Accessibility Statement

# Accessibility Statement

**Effective Date:** 1.6.2025 
**Last Updated:** 1.6.2025

## 1. Introduction and Commitment

Marko Pyhäjärvi is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying relevant accessibility standards to ensure our website and services are accessible to all users.

### 1.1 Our Accessibility Mission
**We believe that digital accessibility is:**
- A fundamental human right
- Essential for inclusive business practices
- A driver of innovation and better user experience
- A legal requirement we take seriously

### 1.2 Business-to-Business Context
**This accessibility statement applies to:**
- Our business website MarkoPyhajarvi.com
- Business-to-business consulting services
- Professional communication platforms and tools
- Digital materials provided to business clients

**Note:** This statement covers our public-facing website. Custom client solutions may have separate accessibility considerations addressed individually.

## 2. Legal Framework and Standards

### 2.1 Applicable EU Legislation
**Our accessibility compliance is governed by:**
- **EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102)** - Public sector and business websites
- **European Accessibility Act (EAA) (2025)** - Private sector digital services
- **UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities** - International framework
- **Finnish Accessibility Act** - National implementation requirements

### 2.2 Conformance Standards
**We aim to conform to:**
- **WCAG 2.1 Level AA** as the primary standard
- **EN 301 549** (European Standard for accessibility requirements)
- **ISO/IEC 40500:2012** (W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- **Section 508** principles for broader accessibility coverage

### 2.3 Implementation Timeline
**Accessibility improvements follow EU timeline requirements:**
- **2024:** WCAG 2.1 AA baseline compliance assessment
- **2025:** Full European Accessibility Act compliance (deadline: June 28, 2025)
- **Ongoing:** Continuous monitoring and improvement process
- **Annual:** Comprehensive accessibility audit and statement update

## 3. Current Accessibility Status

### 3.1 Compliance Assessment
**As of 1.6.2025, our website:**
- **Partially compliant** with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
- **Assessment conducted:** 1.6.2025
- **Next full audit:** 1.6.2026
- **Compliance target:** Full WCAG 2.1 AA by June 2025

### 3.2 Accessible Features Implemented
**Current accessibility features include:**

**Navigation and Structure:**
- ✅ **Semantic HTML structure** with proper heading hierarchy (H1-H6)
- ✅ **Keyboard navigation support** for all interactive elements
- ✅ **Skip links** to main content and navigation areas
- ✅ **Consistent navigation** across all pages
- ✅ **Breadcrumb navigation** where applicable

**Visual and Content Accessibility:**
- ✅ **Color contrast ratios** meeting WCAG AA standards (4.5:1 for normal text)
- ✅ **Resizable text** up to 200% without horizontal scrolling
- ✅ **Alternative text** for all informative images
- ✅ **Descriptive link text** (no "click here" or generic links)
- ✅ **Clear focus indicators** for keyboard users

**Forms and Interaction:**
- ✅ **Form labels** properly associated with input fields
- ✅ **Error identification** with clear, descriptive messages
- ✅ **Input assistance** and format requirements clearly stated
- ✅ **Timeout warnings** for session-based interactions
- ✅ **Submit confirmation** for important form submissions

**Technical Accessibility:**
- ✅ **Valid HTML markup** following W3C standards
- ✅ **ARIA landmarks** for screen reader navigation
- ✅ **Language declaration** (lang attributes) for content
- ✅ **Responsive design** for various screen sizes and orientations

### 3.3 Assistive Technology Compatibility
**Our website is tested with:**
- **Screen readers:** NVDA (Windows), JAWS (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
- **Voice recognition software:** Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- **Keyboard-only navigation:** Full functionality without mouse
- **Browser zoom:** Up to 400% magnification support
- **High contrast modes:** Windows High Contrast, browser extensions

## 4. Known Accessibility Limitations

### 4.1 Current Limitations (Being Addressed)
**Areas requiring improvement:**

**Minor Issues:**
- 🟡 **Some PDF documents** may not be fully screen reader compatible
- 🟡 **Third-party embedded content** (videos, maps) may have limited accessibility
- 🟡 **Complex data tables** might need enhanced navigation features
- 🟡 **Auto-playing content** controls could be more prominent

**Planned Improvements (Timeline: Q2-Q3 2025):**
- 📋 **PDF remediation** for all downloadable business documents
- 📋 **Video captions** and transcripts for all multimedia content
- 📋 **Enhanced table navigation** with scope and headers attributes
- 📋 **Media control customization** for auto-playing content

### 4.2 Third-Party Content Limitations
**External services and their accessibility status:**

**Google Analytics:**
- **Status:** Accessibility controls limited (Google's responsibility)
- **Impact:** Analytics data collection only, no user-facing accessibility issues
- **Alternative:** User can disable via browser settings or cookie preferences

**LinkedIn Integration:**
- **Status:** Governed by LinkedIn's accessibility standards
- **Impact:** Professional networking features may have limited accessibility
- **Alternative:** Direct contact methods provided for business inquiries

**Payment Processing:**
- **Status:** PCI-compliant processors with basic accessibility features
- **Impact:** Checkout process may require additional navigation considerations
- **Alternative:** Phone-based payment options available upon request

