Accessibility Statement for the City of Bend Website

The City of Bend is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

Employees designated as website content editors will be trained in the functions of web accessibility tools and techniques. Periodic scans of existing websites will be conducted to assess compliance with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1. Identified issues will be corrected to the best of our ability. Upon request, all information on City websites can be made available in an alternative format, or arrangements can be made by City staff to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

REQUESTING ALTERNATE FORMATS OR OTHER ASSISTANCE

To request information in an alternate format or other assistance, please contact the City’s Accessibility Manager at 541-693-2141 or accessibility@bendoregon.gov. Visit the City’s Accessibility Program to view how the City is ensuring compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding City programs, services, processes, and facilities.

MEASURES TO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY

City of Bend websites use industry-standard techniques and best practices to provide the highest possible level of ADA website accessibility for our users. These include, but are not limited to, usability characteristics for screen reader users, keyboard-only users, users with low/impaired vision, users who are deaf, and users who are color blind.

The City of Bend takes the following measures to ensure accessibility of the City of Bend Website:

  • Includes accessibility throughout our internal policies.
  • Integrates accessibility into our procurement practices.
  • Provides continual accessibility training for staff.

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. The City of Bend’s website is currently working toward full conformance with WCAG 2.1 level AA. The City of Bend is committed to assessing, prioritizing, and updating all City websites so that they are ADA compliant. As a result, we are in varying stages of progress toward our accessibility goal.

LIMITATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

Despite our best efforts to ensure the accessibility of the City of Bend Website, there may be some limitations. Below is a description of known limitations and potential solutions. Please contact us if you observe an issue not listed below.

Known limitations for City of Bend Website:

  1. Document Accessibility: Some documents may not be accessible for screen readers. The City is in the process of ensuring staff takes needed document accessibility training. If you have difficulty accessing a particular document, please contact the staff person or department responsible for the document or contact the Accessibility Program.
  2. Mapping Services: Due to current technology constraints, our mapping services may not be accessible. We will monitor these sections and will develop accessibility solutions as they arise.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Accessibility of the City of Bend Website relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer:

  • HTML
  • WAI-ARIA
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used.

ASSESSMENT APPROACH

The City of Bend assesses the accessibility of the City of Bend Website by the following approaches:

  • Self-evaluation
  • Periodic automated assessments

FEEDBACK

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of the City of Bend Website. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on the City of Bend Website:

  • Phone: 541-693-2198
  • E-mail: accessibility@bendoregon.gov
  • Visitor address: 710 NW Wall St., Bend OR 97703
  • Postal address: 710 NW Wall St. P.O. Box 431

We try to respond to feedback within 2 to 3 business days.