Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

Effective Date: July 14, 2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Monferado Yacht Rentals is committed to ensuring that our website and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We believe that everyone should be able to navigate our website independently and with dignity, and we strive to provide an inclusive experience for all our guests.

This accessibility statement outlines our efforts to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and describes the accessibility features of our website and services.

1.1 Our Accessibility Philosophy

• Inclusive Design: We design with accessibility in mind from the beginning
• Universal Access: Our goal is to make our services available to everyone
• Continuous Improvement: We regularly assess and improve our accessibility features
• User-Centered Approach: We listen to feedback and adapt based on user needs

2. Accessibility Standards Compliance

We strive to conform to the following accessibility standards and regulations:

2.1 International Standards

• WCAG 2.1: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA
• ISO 40500: International accessibility standard based on WCAG 2.0
• Section 508: U.S. federal accessibility requirements

2.2 Canadian Accessibility Legislation

• AODA: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• ACA: Accessible Canada Act (Federal)
• BC Human Rights Code: British Columbia accessibility requirements

2.3 Compliance Level

Our website aims to achieve WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. We regularly audit our site to ensure conformance with these standards.

3. Website Accessibility Features

3.1 Navigation and Structure

• Logical page structure: Content is organized with proper heading hierarchy (H1-H6)
• Skip navigation links: Allow screen reader users to jump to main content
• Consistent navigation: Menu structure remains consistent across all pages
• Breadcrumb navigation: Helps users understand their location on the site
• Focus indicators: Clear visual indication when navigating with keyboard

3.2 Visual Design and Contrast

• High contrast ratios: Text meets WCAG AA contrast requirements (4.5:1 minimum)
• Scalable text: Content can be enlarged up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Color independence: Information is not conveyed by color alone
• Responsive design: Content adapts to different screen sizes and orientations
• Alternative text: All images include descriptive alt text

3.3 Interactive Elements

• Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Form labels: All form fields have clear, descriptive labels
• Error identification: Form errors are clearly identified and explained
• Link context: Link text describes the destination or function
• Button labels: All buttons have clear, descriptive labels

3.4 Media and Content

• Video captions: All videos include accurate captions (when applicable)
• Audio descriptions: Available for videos with important visual content
• Document formats: PDF documents are created with accessibility tags
• Plain language: Content is written in clear, simple language
• Multiple formats: Important information is available in multiple formats

3.5 Technical Accessibility

• Semantic HTML: Proper use of HTML elements for structure and meaning
• ARIA labels: Additional context for screen readers where needed
• Valid code: HTML and CSS validation to ensure compatibility
• Progressive enhancement: Core functionality works without JavaScript
• Screen reader testing: Regular testing with assistive technologies

4. Physical Accessibility on Our Yachts

We are committed to making our yacht charter experiences accessible to guests with physical disabilities:

4.1 Yacht Accessibility Features

• Wheelchair-accessible boarding: Specialized equipment available for safe boarding
• Accessible restrooms: Modified facilities on select vessels
• Mobility assistance: Crew trained to assist guests with mobility needs
• Seating accommodations: Flexible seating arrangements for various needs
• Safety equipment: Specialized life jackets and safety gear available

4.2 Pre-Charter Accessibility Planning

• Accessibility consultation: Detailed discussion of needs before charter
• Vessel selection: Matching guests with most suitable yacht
• Equipment preparation: Ensuring necessary accessibility equipment is available
• Crew briefing: Staff prepared to provide appropriate assistance
• Emergency procedures: Customized safety procedures for accessibility needs

4.3 Sensory Accessibility

• Visual impairments: Audio descriptions of surroundings and activities
• Hearing impairments: Visual safety signals and written communications
• Service animals: Welcome aboard with proper advance notice
• Tactile experiences: Opportunities to safely touch and explore the yacht

5. Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

5.1 Regular Assessments

• Quarterly audits: Regular accessibility reviews of our website
• User testing: Testing with actual users who have disabilities
• Third-party evaluation: Professional accessibility assessments
• Automated testing: Continuous monitoring with accessibility tools

5.2 Staff Training

• Accessibility awareness: All staff trained on disability awareness
• Assistive technology: Understanding of how users navigate with assistive devices
• Customer service: Appropriate interaction with guests who have disabilities
• Emergency procedures: Specialized training for accessibility-related emergencies

5.3 Technology Updates

• Platform updates: Regular updates to maintain accessibility compliance
• New feature testing: All new features tested for accessibility
• Browser compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies
• Mobile accessibility: Ongoing improvements to mobile experience

6. Accessibility Feedback and Support

6.1 How to Provide Feedback

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our website and services. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

6.2 Alternative Access Methods

If you cannot access information on our website due to a disability, we can provide it in alternative formats:

• Large print documents
• Audio recordings
• Digital text files
• Braille (with advance notice)
• Personal assistance via phone or video call

6.3 Accommodation Requests

For yacht charter accommodations, please contact us at least 72 hours before your charter to discuss:

• Specific accessibility needs
• Required equipment or modifications
• Dietary restrictions or medical considerations
• Communication preferences
• Emergency contact information

7. Known Limitations and Planned Improvements

7.1 Current Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge the following current limitations:

• Third-party content: Some embedded content may not meet full accessibility standards
• Legacy PDF documents: Older documents may not be fully accessible (being updated)
• Complex interactions: Some interactive maps may have limited screen reader support
• Physical yacht limitations: Not all vessels are fully wheelchair accessible

7.2 Planned Improvements

We are actively working on the following accessibility improvements:

• Video accessibility: Adding captions and transcripts to all video content
• Enhanced navigation: Implementing additional navigation aids
• Form improvements: Better error handling and guidance
• Mobile optimization: Enhanced mobile accessibility features
• Fleet accessibility: Upgrading vessels with additional accessibility features

7.3 Timeline for Improvements

• Q3 2024: Complete video captioning project
• Q4 2024: Enhanced mobile accessibility features
• Q1 2025: Third-party content accessibility audit
• Q2 2025: Fleet accessibility upgrades

8. Contact Our Accessibility Team

8.1 Accessibility Support

Our dedicated accessibility team is here to help with any questions, concerns, or accommodation requests:

8.2 Feedback and Complaints Process

1. Initial Contact: Reach out via email, phone, or letter
2. Acknowledgment: We'll confirm receipt within 24 hours
3. Investigation: We'll investigate and respond within 5 business days
4. Resolution: We'll work with you to resolve the issue
5. Follow-up: We'll ensure the solution meets your needs

8.3 External Resources

For additional support or to file accessibility complaints, you may contact:

• Canadian Human Rights Commission: www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
• BC Human Rights Tribunal: www.bchrt.bc.ca
• Accessibility Standards Canada: accessible.canada.ca