Our Commitment: Blaze Sports Intel is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities. We continually improve the user experience and apply relevant accessibility standards to ensure our platform is usable by everyone.
1. Conformance Status
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.
Blaze Sports Intel is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. "Partially conformant" means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.
Current Compliance Status
- Level A: Fully conformant (basic accessibility features)
- Level AA: Partially conformant (enhanced accessibility features)
- Level AAA: Not evaluated (highest level of accessibility)
2. Accessibility Features
2.1 Keyboard Navigation
- All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
- Tab key navigates forward through interactive elements
- Shift + Tab navigates backward
- Enter or Space activates buttons and links
- Escape closes modals and dialogs
- No keyboard traps - users can always navigate away
2.2 Screen Reader Support
- Semantic HTML5 elements for proper structure
- ARIA labels and landmarks for navigation
- Alt text for all meaningful images
- Descriptive link text (no "click here")
- Form labels associated with inputs
- Live regions for dynamic content updates
2.3 Visual Design
- Color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text
- Color contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for large text and UI components
- Information not conveyed by color alone
- Resizable text up to 200% without loss of functionality
- Sufficient spacing between interactive elements
- Visible focus indicators for keyboard navigation
2.4 Mobile Accessibility
- Touch targets at least 44x44 pixels (iOS/Android guidelines)
- Pinch-to-zoom enabled
- Responsive design for all screen sizes
- Portrait and landscape orientations supported
- Voice control compatible (Siri, Google Assistant)
2.5 Content Accessibility
- Plain language used where possible
- Clear heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)
- Descriptive page titles
- Skip navigation links
- Consistent navigation across pages
- Error messages provide clear guidance
3. Assistive Technology Compatibility
We strive to ensure compatibility with the following assistive technologies:
Screen Readers
- JAWS (Windows)
- NVDA (Windows)
- VoiceOver (macOS, iOS)
- TalkBack (Android)
- Narrator (Windows)
Other Assistive Technologies
- Browser zoom (up to 200%)
- Screen magnifiers (ZoomText, Magnifier)
- Speech recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
- Switch devices and alternative input methods
- High contrast mode
- Dark mode / light mode
4. Known Limitations
Despite our best efforts, some limitations may exist:
Current Known Issues
- Third-Party Sports Data: Some embedded data visualizations from external providers may have accessibility limitations
- Live Game Updates: Rapid content updates during live games may be challenging for some screen readers
- Complex Statistics Tables: Large data tables may be difficult to navigate on mobile devices
- Game Graphics: The baseball game uses visual elements that may not be fully accessible to all users
Ongoing Improvements
We are actively working to address these limitations through:
- Adding text alternatives for visual data
- Implementing accessible data table navigation
- Providing audio cues for game events
- Enhancing ARIA annotations
5. Testing and Evaluation
5.1 Automated Testing
- Lighthouse Accessibility Audits (Chrome DevTools)
- axe DevTools browser extension
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
- Pa11y automated testing suite
5.2 Manual Testing
- Keyboard-only navigation testing
- Screen reader testing (NVDA, VoiceOver)
- Color contrast verification
- Mobile device testing (iOS and Android)
- User feedback from accessibility community
5.3 Testing Schedule
- Automated tests run on every deployment
- Manual accessibility audit: Quarterly
- User testing with assistive technology users: Bi-annually
6. Feedback and Assistance
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of Blaze Sports Intel. If you encounter an accessibility barrier, please let us know:
Accessibility Coordinator:
Austin Humphrey
Report an Accessibility Issue
Use request type: "Accessibility Feedback"
Response Time: We aim to respond within 3 business days
Austin Humphrey
Report an Accessibility Issue
Use request type: "Accessibility Feedback"
Response Time: We aim to respond within 3 business days
When Reporting Issues, Please Include:
- Page URL where the issue occurs
- Description of the accessibility barrier
- Browser and version (e.g., Chrome 120, Safari 17)
- Operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
- Assistive technology used (if applicable)
- Screenshots or screen recordings (if helpful)
7. Third-Party Content
Some content on Blaze Sports Intel is provided by third-party services:
Sports Data Providers
- SportsDataIO: Professional sports statistics
- MLB StatsAPI: Major League Baseball data
- ESPN API: College and professional sports data
- Perfect Game: Youth baseball tournament data
While we strive to ensure accessibility of third-party content, we cannot guarantee full compliance. If you encounter issues with third-party content, please contact us and we will work with the provider to improve accessibility.
8. Mobile Apps
Our mobile baseball game aims to comply with:
- iOS: Apple Human Interface Guidelines - Accessibility
- Android: Android Accessibility Guidelines
Mobile Game Accessibility Features
- VoiceOver/TalkBack support for menus and settings
- Adjustable text sizes
- High contrast mode
- Simplified controls option
- Audio cues for game events
- Haptic feedback (vibration) for important actions
9. Legal Framework
Standards and Regulations
Blaze Sports Intel aims to comply with:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): U.S. federal law prohibiting discrimination
- Section 508: Federal accessibility standards
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA: International web accessibility standard
- EN 301 549: European accessibility standard
Enforcement Mechanisms
If you believe our platform does not meet accessibility standards, you may:
- Contact us directly (preferred)
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education (for educational content)
10. Accessibility Roadmap
Short-Term (Next 3 Months)
- Implement skip navigation links on all pages
- Add ARIA live regions for live score updates
- Improve keyboard navigation in data tables
- Enhance focus indicators visibility
Medium-Term (Next 6 Months)
- Conduct user testing with screen reader users
- Implement accessible data visualization alternatives
- Add audio descriptions for game highlights
- Create accessible PDF versions of statistics reports
Long-Term (Next 12 Months)
- Achieve full WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance
- Implement voice commands for game control
- Add sign language interpretation for video content
- Create simplified interface option for cognitive accessibility
11. Training and Awareness
Our development team receives training on:
- WCAG 2.1 guidelines and best practices
- Accessible HTML and ARIA usage
- Screen reader testing techniques
- Inclusive design principles
- Assistive technology user needs
All new features undergo accessibility review before deployment.
12. Additional Resources
Accessibility Guides
Assistive Technology Resources
13. Version History
| Version | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | November 9, 2025 | Initial accessibility statement published |