Block Wall Street - Blockchain Education Platform
Website: blockwallstreet.io
 

Last Updated: December 7, 2024
Version: 2.0 (Illinois Jurisdiction)
Effective Date: December 7, 2024

1. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

Block Wall Street is committed to ensuring that our website and educational services are accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone should have equal access to blockchain and cryptocurrency education, regardless of their abilities or the technologies they use to access our content. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment and continuously work to improve the accessibility of our platform in accordance with Illinois accessibility requirements, federal standards, and recognized accessibility best practices.

2. ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

2.1 Federal and State Standards

We strive to conform to the following accessibility standards:

- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA: International accessibility
guidelines
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal civil rights law
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Federal accessibility standards
- Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA): State accessibility requirements
- Illinois Accessibility Code: State building and facility accessibility standards

2.2 Illinois-Specific Compliance

In accordance with Illinois accessibility requirements, we ensure our digital content meets:

- Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) standards
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance as required by Illinois law
- Illinois state accessibility guidelines for public-facing websites
- Chicago local accessibility requirements for digital services

2.3 Accessibility Guidelines Coverage

These guidelines help make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities,
including:

- Visual impairments: Blindness, low vision, color blindness
- Hearing impairments: Deafness, hard of hearing
- Motor impairments: Limited fine motor control, paralysis
- Cognitive impairments: Learning disabilities, memory issues, attention disorders

3. ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

3.1 Visual Accessibility

Our website includes the following visual accessibility features:
High Contrast and Color:

- High contrast color schemes for users with visual impairments
- Information not conveyed through color alone
- Minimum color contrast ratios meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards
- Variety of color selections for adjustable contrast settings

Text and Typography:

- Scalable text that can be resized up to 200% without loss of functionality
- Clear, easy-to-read fonts and appropriate font sizes
- Relative font sizes for better accessibility
- Proper heading structure for screen readers

Images and Graphics:

- Descriptive alternative text for all images and graphics
- Complex images include detailed descriptions
- Decorative images properly marked for screen readers
- Charts and graphs include text alternatives and data tables

Focus and Navigation:

- Clear visual indicators for keyboard navigation
- Consistent and predictable navigation structure
- Skip links for quick navigation to main content areas
- Logical tab order throughout the website

3.2 Audio and Video Accessibility

Captions and Transcripts:

- Closed captions provided for all video content
- Text transcripts available for audio and video materials
- Synchronized captions for multimedia with essential auditory information
- Audio descriptions for videos with essential visual information
Audio Controls:
- User-controllable audio levels
- No auto-playing media with sound
- Ability to pause, stop, or control audio content
- Alternative formats for audio-only content

3.3 Navigation and Interaction

Keyboard Accessibility:

- Full website functionality available via keyboard navigation
- All interactive elements accessible without a mouse
- Logical tab order for all focusable elements
- Keyboard shortcuts clearly documented

Form Accessibility:

- Clear labels and instructions for all form fields
- Error identification and correction guidance
- Field set and legend elements for grouped form controls
- Required fields clearly marked and explained

Interactive Elements:

- Consistent navigation and interface elements
- Clear indication of current page or section
- Descriptive link text that makes sense out of context
- Adequate time provided for reading and interacting with content

3.4 Content Accessibility
Language and Structure:

- Plain language used throughout the site
- Logical reading order and content flow
- Proper markup for document structure
- Language of content clearly identified

Time and Motion:

- No content that flashes more than three times per second
- Ability to pause moving, blinking, or auto-updating content
- Extended time limits or ability to extend time when needed
- No seizure-inducing content or animations

4. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY COMPATIBILITY

4.1 Screen Reader Support

Our website is designed to work with popular screen readers, including:

- JAWS (Job Access With Speech): Windows screen reader
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): Free Windows screen reader
- VoiceOver: macOS and iOS built-in screen reader
- TalkBack: Android built-in screen reader
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Voice recognition software

4.2 Browser and Device Compatibility

We ensure compatibility with:

- Modern web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge with accessibility features
- Mobile devices: iOS and Android accessibility features
- Assistive hardware: Switch devices, eye-tracking systems, alternative keyboards
- Browser accessibility tools: Built-in zoom, high contrast modes, voice control

4.3 Third-Party Accessibility Tools

Our website works with various accessibility tools:

- Browser extensions for accessibility enhancement
- Text-to-speech software and applications
- Magnification software and tools
- Alternative input devices and methods

5. ONGOING ACCESSIBILITY EFFORTS

5.1 Regular Testing and Monitoring

We maintain accessibility through:

