Accessibility standards and compliance

Summary

The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and user-centred digital experience for all visitors, including individuals with disabilities. As a national professional association representing podiatric medicine in Canada, CPMA recognizes the importance of ensuring that all users can access reliable health information, member resources, and public education materials without barriers.

Details

Commitment to accessibility

CPMA is continually working toward full compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Its accessibility practices align with standards commonly adopted by major healthcare institutions and public-facing organizations across Canada and the United States. Because accessibility is an ongoing responsibility, CPMA remains dedicated to improving its digital properties as technologies and standards evolve.

Accessibility features

The CPMA website includes a variety of features designed to support users with diverse abilities, including:

• Text alternatives for images and non-text content
• Semantic HTML structure, consistent heading hierarchy, and ARIA attributes where appropriate
• Keyboard-accessible navigation, menus, and interactive components
• Logical tab order and visible focus indicators
• High-contrast, readable typography and scalable text
• Responsive layouts supporting assistive technologies on all devices
• Captions or transcripts for multimedia elements
• Form accessibility, including clear labels, error indicators, and contextual instructions
• Reduced motion options, where applicable
• Avoidance of flashing content, ensuring safety for users with photosensitivity

Development practices and testing

CPMA incorporates accessibility as a foundational part of its design and development process. This includes:

• Using semantic HTML5, WAI-ARIA guidance, and accessibility-first coding practices
• Conducting regular automated audits
• Performing manual reviews to validate keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and user experience
• Implementing accessibility checks during major updates and before launching new features
• Monitoring compliance with evolving standards and provincial/federal accessibility legislation

Third-party content

Some pages may contain components or tools provided by third-party vendors. While CPMA aims to collaborate with accessible service providers, it does not always have full control over the accessibility of externally supplied content. Feedback about such components is welcomed.

Ongoing improvements

As part of its long-term digital roadmap, CPMA is actively refining and expanding accessibility across its web properties. Current areas of improvement include:

• Enhancing site architecture and content structure for improved readability
• Introducing more robust accessibility patterns for navigation, forms, and interactive tools
• Expanding compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies
• Adopting new inclusive design practices and auditing methods

Feedback and support

CPMA welcomes feedback regarding accessibility. Visitors who experience difficulty accessing information on the website or have suggestions for improvement are encouraged to contact the association.