### 4.3 Dynamic Content Considerations
**Areas requiring ongoing attention:**
- **Live chat features:** Screen reader compatibility being enhanced
- **Dynamic form validation:** Real-time feedback accessibility improvements planned
- **Interactive elements:** ARIA live regions implementation in progress
- **Progress indicators:** Enhanced status communication for lengthy processes

## 5. Alternative Access Methods

### 5.1 Content Access Alternatives
**If you encounter accessibility barriers, we provide:**

**Document Access:**
- **Alternative formats:** Large print, high contrast, or plain text versions
- **Email delivery:** Screen reader compatible document formats
- **Phone consultation:** Verbal communication of written content
- **Video calls:** Visual presentation with detailed verbal descriptions

**Communication Alternatives:**
- **Email support:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com
- **Phone support:** [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] (business hours)
- **Written requests:** Postal mail option for documentation needs
- **Video conferencing:** Accessible meeting platforms with captions/transcripts

### 5.2 Service Delivery Accommodations
**For our business consulting services:**

**Meeting Accommodations:**
- **Sign language interpreters:** Arranged upon request (48-hour notice preferred)
- **Accessible meeting locations:** Physical accessibility verified
- **Virtual meeting options:** Multiple platform choices with accessibility features
- **Documentation formats:** Materials provided in accessible formats

**Communication Preferences:**
- **Large print materials:** Business documents and reports
- **Audio recordings:** Meeting summaries and key insights
- **Extended time:** Additional consultation time for complex discussions
- **Follow-up documentation:** Written summaries of verbal communications

### 5.3 Technical Assistance
**For website accessibility issues:**
- **Browser compatibility:** Guidance for optimal accessibility settings
- **Assistive technology:** Support for screen reader and navigation tool users
- **Mobile accessibility:** App alternatives or mobile-optimized experiences
- **Custom solutions:** Individual accommodations for specific accessibility needs

## 6. Feedback and Improvement Process

### 6.1 Accessibility Feedback
**We welcome feedback about accessibility barriers:**

**Contact Methods:**
- **Email:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com
- **Subject line:** "Accessibility Feedback - [Specific Issue]"
- **Response commitment:** Within 3 business days for accessibility inquiries

**Feedback Information to Include:**
- Specific page or feature experiencing issues
- Assistive technology being used (if applicable)
- Browser and operating system information
- Description of the accessibility barrier encountered
- Suggested improvements or alternative access needs

### 6.2 Issue Resolution Process
**Our accessibility issue resolution follows:**

**Priority Classification:**
- **Critical:** Complete inability to access core business functions (24-48 hour response)
- **High:** Significant barriers affecting service usage (3-5 business days)
- **Medium:** Minor inconveniences or alternative access available (1-2 weeks)
- **Low:** Enhancement requests for improved accessibility (next scheduled update)

**Resolution Steps:**
1. **Issue acknowledgment** within 3 business days
2. **Technical assessment** and feasibility analysis
3. **Interim solutions** provided where possible
4. **Implementation timeline** communicated
5. **Follow-up verification** after resolution

### 6.3 Continuous Improvement
**Our ongoing accessibility enhancement includes:**
- **Quarterly accessibility reviews** with expert evaluation
- **User testing** with assistive technology users
- **Staff training** on accessibility best practices
- **Technology updates** for improved accessibility support

## 7. Enforcement and Compliance

### 7.1 Compliance Monitoring
**We maintain accessibility compliance through:**

**Internal Monitoring:**
- **Monthly automated accessibility scans** using industry-standard tools
- **Quarterly manual testing** with assistive technologies
- **Annual comprehensive audits** by accessibility specialists
- **Staff accessibility training** every 6 months

**External Validation:**
- **Independent accessibility audits** by certified evaluators
- **User experience testing** with disabled users
- **Legal compliance reviews** for EU Accessibility Act requirements
- **Industry benchmark comparisons** for best practice alignment

### 7.2 Non-Compliance Reporting
**If you believe our website does not comply with accessibility requirements:**

**Formal Complaint Process:**
1. **Contact us first:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com with detailed complaint
2. **30-day response:** We commit to substantive response within 30 days
3. **Escalation:** If unsatisfied with response, contact relevant authorities
4. **Documentation:** We maintain records of all accessibility complaints and resolutions

**Regulatory Authority Contact:**
- **Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (Traficom)**
- **Website:** traficom.fi
- **Accessibility complaints:** Specific accessibility enforcement contact
- **EU Commission:** For European Accessibility Act enforcement matters

### 7.3 Legal Framework Compliance
**Our compliance approach addresses:**
- **Preventive measures:** Proactive accessibility implementation
- **Responsive measures:** Timely issue resolution and barrier removal
- **Compensatory measures:** Alternative access methods and accommodations
- **Documentation:** Comprehensive records for compliance demonstration

## 8. Training and Organizational Commitment

### 8.1 Staff Accessibility Training
**Our team receives regular training on:**
- **Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1** principles and implementation
- **Assistive technology awareness** and compatibility considerations
- **Inclusive design principles** for digital content and communications
- **Legal requirements** under EU accessibility legislation