- Automated testing: Regular scans using accessibility testing tools
- Manual testing: Human review with assistive technologies
- User testing: Feedback from users with disabilities
- Expert audits: Third-party accessibility assessments
- Continuous monitoring: Ongoing evaluation of new content and features

5.2 Staff Training and Education

Our commitment includes:

- Accessibility training: Regular training for all team members
- Developer education: Specialized training for technical staff
- Content creator guidance: Training for those producing educational materials
- Best practices updates: Regular updates on accessibility standards and techniques

5.3 Content Review Process

All content undergoes accessibility review:

- Pre-publication review: Accessibility check before content goes live
- Regular audits: Periodic review of existing content
- Update procedures: Process for improving accessibility of older content
- Quality assurance: Testing of interactive elements and course materials

6. ILLINOIS ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE

6.1 Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA)

We comply with IITAA requirements by:

- Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards as required by Illinois law
- Ensuring all information technology is accessible to users with disabilities
- Providing alternative formats when standard formats are not accessible
- Maintaining documentation of accessibility compliance efforts

6.2 State and Local Requirements

Our accessibility efforts align with:

- Illinois state accessibility guidelines for digital content
- Chicago local accessibility requirements for online services
- Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) accessibility standards
- Cook County accessibility requirements for digital services

6.3 Public Accommodation Compliance

As an educational service provider, we ensure:

- Equal access to educational content and services
- Reasonable accommodations for users with disabilities
- Alternative methods of accessing information when needed
- Compliance with Illinois public accommodation laws

7. KNOWN ACCESSIBILITY LIMITATIONS

7.1 Current Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge some current limitations:

- Third-party content: Some embedded content from external sources may not meet our
accessibility standards.

- Legacy materials: Older course materials are being updated to meet current standards.

- Complex diagrams: Some blockchain technical diagrams may require additional description
- Interactive elements: Certain interactive course elements are being enhanced for better accessibility.

7.2 Ongoing Improvements

We are actively working to address these limitations by:

- Updating legacy content to meet current accessibility standards
- Working with third-party providers to improve accessibility
- Developing alternative formats for complex visual content
- Enhancing interactive elements for better assistive technology support

7.3 Workaround Solutions

For current limitations, we provide:

- Alternative text descriptions for complex diagrams
- Audio descriptions for visual content
- Text-based alternatives for interactive elements
- Personal assistance for accessing difficult content

8. ACCESSIBILITY FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT

8.1 How to Report Accessibility Issues

If you encounter accessibility barriers on our website or in our educational content, please contact us:
Accessibility Coordinator
Block Wall Street
Email: blockwallstreetwork@proton.me
Address: 700 East 61st Street, Chicago, IL, USA

When reporting issues, please include:

- Description of the accessibility barrier encountered
- Specific page or content where you encountered the issue
- Assistive technology you were using (if applicable)
- Browser and operating system information
- Any error messages you received
- Suggestions for improvement

8.2 Response Timeline

We are committed to responding to accessibility feedback promptly:

- Acknowledgment: Within 2 business days
- Initial response: Within 5 business days
- Resolution timeline: Varies based on complexity, with estimated timeframes provided
- Follow-up: Confirmation that issues have been resolved

8.3 Alternative Access Methods

If you cannot access certain content due to accessibility barriers, we can provide:

- Alternative formats: Large print, audio, electronic text, Braille
- Personal assistance: One-on-one support for course navigation
- Modified materials: Adapted course content when possible
- Extended time: Additional time for course completion when needed

9. ACCESSIBILITY IN COURSE DESIGN

9.1 Universal Design Principles

All our educational courses are designed with accessibility in mind:

- Multiple learning modalities: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning options
- Flexible pacing: Self-paced courses accommodate different learning speeds
- Clear structure: Logical organization with clear learning objectives
- Consistent layout: Predictable course structure and navigation

9.2 Interactive Elements

Course interactive elements include:

- Keyboard accessible controls: All interactive elements operable via keyboard
- Clear instructions: Step-by-step guidance for all activities
- Error prevention: Clear validation and error correction
- Progress indicators: Clear indication of course progress and completion
- Alternative interaction methods: Multiple ways to complete activities

9.3 Assessment Accessibility

Our assessments are designed to be accessible through:

- Multiple question formats: Various ways to demonstrate knowledge
- Extended time options: Additional time for users who need it
- Alternative assessment methods: Different ways to complete evaluations
- Clear instructions: Detailed guidance for all assessment activities

10. MOBILE ACCESSIBILITY

10.1 Mobile-Responsive Design

Our mobile experience includes:

