Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At Veridian Acting Academy, located in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Lincoln Park, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our acting programs, facilities, and online resources are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their passion for acting and develop their talents in a supportive and inclusive environment. We are dedicated to providing equal access to all aspects of our academy, fostering an environment where all students can thrive.

Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond legal compliance; it is a core value that shapes our approach to education and community engagement. We continually strive to improve accessibility by implementing best practices, incorporating user feedback, and staying informed about the latest advancements in assistive technology and accessibility standards.

Our accessibility efforts are guided by the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and other relevant accessibility standards. We are committed to making our website and digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.

Compliance Standards

Veridian Acting Academy adheres to the following accessibility standards and guidelines:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA: We strive to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA to ensure our website and digital content are accessible to the widest range of users, including those with disabilities.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): We comply with the ADA to ensure our physical facilities and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to our services.
• Illinois Accessibility Code: We adhere to the Illinois Accessibility Code for physical accessibility standards in our facilities, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and other features.

Our website incorporates the following accessibility features:

• Alternative Text: All images and non-text content have descriptive alternative text to convey their meaning to users who are unable to see them.
• Keyboard Navigation: Our website can be navigated using a keyboard alone, allowing users with motor impairments to access all content and functionality.
• Clear and Consistent Navigation: We provide clear and consistent navigation throughout our website to help users easily find the information they need.
• Sufficient Color Contrast: We ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background colors to make our content readable for users with low vision.
• Resizable Text: Users can easily resize the text on our website without losing content or functionality.
• Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML elements to structure our content, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret and present the information.
• Forms Accessibility: All forms on our website are designed to be accessible to users with disabilities, including clear labels, instructions, and error messages.

Assistive Technology Compatibility

We regularly test our website with various assistive technologies, including screen readers, screen magnifiers, and voice recognition software, to ensure compatibility and usability for users with disabilities. We are committed to addressing any accessibility issues that may arise and continuously improving the accessibility of our website.

Accessibility Features in Our Facilities

Veridian Acting Academy's physical facilities in Lincoln Park are equipped with a range of accessibility features to ensure that all students and visitors can participate fully in our programs and activities. These features include:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances: All entrances to our academy are wheelchair accessible, with ramps or elevators providing access to all levels of the building.
• Accessible Restrooms: We have accessible restrooms on each floor of our facility, equipped with grab bars and other features to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments.
• Assistive Listening Devices: We provide assistive listening devices in our classrooms and performance spaces to enhance the audio experience for individuals with hearing impairments.
• Designated Accessible Seating: Our performance spaces have designated accessible seating areas for individuals using wheelchairs or with other mobility needs.
• Sign Language Interpretation: We can provide sign language interpretation for classes, workshops, and performances upon request. Please contact us in advance to arrange for interpretation services.
• Large Print Materials: We offer large print versions of scripts, handouts, and other materials for students with low vision.
• Adjustable Height Tables: We have adjustable height tables in our classrooms to accommodate students with different physical needs.

We are continually evaluating and improving the accessibility of our facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of our diverse student population. If you have any specific accessibility concerns or require accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Training and Awareness

Veridian Acting Academy provides ongoing training to our staff and instructors on accessibility best practices and techniques. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and ensuring that all members of our community are aware of the importance of accessibility.

Our training programs cover a range of topics, including:

• Understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities
• Using assistive technologies
• Creating accessible content
• Providing effective accommodations
• Promoting inclusive communication

Accessibility Coordinator

Our Accessibility Coordinator, Ms. Anya Petrova, oversees our accessibility efforts and serves as a point of contact for students, faculty, and staff with accessibility concerns. Ms. Petrova is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and address any accessibility-related issues that may arise. You can reach her at [email protected] or by phone at (312) 555-2288, extension 112.

We also collaborate with disability advocacy organizations and accessibility experts to stay informed about the latest best practices and trends in accessibility. By investing in training and awareness, we are creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone at Veridian Acting Academy.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on our accessibility efforts. If you encounter any accessibility barriers on our website, in our facilities, or in our programs, please let us know. Your input is valuable to us as we continue to improve accessibility for all.

Please contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Anya Petrova, with any accessibility feedback or concerns:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (312) 555-2288, extension 112
• Mail: Veridian Acting Academy, Attn: Accessibility Coordinator, 700 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60610

We are committed to responding to accessibility feedback promptly and taking appropriate action to address any issues identified. We appreciate your help in making Veridian Acting Academy a more accessible and inclusive community.

Alternative Communication Methods

We are committed to providing alternative communication methods for individuals who may have difficulty communicating via email or phone. If you require an alternative communication method, such as video relay service (VRS) or text messaging, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We can also provide documents and information in alternative formats, such as large print, braille, or audio, upon request. Please contact our Accessibility Coordinator to request materials in an alternative format.