Policy Statement

This policy does not specify or rely on any particular technology or design approach or principles. The Center's goal is to maximize the access to and use of the Center’s websites by people with disabilities.
 

The Center will strive to conform all web content published by the Center after the effective date of this policy, both for its websites and services, to WCAG Level AA success criteria.
 

Reasons for This Policy

The World Health Organization has recently estimated that there are more than one billion people living with significant disabilities (for more information, see https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health).
 

Many of these disabilities can affect access to information technologies. Additionally, the same individuals who run into barriers that impede access to information technologies could benefit most from using them.
 

Given the importance of the internet, accessibility to the web is of critical importance to people with disabilities around the world, including people with auditory, cognitive, physical, neurological, and visual disabilities. It is likewise important to those with accessibility needs due to aging.
 

Providing accessible web content can also benefit people who do not have disabilities but who are experiencing situational barriers. For example, when accessing the internet from devices with small screens or in low bandwidth situations, or when experiencing barriers due to language or literacy levels, accessibility solutions can also support improved access.
 

The Center is committed to ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. As researchers with the potential to positively impact our world through their use of the Center’s resources, they are important contributors to the Center's success and should not be excluded, but rather welcomed into the Center family.
 

Exclusions from Accessibility Requirements

Web content that has been archived or that is technologically impracticable to make accessible is not subject to the standards referenced in this policy. In the event that the Center receives a specific request for access to archived or other inaccessible content by any person with a disability, the responsible persons should endeavor to make that content available in a suitable format within ten business days. Where it is not technically possible to make the content available within that timeframe, a suitable alternative should be identified and provided, if the individual agrees. The department or team responsible for the creation of the content is also responsible for making that content accessible.
 

Procurement and Implementation

This policy applies to all web content developed by or for the Center. This policy should be discussed within the context of any contract of services or statements of work applicable to web content, websites, services, or applications relating back to the Center.
 

Third-Party Content

Elements of the Center’s websites might include web content syndicated/linked to from other providers.
 

When considering a service for inclusion in any of the Center’s websites, any service review should include an evaluation of the accessibility of the service. 
 

Where a service is selected with known accessibility issues, the Center should develop or procure a solution that ensures the content delivered via the Center’s websites meets these policy standards.
 

Policy Reviews

This policy will be reviewed as appropriate by the Center. The review process will include input from the appropriate teams.
 

Contacts

If you have any questions, please contact us via the Connect Form at https://www.secure-center.org/connect.
 

Review History

Last Review: December 16, 2025