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.
Unlike the complex, bureaucratic mazes designed by the State to discourage reporting, this platform adheres to strict "Cognitive Accessibility" protocols.
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.
No Flashing Elements: Animations are smooth and predictable—never jarring or disorienting.
Minimal Visual Clutter: Every element serves a purpose. Nothing is decorative.
Consistent Layout: Users always know where to find information.
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.
Short Sentences: No run-on sentences or complex legal jargon.
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: Users always know where they are and how to move forward.
Predictable Structure: Every page follows the same layout and navigation pattern.
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
Clear, visible focus indicators show which element is currently selected for keyboard users.
Need an Accommodation?
Our Commitment to Accessibility
This archive is built on the principle that access to the truth is a civil right. We have engineered every aspect of this platform to be accessible to individuals with cognitive disabilities, brain injuries, and other disabilities that affect information processing.
We do not believe in "reasonable" barriers to access. We believe in unreasonable accessibility—going above and beyond to ensure that no one is left behind.
If this archive is not accessible to you, that is a failure on our part. Please tell us, and we will fix it.