A large share of the people this site exists for have a disability — that is frequently the reason they are here. A benefits site that is hard to use for a veteran with a visual, motor or cognitive impairment fails at the one thing it is for.
This page states what we build to, what we know is not yet right, and how to tell us when we get it wrong.
1. The standard we build to
We target the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, which is also the standard referenced by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for federal information technology.
In practice that means:
- Every page is server-rendered, so its content is readable before any JavaScript runs
- Headings are structured, and every page has one first-level heading that says what it is
- Interactive controls are real buttons and links, reachable and operable by keyboard
- Form fields have labels, and errors are announced rather than only coloured
- Text meets contrast requirements against its background
- Every route declares its own title, so a screen reader announces where you have arrived
2. Where we currently fall short
Stated plainly, rather than claimed away:
- The choice lists in the calculators use buttons with radio semantics but do not yet support arrow-key selection within the group. They are fully operable by Tab and Enter, but they do not behave the way a native radio group does.
- The calculators need JavaScript to calculate. The surrounding explanation, the criteria and the FAQ are readable without it.
- We have not completed an independent third-party audit. Conformance is currently self-assessed.
If you rely on assistive technology and something here does not work, that is a defect on our side, not a mistake on yours. We would rather hear about it than have you work around it.
3. Alternative ways to get the same information
Every benefit record on this site cites the statute it comes from and names the office that administers it. If a page is not working for you, that citation and that office are the same information, obtainable another way.
You can also call +1 870 335 3627 or email info@va.org and we will get the answer to you in whatever form works.
4. Reporting a barrier
Email info@va.org with subject line "Accessibility". Tell us the page, what you were trying to do, and the assistive technology you were using if you know it. We treat these as defects and prioritise them accordingly.
Veterans Alliance is privately owned and operated to serve veterans. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.