### 8.2 Procurement and Vendor Management
**Accessibility considerations in business decisions:**
- **Vendor evaluation:** Accessibility capabilities assessed for all technology purchases
- **Contract requirements:** Accessibility standards included in vendor agreements
- **Third-party services:** Accessibility compliance verified before implementation
- **Ongoing monitoring:** Regular assessment of vendor accessibility performance

### 8.3 Design and Development Standards
**Accessibility integration in our processes:**
- **Design phase:** Accessibility requirements included from project inception
- **Development:** WCAG 2.1 AA compliance testing throughout development process
- **Quality assurance:** Accessibility testing included in all release procedures
- **User feedback:** Accessibility considerations in user experience evaluation

## 9. Technical Specifications

### 9.1 Supported Technologies
**Our website is designed to work with:**

**Web Browsers:**
- Chrome 90+ (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
- Firefox 88+ (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Safari 14+ (macOS, iOS)
- Edge 90+ (Windows)

**Assistive Technologies:**
- NVDA 2021.1+ with Chrome or Firefox
- JAWS 2021+ with Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
- VoiceOver with Safari (macOS and iOS)
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 15+ with supported browsers

**Operating Systems:**
- Windows 10/11 with built-in accessibility features
- macOS 11+ with VoiceOver and accessibility options
- iOS 14+ with VoiceOver and assistive features
- Android 10+ with TalkBack and accessibility services

### 9.2 Technical Accessibility Features
**Website technical implementation includes:**
- **ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)** attributes for enhanced screen reader support
- **Semantic HTML5** structure for clear content hierarchy
- **CSS media queries** for responsive and accessible design across devices
- **JavaScript accessibility** with keyboard event handling and focus management
- **Progressive enhancement** ensuring core functionality without JavaScript

### 9.3 Performance and Accessibility
**Performance optimizations that support accessibility:**
- **Fast loading times** reducing wait times for users with cognitive disabilities
- **Minimal cognitive load** through clear navigation and content organization
- **Reduced motion** options for users with vestibular disorders
- **Bandwidth optimization** for users with limited internet connectivity

## 10. Accessibility Statement Maintenance

### 10.1 Regular Updates
**This accessibility statement is updated:**
- **Quarterly:** Review of current compliance status and known issues
- **After major updates:** Following significant website changes or improvements
- **Annually:** Comprehensive review with external accessibility audit
- **As needed:** In response to new accessibility requirements or user feedback

### 10.2 Version Control
**Accessibility statement versioning:**
- **Previous versions:** Available upon request for compliance documentation
- **Change log:** Detailed record of modifications and improvements
- **Review dates:** Documented schedule for regular statement maintenance

### 10.3 Multi-Language Accessibility
**Accessibility statement availability:**
- **Primary language:** English (authoritative version)
- **Additional languages:** Available upon request for business clients
- **Translation accessibility:** All translated versions maintain accessibility features
- **Cultural considerations:** Accessibility practices adapted for international clients

## 11. Contact Information and Support

### 11.1 Accessibility Contact Information
**Primary accessibility contact:**
- **Email:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com
- **Response time:** Within 3 business days for accessibility matters
- **Business hours:** Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 EET

### 11.2 Alternative Contact Methods
**Additional ways to reach us:**
- **General contact:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com
- **Postal address:** Merkurstrasse 1, 9000, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
- **Emergency accessibility:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com (critical access issues)
- **Business accessibility:** contact@markopyhajarvi.com (service accommodation requests)

### 11.3 Business Information
**Company details:**
- **Business name:** Buchanon Company Ltd
- **Business ID:** 11111405
- **Registration:** UK business registry
- **Accessibility coordinator:** Marko Pyhäjärvi / CEO 

## 12. Related Policies and Resources

### 12.1 Integration with Other Policies
**This accessibility statement works with:**
- **Privacy Policy:** Data protection for assistive technology users
- **Terms & Conditions:** Service accessibility and accommodation provisions
- **Cookies Policy:** Accessible cookie consent and preference management
- **Disclaimer:** Accessibility limitations and alternative service delivery

### 12.2 External Accessibility Resources
**Helpful accessibility information:**
- **Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1:** W3C official guidelines
- **European Accessibility Act:** EU official implementation guidance
- **Finnish Accessibility Information:** Traficom.fi accessibility resources
- **Assistive Technology:** Information about screen readers and accessibility tools

### 12.3 Accessibility Community
**We participate in:**
- **Accessibility professional networks** for best practice sharing
- **Industry accessibility initiatives** for standard development
- **User feedback communities** for real-world accessibility testing
- **Legal compliance groups** for regulatory requirement updates

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**This Accessibility Statement demonstrates our commitment to digital inclusion and legal compliance with EU accessibility requirements while providing clear information about our current accessibility status and ongoing improvement efforts.**

**Accessibility commitment:** Ensuring equal access to digital services for all users  
**Next comprehensive review:** 1.6.2026  
**Current compliance status:** Partial WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, full compliance target June 2025