Cognitive Access Standards
Accessibility Statement and Ongoing Improvement Record
This archive is designed with people who have acquired brain injuries, cognitive disabilities, low vision, and other access needs in mind. Accessibility is an ongoing review obligation, not a completed certification.
The "Cognitive Load" Standard
Engineered for Brain Injury Survivors.
This platform is designed to reduce the cognitive load that can arise in complex administrative and evidence records. These practices are working targets, and barriers should be reported.
Zero-Distraction Interface
High Contrast: The current design targets WCAG 2.2 AA contrast. Automated checks are supplemented by manual review, and any remaining contrast barrier should be reported.
Motion: Animation is designed to be limited and predictable, with reduced-motion support. Manual verification remains necessary.
Visual Clarity: Core templates aim to minimize visual clutter. Decorative elements are hidden from assistive technology where identified.
Consistent Layout: Core templates use predictable navigation and landmark placement. Any inconsistent or confusing page should be reported.
Plain Language Summaries
Plain-language goal: Context pages and summaries aim to explain complex records clearly without changing the meaning of the source.
Key Facts First: The most important information appears at the top.
Plain-Language Target: Editorial summaries aim for shorter sentences and explain specialized terms. Source records may retain necessary legal or technical language.
Visual Breaks: Bullet points and white space make content digestible.
Linear Navigation
Straight-Line Pathways: Evidence is presented in a logical sequence, not a confusing web of links.
Clear Signposting: The working target is to show where a reader is and provide a clear next step. Manual review and barrier reports remain necessary.
Predictable Structure: Core templates use a consistent layout, landmarks, and navigation pattern. Manual verification remains necessary for generated and legacy pages.
Breadcrumb Navigation: Users can easily backtrack without getting lost.
The "Reasonable Accommodation" Pledge
Access to the Truth is a Civil Right.
If any part of this archive is inaccessible to you due to a disability, request an accommodation such as assistance locating a record, a plain-text copy, or another available format. Requests will be reviewed as promptly as practicable; no fixed response time is guaranteed.
Records concerning accommodation requests and agency responses should be evaluated from the linked source documents and any final disposition.
Barriers described in archived records
- ✗Complex forms and administrative procedures reported as difficult to navigate
- ✗Reported absence or insufficiency of plain-language explanations in identified processes
- ✗Reported navigation and information-discovery barriers
- ✗Disputed or documented accommodation responses that require source-specific review
- ✗Accessibility compliance questions documented in complaints or correspondence
- ✗Statements about intent remain allegations unless supported by a formal finding
This Archive's Accessibility Standard
- ✓Plain-language summaries where source context permits
- ✓Source documents remain available alongside summaries; coverage is still being expanded
- ✓Linear, predictable navigation with clear signposting
- ✓Accommodation requests accepted through the Contact page and reviewed as promptly as practicable
- ✓WCAG 2.2 AA is the working target; full manual conformance has not been certified
- ✓Designed to empower reporting and truth-telling
Accessibility Features in This Archive
Screen Reader Compatible
Core templates use semantic HTML and labeled landmarks. Compatibility still requires manual testing with multiple screen readers and assistive-technology combinations.
Keyboard Navigation
Core navigation is intended to work by keyboard. Manual keyboard testing remains part of the release review, and barriers should be reported.
Text Resizing
Layouts are designed to reflow when text is enlarged. Comprehensive 200%–400% zoom and reflow testing remains ongoing.
Color Contrast
The working target is WCAG 2.2 AA. Automated contrast checks do not replace human review and do not establish site-wide certification.
Alt Text for Images
Images should have descriptive alternatives when they convey information and empty alternatives when decorative. The large media archive still requires record-by-record editorial review.
Document Accessibility
PDF accessibility and extractable text vary by source. The archive is auditing OCR, reading order, tags, metadata, and alternative-format availability document by document.
Captions & Transcripts
Video sitemap and description records are available, but synchronized captions and reviewed transcripts are not yet complete for every published video.
Focus Indicators
Interactive controls are designed to provide visible focus indicators for keyboard users. Missing or unclear focus should be reported.
Need an Accommodation?
If you encounter an accessibility barrier or need help accessing a record, please provide the page URL, the barrier, your preferred format or assistance, and a safe way to respond. Requests will be reviewed as promptly as practicable.
Your access to the public archive matters. We will review accommodation requests and explain any practical limitation.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
This archive is built on the principle that public information should be accessible. The working target is to support people with cognitive disabilities, brain injuries, and other disabilities that affect information processing.
WCAG 2.2 AA is the working target. Automated checks do not establish certification, and human review remains incomplete.
If you encounter a barrier, please report it through the public Contact pathway so it can be reviewed and prioritized.