Our Commitment to Accessibility
At Vanguard Directing Academy, nestled in the filmmaking heart of Hollywood, we are deeply committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are dedicated to making our online resources usable and accessible for people with disabilities, adhering to generally recognized and accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility.
Our commitment is rooted in the belief that accessibility is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental human right. We strive to create an inclusive online environment where all aspiring directors and filmmaking enthusiasts can easily access information about our courses, instructors, and the unique learning experience we offer in the cinematic landscape of Los Angeles.
Standards and Guidelines
Vanguard Directing Academy strives to conform to the following accessibility standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) : We aim to comply with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria. These guidelines outline how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities. Conformance with these guidelines helps make the web more user-friendly for everyone.
- Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) : We utilize ARIA attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and advanced user interface controls developed with HTML, JavaScript, and related technologies. This ensures that assistive technologies can accurately interpret and convey the functionality and state of these elements to users.
Accessibility Features Implemented
We have implemented the following features to enhance the accessibility of our website:
- Semantic HTML : We use semantic HTML elements to structure our content, making it easier for assistive technologies to understand the meaning and relationships between different parts of the page.
- Alternative Text for Images : All images on our website have descriptive alternative text (alt text) that accurately describes the image content and function. This allows users who cannot see the images to understand their purpose and relevance.
- Keyboard Navigation : Our website is fully navigable using a keyboard, allowing users who cannot use a mouse to access all content and functionality.
- Sufficient Color Contrast : We have ensured that there is sufficient color contrast between text and background colors to meet WCAG requirements, making it easier for users with low vision to read the content.
- Resizable Text : Users can easily increase or decrease the text size on our website without losing content or functionality.
- Clear and Consistent Navigation : We have designed our website with clear and consistent navigation, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
- Forms Accessibility : All forms on our website are designed to be accessible, with clear labels, instructions, and error messages.
- Video Captions and Transcripts : All videos on our website include captions and transcripts, making them accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Skip to Content Link : A "Skip to Content" link is provided at the top of each page, allowing users to bypass the navigation menu and go directly to the main content.
- ARIA Landmarks : We utilize ARIA landmark roles to define the structure of our pages, making it easier for assistive technologies to navigate the content.
Assistive Technologies Tested
Our website has been tested with the following assistive technologies to ensure compatibility:
- Screen Readers : NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
- Magnification Software : ZoomText
- Speech Recognition Software : Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Known Limitations
Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility, there may be some limitations on our website. Below is a description of known limitations, and potential solutions. Please contact us if you observe an issue not listed below.
| Issue | Potential Solution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Some older PDF documents may not be fully accessible. | We are in the process of remediating these documents or providing alternative accessible formats. | Ongoing |
| Certain third-party plugins may not be fully accessible. | We are working with the plugin vendors to address these issues or finding alternative solutions. | Investigating |
Ongoing Efforts
At Vanguard Directing Academy, accessibility is an ongoing effort. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our website and ensure that it meets the needs of all users. Our accessibility efforts include:
- Regularly auditing our website for accessibility issues using automated testing tools and manual reviews.
- Providing accessibility training to our staff to ensure that they understand and can implement accessibility best practices.
- Incorporating accessibility considerations into our design and development processes.
- Seeking feedback from users with disabilities to identify areas for improvement.
Feedback and Contact Information
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (323) 460-7755
- Address: 8500 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069
We try to respond to feedback within 5 business days.
Formal Complaints
If you have contacted us with feedback and are not satisfied with our response, you can make a formal complaint to:
Anastasia Petrova
Accessibility Compliance Officer
Vanguard Directing Academy
8500 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069
[email protected]
Enforcement Procedure
If you are not satisfied with our response to a formal complaint, you can contact the U.S. Department of Justice.
Third-Party Content
Where our website links to third-party content, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of that content. We will, however, make reasonable efforts to ensure that third-party content we use is accessible.
Date
This accessibility statement was created on October 26, 2023, and last updated on October 27, 2023.