We want everyone to be able to use observatory.global, including people with disabilities. This statement explains the standard we work to, what we know does not yet work well, and how to get help or give feedback.
1. Our commitment and standard
We design and build observatory.global to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium. We test with automated tools, keyboard-only use and screen readers, in light and dark themes, at phone and desktop widths and with text enlarged to 200%.
Conformance status: partially conforms. Most of the site meets WCAG 2.2 Level AA, but some parts do not yet fully meet it (section 3). This status was last reviewed on [PLACEHOLDER: date of the last accessibility review].
2. What we do
- Every page works with a keyboard, shows a visible focus indicator and starts with a link to skip to the main content.
- Pages use headings, landmarks and labels that screen readers can announce, and every form field has a visible label and clear error messages.
- Text meets a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 in both colour themes, and colour is never the only way information is shown.
- Pages reflow to a single column on small screens and support text enlarged to 200% without loss of content.
- Animations are reduced when your system asks for less motion.
- Every page is available in English and in French. Our cookie banner and privacy choices can be used with a keyboard and a screen reader.
- Sign-in does not rely on a puzzle or image test, and you can paste passwords and codes.
3. Known limitations
We know that the following parts may not yet work well for everyone. We are working on them and, until they are fixed, we offer the alternatives shown:
- Interactive 3D models and maps cannot be fully explored with a keyboard or a screen reader. The same key information is given in text on the page, and we can send you the underlying data on request.
- Charts and live data views may not describe every value in text. Ask us for the data in a table or a downloadable file.
- Content posted by members, such as images without descriptions, may not meet the standard. We ask members to add text descriptions and to use clear language.
- Content from other providers, such as embedded videos or third-party documents, is outside our control.
- Pages in languages other than English and French are translations that may be incomplete.
4. Feedback and alternative formats
If something does not work for you, or you need information in another format, such as plain text, large print or a data file, write to contact@observatory.global with the subject line Accessibility. Tell us the page address and what you were trying to do. We reply within 5 business days, and we provide accessible formats and communication supports in a timely manner and at no cost to you.
5. Laws and frameworks
- Ontario: we follow the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its Integrated Accessibility Standards, including the requirements for feedback processes and accessible formats.
- Canada: we use WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the reference standard for web content.
- European Union: where the European Accessibility Act applies to a service we provide to consumers in the European Union, this statement and the information on our product pages describe how the service meets its accessibility requirements, and you may contact the market surveillance authority of your member state.
- Elsewhere: we apply the same standard to every visitor.
6. How we keep it up to date
We check accessibility before each release and review this statement at least once a year, or sooner when the site changes significantly.