- Responsive design: Content adapts to different screen sizes and orientations
- Touch target size: Adequate size for touch interactions (minimum 44x44 pixels)
- Mobile screen reader support: Compatibility with iOS VoiceOver and Android TalkBack
- Gesture alternatives: Alternative methods for gesture-based interactions
- Orientation support: Content works in both portrait and landscape modes

10.2 Mobile-Specific Features

Mobile accessibility features include:

- Zoom support: Content remains functional when zoomed to 200%
- Voice control: Compatibility with mobile voice control features
- Switch control: Support for switch navigation on mobile devices
- Reduced motion: Respect for user preferences regarding motion and animation

11. ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

11.1 User Resources

We provide resources to help users optimize their experience:

- Accessibility help guide: Instructions for using accessibility features
- Browser settings guide: How to adjust browser accessibility settings
- Assistive technology tips: Recommendations for using our site with assistive technologies
- Keyboard shortcuts: List of available keyboard navigation shortcuts

11.2 External Resources

Links to helpful accessibility resources:

- WebAIM: Web accessibility information and evaluation tools
- NVDA: Free screen reader software download
- Browser accessibility features: Guides for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
- Operating system accessibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android accessibility features
- Illinois accessibility resources: State-specific accessibility information and support

12. THIRD-PARTY ACCESSIBILITY

12.1 Vendor Requirements

We require our third-party vendors and partners to:

- Meet accessibility standards for their services
- Provide accessible alternatives when needed
- Collaborate on accessibility improvements
- Maintain accessibility in updates and changes
- Comply with Illinois accessibility requirements

12.2 Content Partners

When featuring external content, we:

- Evaluate accessibility before inclusion
- Provide additional context or alternatives when needed
- Work with partners to improve accessibility
- Clearly identify external content limitations
- Offer alternative access methods when possible

13. LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

13.1 Illinois Legal Framework

Our accessibility efforts comply with:
- Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA)
- Illinois Human Rights Act: Anti-discrimination protections
- Illinois Accessibility Code: Physical and digital accessibility requirements
- Chicago Municipal Code: Local accessibility requirements

13.2 Federal Compliance

We also comply with federal accessibility laws:

- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III: Public accommodations
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Federal accessibility standards
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Non-discrimination requirements

13.3 Enforcement and Remedies

Users who experience accessibility barriers may:

- Contact our accessibility team for immediate assistance
- File complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights
- Seek remedies through Illinois state courts
- Contact the U.S. Department of Justice for federal ADA violations

14. ACCESSIBILITY POLICY UPDATES

14.1 Regular Review Schedule

This Accessibility Statement is reviewed and updated:

- Annually: Comprehensive review and update
- As needed: When significant changes are made to our website or services
- Based on feedback: In response to user feedback and accessibility audits
- Legal changes: When accessibility laws or standards are updated

14.2 Stakeholder Input

We welcome input from:

- Users with disabilities and their advocates
- Accessibility experts and consultants
- Illinois state accessibility officials
- Disability rights organizations

14.3 Continuous Improvement

Our accessibility commitment includes:

- Regular assessment of accessibility barriers
- Implementation of new accessibility technologies
- Training updates for staff and content creators
- Collaboration with the disability community

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

15.1 Accessibility Team

For accessibility-related questions, feedback, or assistance:

Accessibility Coordinator
Block Wall Street
Email: blockwallstreetwork@proton.me
Phone: [Phone Number] (voice/TTY available)
Address: 700 East 61st Street, Chicago, IL, USA
Website: blockwallstreet.io
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

​

15.2 Illinois Accessibility Resources

For additional support and information:

- Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT): State accessibility guidance
- Illinois Department of Human Rights: Disability rights and discrimination complaints
- Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities: Local accessibility resources
- Illinois Assistive Technology Program: Assistive technology resources and training

15.3 Emergency Accessibility Support

For urgent accessibility issues:
- Email: blockwallstreetwork@proton.me
- Phone: [Emergency Phone Number]
- Response time: Within 4 hours during business days

16. COMMITMENT TO IMPROVEMENT

We view accessibility as an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. We pledge to:

- Continuously improve: Regular enhancement of accessibility practices
- Stay current: Keep up with accessibility standards and best practices
- Listen and learn: Value feedback from users with disabilities
- Invest in accessibility: Dedicate resources to accessibility training and tools
- Prioritize inclusion: Make accessibility a priority in all development decisions
- Collaborate: Work with the disability community and accessibility experts
- Measure progress: Track and report on accessibility improvements
- Lead by example: Demonstrate best practices in digital accessibility

​

We welcome your feedback and are committed to providing equal access to blockchain education for all learners. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for everyone.

This Accessibility Statement is governed by Illinois state law and federal accessibility requirements, and is effective as of the date listed above.