducted a comprehensive review of all images on the site. Any images that lacked alt text were either removed or updated with appropriate alt text descriptions, ensuring no gaps in accessibility for screen reader users.
    • Upgrade to Premium Shopify Theme: We upgraded to a premium, fully ADA-compliant Shopify theme to ensure that our site continues to meet the latest accessibility standards and provides a more inclusive user experience.

    These changes were published to the site on September 1, 2024, to further align Permaplug.com with ADA compliance and WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines.

    By providing these regular updates and maintaining transparency in our accessibility improvements, we are committed to making Permaplug.com a fully accessible platform for all users, now and in the future.