Our Commitment to Accessibility
The Journal of Strategic Military Studies is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. We strive to provide an inclusive academic environment that enables equal access to our research content and services.
Accessibility Standards Compliance
Our website aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities and improve the user experience for everyone.
| Standard | Level | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 | AA | Compliant | Core accessibility requirements met |
| Section 508 | - | Compliant | U.S. federal accessibility standards |
| EN 301 549 | - | Compliant | European accessibility standard |
| WCAG 2.1 | AAA | Partial | Ongoing improvements for enhanced accessibility |
Accessibility Features
We have implemented numerous accessibility features throughout our website:
Keyboard Navigation
Full keyboard navigation support with logical tab order and visible focus indicators.
Screen Reader Support
Semantic HTML, ARIA labels, and descriptive text for screen reader compatibility.
Color and Contrast
High contrast ratios (4.5:1 minimum) and no reliance on color alone for information.
Responsive Design
Mobile-friendly design that works across devices and supports zoom up to 200%.
Alternative Text
Descriptive alt text for images, charts, and visual content.
Captions and Transcripts
Accessible media with captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions when applicable.
Technical Accessibility Implementations
Semantic HTML Structure
- Headings: Proper heading hierarchy (H1-H6) for document structure
- Landmarks: ARIA landmarks and semantic elements (header, nav, main, footer)
- Lists: Proper use of ordered and unordered lists
- Tables: Proper table headers and captions for data tables
- Forms: Associated labels, fieldsets, and error messaging
ARIA Implementation
- Labels: aria-label and aria-labelledby for descriptive text
- Descriptions: aria-describedby for additional context
- States: aria-expanded, aria-selected for interactive elements
- Live Regions: aria-live for dynamic content updates
- Roles: Appropriate ARIA roles for complex widgets
Keyboard Accessibility
- Focus Management: Logical tab order and visible focus indicators
- Skip Links: Skip to main content and navigation options
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Standard keyboard interactions
- Trap Management: Proper focus trapping in modals and dialogs
Content Accessibility
Academic Content
Research Article Accessibility
Our published articles include structured abstracts, clear headings, properly formatted references, and alternative formats upon request to ensure accessibility for all researchers.
- Plain Language: Clear, concise writing when appropriate
- Document Structure: Logical heading hierarchy in articles
- Citations: Accessible reference formatting and linking
- Multimedia: Captions, transcripts, and descriptions for academic media
- Alternative Formats: PDF alternatives and accessible document versions
Visual Design
- Color Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text
- Color Independence: Information not conveyed by color alone
- Text Scaling: Support for 200% zoom without horizontal scrolling
- Font Choices: Readable fonts with good character distinction
- Spacing: Adequate line height and character spacing
Assistive Technology Compatibility
Our website has been tested with various assistive technologies:
| Technology | Platform | Support Level |
|---|---|---|
| NVDA Screen Reader | Windows | Full Support |
| JAWS Screen Reader | Windows | Full Support |
| VoiceOver | macOS/iOS | Full Support |
| Dragon NaturallySpeaking | Windows | Full Support |
| Switch Navigation | Various | Full Support |
| Voice Control | iOS/macOS | Full Support |
Ongoing Accessibility Efforts
We continuously work to improve accessibility through:
- Regular Audits: Quarterly accessibility assessments and testing
- User Feedback: Incorporating feedback from users with disabilities
- Staff Training: Ongoing accessibility training for our team
- Technology Updates: Keeping up with accessibility best practices
- Community Engagement: Working with disability advocacy groups
Planned Improvements
- Enhanced PDF accessibility for research articles
- Improved mobile accessibility features
- Additional language support and translation tools
- Advanced search functionality with accessibility features
- Personalization options for user preferences
Accessibility Support and Feedback
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website and are committed to addressing any barriers you may encounter.
Accessibility Contact Information
Email: accessibility@jsms.qsogo.com
General Contact: submit@jsms.qsogo.com
Subject Line: Accessibility Feedback or Request
Response Time: We aim to respond to accessibility inquiries within 3 business days.
Alternative Formats: Request articles in alternative formats (large print, audio, accessible PDF)
What to Include in Your Feedback
- Description of the accessibility barrier
- The web page or content where you encountered the issue
- Your browser and assistive technology details
- Suggestions for improvement (if any)
Legal and Compliance Information
This accessibility statement applies to the Journal of Strategic Military Studies website (jsms.qsogo.com) and demonstrates our commitment to accessibility compliance under:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - U.S. federal accessibility law
- Section 508 - U.S. federal accessibility standards
- European Accessibility Act - EU accessibility requirements
- AODA - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Third-Party Content
While we strive to ensure accessibility across our platform, some third-party content (such as embedded videos or external links) may not fully meet accessibility standards. We work with content providers to improve accessibility and provide alternative access methods when possible.
Assessment and Testing
This accessibility statement was prepared on July 5, 2025, based on:
- Self-Assessment: Internal accessibility review using WCAG 2.1 criteria
- Automated Testing: Regular automated accessibility scanning
- Manual Testing: Human testing with various assistive technologies
- User Testing: Feedback from users with disabilities
- Expert Review: Third-party accessibility consultant assessment
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We regularly review and update our practices to ensure that the Journal of Strategic Military Studies remains accessible to all users. Your feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and create a more inclusive academic environment.