Accessibility Statement

1. Our Accessibility Commitment

Digital Pinakothek is committed to ensuring that our digital museum is accessible to all visitors, regardless of ability, technology, or circumstance. We believe that access to art and cultural heritage is a fundamental right that should not be limited by barriers.

2. Accessibility Standards

Our website strives to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities and user-friendly for everyone.

WCAG Principle	Our Implementation	Status
Perceivable Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive	Alt text for images, captions, high contrast, scalable text	Full Support
Operable Interface components must be operable	Keyboard navigation, focus indicators, no seizure triggers	Full Support
Understandable Information and UI operation must be understandable	Clear language, consistent navigation, error identification	Full Support
Robust Content must be robust enough for various technologies	Valid HTML, assistive technology compatibility	Ongoing

3. Accessibility Features

We have implemented numerous accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy our digital museum collections and exhibitions.

Visual Accessibility

• High Contrast: Color schemes meet WCAG contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 minimum)
• Scalable Text: All text can be resized up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Alternative Text: Comprehensive alt text for all artwork images and decorative elements
• Color Independence: Information is not conveyed through color alone
• Focus Indicators: Clear visual indicators for keyboard navigation
• Readable Fonts: Sans-serif fonts optimized for screen reading

Motor Accessibility

• Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements accessible via keyboard
• Large Click Targets: Interactive elements meet minimum 44px touch target size
• No Time Limits: No automatic timeouts or moving content that cannot be paused
• Skip Links: Quick navigation to main content areas
• Voice Control: Compatible with voice recognition software

Cognitive Accessibility

• Clear Structure: Logical heading hierarchy and consistent navigation
• Simple Language: Clear, concise descriptions and instructions
• Error Prevention: Clear error messages and correction guidance
• Consistent Interface: Predictable layout and interaction patterns
• Progress Indicators: Clear indication of current location and available actions

4. Assistive Technology Support

Our website has been tested with various assistive technologies to ensure compatibility and optimal user experience.

Technology Type	Tested Solutions	Compatibility
Screen Readers	NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack	Excellent
Voice Control	Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Voice Control (macOS/iOS)	Excellent
Switch Navigation	Switch Access, Switch Control	Good
Magnification	ZoomText, Magnifier, Zoom (built-in)	Excellent

5. Content Accessibility

We provide multiple ways to access and understand our art collections, ensuring that visual, auditory, and cognitive preferences are accommodated.

Artwork Descriptions

• Detailed Alt Text: Comprehensive descriptions of artwork composition, colors, and techniques
• Audio Descriptions: Optional narrated descriptions for key artworks
• Multiple Formats: Text, audio, and simplified summaries available
• Cultural Context: Historical and cultural background information
• Technical Details: Information about medium, dimensions, and creation date

Navigation Aids

• Breadcrumb Navigation: Clear indication of current location
• Site Map: Complete overview of site structure
• Search Functionality: Multiple search options and filters
• Related Content: Suggested artworks and exhibitions
• Collection Guides: Curated pathways through our collections

6. Mobile and Responsive Design

Our responsive design ensures accessibility across all devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones and tablets.

7. Testing and Validation

We conduct regular accessibility testing using both automated tools and manual testing with real users, including people with disabilities.

Our Testing Process

• Automated Testing: Regular scans using WAVE, axe-core, and Pa11y
• Manual Testing: Keyboard-only navigation and screen reader testing
• User Testing: Feedback sessions with disability community members
• Expert Review: Third-party accessibility audits
• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing assessment of new features and content

8. Known Issues and Limitations

We are transparent about current limitations and actively working to address them. Below are known issues and our plans for resolution.

Issue	Impact	Workaround	Timeline
Some historical images lack detailed descriptions	Screen reader users may miss visual details	Contact us for detailed descriptions	Q2 2025
Video content needs captions	Deaf and hard-of-hearing users	Transcripts available on request	Q1 2025
Complex data visualizations	May be difficult for some users to interpret	Alternative text-based summaries provided	Ongoing

9. Feedback and Support

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of Digital Pinakothek. Your input helps us identify barriers and improve our services for all users.

How to Report Accessibility Issues:

• Email us with specific details about the barrier you encountered
• Include the page URL and description of the issue
• Tell us what assistive technology you were using, if applicable
• Suggest how we might improve the experience
• We will respond within 2 business days with an action plan

10. Alternative Access Options

If you encounter barriers that prevent you from accessing our digital collections, we offer several alternative ways to experience our museum.

• Personal Assistance: Schedule guided virtual tours with our accessibility specialists
• Alternative Formats: Request content in different formats (large print, Braille, audio)
• Custom Descriptions: Detailed artwork descriptions tailored to your needs
• Simplified Interface: Text-only version of our collections available
• Download Options: Offline access to collection information and images
• Educational Materials: Accessible lesson plans and educational resources

11. Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. We are committed to continuous improvement and staying current with best practices and emerging technologies.

12. Legal Compliance

Digital Pinakothek strives to comply with applicable accessibility laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, and international accessibility standards.

This accessibility statement was last reviewed and updated to reflect our current accessibility status and ongoing commitment to inclusive design.