San Francisco Environment Department (SFE) is committed to ensuring that the information available on its website is accessible to everyone.

 

How we support accessibility

This website follows all technical requirements of the most recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Level AA. At time of standard publication this means compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, Level AA, and its four principles:

  1. Perceivable - Information and user interface components must be shown to users in ways they can perceive.
  2. Operable - User interface components and navigation must be operable.
  3. Understandable - Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
  4. Robust - Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a variety of users.

In addition, this website follows specific Level AAA requirements for:

  • Abbreviations: A mechanism for identifying the expanded meaning of abbreviations is available.
  • Attachments: Attachments are accessible to everyone, including users who use assistive technology like screen readers.
  • Editing: When web content is edited, it is re-tested for accessibility.
  • Help: Help in context is available.
  • Link text: Make sure all links are provided at the point in the content at which they're useful without visibly displaying the URL or "here".
  • Pronunciation: There is a way for identifying pronunciation of words where their meaning is ambiguous.
  • Reduced Motion: Respect a user's preference for reduced motion.
  • Skip to Main Content: Allow screen reader users to easily skip repetitive navigation.
  • Unusual Words: There is a way for identifying definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon.
  • User Testing: User testing is a standard practice for ensuring accessibility.

Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that online content be accessible to people with disabilities that impact their ability to access online websites, applications, and documents. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The COIT Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Standard follows WCAG 2.1 as the most recent version of such guidelines and sets a higher standard.

San Francisco's Language Access Ordinance requires Departments to translate written materials that provide vital information to the public about the Department's services or programs. They need to be translated into the languages spoken by a Substantial Number of Limited English Speaking Persons. The Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs notifies Departments when a language is recognized as spoken by a Substantial Number of Limited English Speaking Persons. 

All City and County of San Francisco websites must adhere to the requirements of the Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Standard, adopted November 18, 2021. Visit the City and County of San Francisco's Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Standard webpage to learn more.