Design Considerations

The Systems Mapping Center website is designed with the concept of universal design and accessibility so that everyone may use it.
We have made every effort to adhere to Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically Subpart B,

• Technical Standards, 1194.22
• Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (16 rules)

Accessibility Standard and Usability

We have also done evaluation against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1; to be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
No single solution works for every need, so we have attempted to reach the broadest possible audience. Section 508 is being reviewed and adapted to assist in matching standards to new technologies and we are committed to continual evaluation and modification when methods of improving functionality are found.
Some of the things that we hope will make our site more usable for everyone are (in no particular order):

• A mobile-friendly design
• Matching understandable text alternatives to graphics and multimedia
• Category submenus on category main pages
• Page orientation and menu hovering on Mobile
• Methods of changing color contrast, enlarging text size, and grayscale contrast.
• A Site map to locate any page on the site efficiently.
• Use of Alt Text tags on images
• Use of skip tags
• Use of field Labels
• Videos, when applicable, are placed within the page, as opposed to linking videos to outside pages, thereby minimizing user confusion and improving the overall experience
• Closed Caption on Videos. When applicable, all videos with verbal communication owned by Policy Research Associates have closed caption

Enabling the USERWAY Accessibility Menu

The addition of the UserWay application found to the right of a desktop screen offers adjustments for a variety of conditions including astigmatism, TBI, dyslexia, light sensitivity, vision impaired and more. Click on the UserWay accessibility icon and select an adjustment to improve your experience.  After triggering the accessibility menu, allow for the accessibility menu to load in its entirety.

You can help us improve Content Accessibility

Website Accessibility is an ongoing process. Policy Research Associates uses a 3rd party to audit and maintain website accessibility compliance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Do you have feedback about how we can improve? Are you having trouble accessing something on our site? We ask that you let us know by contacting us at smc@prainc.com. All emails will be read and be given a response if appropriate.