The upgraded site joins top websites conforming to high web accessibility standards
Oakland, California – February 14, 2023 – Ability Central has launched an updated version of its Portal website, bringing a streamlined user experience and greater accessibility for people with disabilities to the site. Originally introduced in June of 2022, the Ability Central Portal now conforms to WCAG 2.1 Level AA web standards, joining only 2% of the top one million websites that reach these accessibility criteria.
“This new update brings the same informative content on the Portal into a more equitable space,” says Matt Cherry, director of philanthropy at Ability Central. “The W3C’s WCAG web accessibility guidelines are internationally recognized standards of inclusivity for digital experiences. Comprised of 50 success criteria, we are among only a small portion of websites that have reached this milestone. We’re proud to be a blueprint for digital accessibility and look forward to bringing information about disabilities to the widest audience possible.”
The Ability Central Portal is a web tool that provides information about disabilities to the public. It focuses on providing in-depth information and resources to people who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent; people experiencing physical or sensory declines; and caregivers and community organizations.
The Ability Central Portal includes unique databases and custom-built resources designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their support communities:
- The Device Finder provides comprehensive accessibility information for every smartphone and tablet currently on the market
- The Service Locator supplies detailed information and links to local support services anywhere in the United States, from community organizations to care facilities
- The Event Database lists in-person and virtual events by and for the disability community
- The Article Library offers a regularly updated hub for blogs, news stories, fact sheets, and videos covering research, technological innovation, and cultural insights into Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent communities
Headquartered in Oakland, California, Ability Central is the philanthropic division of the California Communication Access Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003. Ability Central serves as an educator, convener, and resource working to expand communication and information access for individuals who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent and their families and caregivers. Ability Central offers technical support to other nonprofits working to help people who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent; and provides online information and resources for anyone with questions about disabilities and communication access.