Accessibility Statement

1. Our Accessibility Commitment

Flintime Inc. is dedicated to providing a student marketplace platform that is accessible to all users, including students with disabilities. We believe that every student should have equal access to the opportunities, connections, and resources that Flin provides, regardless of their abilities or the assistive technologies they use.

1.1 Legal Compliance

We strive to comply with applicable accessibility laws and standards, including:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensuring equal access to our digital services
• Section 508: Following federal accessibility standards
• WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
• Section 504: Non-discrimination in federally funded programs
• State accessibility laws: Compliance with applicable state requirements

1.2 Student-Centered Approach

As a platform serving the student community, we recognize the diverse needs of college students with disabilities and work to create inclusive experiences that support academic success and social connection.

2. Accessibility Standards and Guidelines

2.1 WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance

We follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as our primary standard. This includes:

2.2 Mobile Accessibility

Our mobile app includes accessibility features for iOS and Android:

• iOS: VoiceOver, Switch Control, Voice Control compatibility
• Android: TalkBack, Select to Speak, Switch Access support
• Dynamic text: Respects system font size preferences
• High contrast: Adapts to system accessibility settings
• Haptic feedback: Provides tactile responses for interactions

3. Accessibility Features

3.1 Visual Accessibility

3.2 Motor and Mobility Accessibility

3.3 Cognitive Accessibility

3.4 Hearing Accessibility

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

4.1 Screen Readers

Flin is tested and optimized for compatibility with leading screen readers:

4.2 Other Assistive Technologies

• Voice recognition software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition
• Switch devices: Compatible with various switch navigation systems
• Eye-tracking devices: Support for eye-gaze navigation systems
• Magnification software: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, macOS Zoom
• Alternative keyboards: On-screen keyboards and specialized input devices

4.3 Browser Compatibility

Our accessibility features work across modern browsers:

• Chrome: Version 90+ with full accessibility API support
• Firefox: Version 88+ with accessibility features enabled
• Safari: Version 14+ with VoiceOver integration
• Edge: Version 90+ with accessibility tools

5. Platform-Specific Accessibility

5.1 Marketplace Accessibility

Our marketplace features are designed to be accessible to all students:

• Product listings: Detailed descriptions and alt text for product images
• Search filters: Keyboard-accessible filters with clear labels
• Transaction process: Step-by-step guidance with progress indicators
• Messaging system: Screen reader compatible with keyboard navigation
• Reviews and ratings: Accessible rating systems and review forms

5.2 Housing Accessibility

• Housing listings: Detailed accessibility information for properties
• Accessibility filters: Search specifically for accessible housing
• Virtual tours: Descriptive audio for virtual property tours
• Contact forms: Accessible application and inquiry forms
• Accommodation requests: Easy process for requesting housing accommodations

5.3 Events Accessibility

• Event details: Comprehensive accessibility information for events
• Accommodation requests: Process for requesting event accommodations
• Virtual attendance: Remote participation options when available
• Calendar integration: Accessible calendar interfaces and reminders
• Location information: Detailed accessibility information for venues

5.4 Local Offers Accessibility

• Business information: Accessibility details for participating businesses
• Location services: Accessible maps and directions
• Offer details: Clear terms and conditions with simple language
• Redemption process: Accessible methods for using offers

6. Testing and Quality Assurance

6.1 Accessibility Testing Process

We employ comprehensive testing methods to ensure accessibility:

• Automated testing: Regular scans using axe-core, WAVE, and other tools
• Manual testing: Human evaluation of accessibility features
• Assistive technology testing: Testing with real screen readers and other AT
• User testing: Feedback from students with disabilities
• Expert review: Third-party accessibility audits
• Continuous monitoring: Ongoing assessment of accessibility compliance

6.2 Testing Frequency

6.3 User Feedback Integration

Student feedback is crucial to our accessibility efforts:

• Accessibility feedback form: Dedicated form for accessibility issues
• User testing panels: Regular sessions with students with disabilities
• Campus partnerships: Collaboration with disability services offices
• Rapid response: Quick fixes for critical accessibility barriers

7. Known Limitations and Ongoing Improvements

7.1 Current Limitations

We are transparent about areas where we are still working to improve accessibility:

7.2 Improvement Roadmap

Our accessibility improvement plan includes:

• Q1 2024: Enhanced mobile app accessibility features
• Q2 2024: Improved keyboard navigation for complex interactions
• Q3 2024: Better real-time feature accessibility
• Q4 2024: Advanced voice control integration
• Ongoing: Regular content audits and updates

7.3 Alternative Access

When accessibility barriers exist, we provide alternative access methods:

• Customer support: Phone and email assistance for inaccessible features
• Alternative formats: Information provided in accessible formats upon request
• Workarounds: Temporary solutions while permanent fixes are developed
• Priority support: Expedited assistance for accessibility-related issues

8. Getting Help and Support

8.1 Accessibility Support Team

Our dedicated accessibility support team is here to help:

8.2 How We Can Help

• Technical assistance: Help using Flin with assistive technologies
• Feature guidance: Explaining how to access specific functionality
• Alternative formats: Providing information in accessible formats
• Accommodation requests: Arranging reasonable accommodations
• Issue reporting: Logging and tracking accessibility problems
• Feature requests: Considering accessibility improvements

8.3 Campus Disability Services

We encourage collaboration with your campus disability services office:

• Accommodation letters: We work with official accommodation requests
• Technology support: Coordinating with campus AT support
• Training resources: Providing accessibility training materials
• Feedback partnership: Collaborating on accessibility improvements

9. Reporting Accessibility Issues

9.1 How to Report Issues

If you encounter accessibility barriers while using Flin, please report them:

9.2 What to Include in Reports

• Specific location: Which page or feature had the issue
• Expected behavior: What you expected to happen
• Actual behavior: What actually happened
• Impact level: How this affects your ability to use Flin
• Workaround needed: Whether you need immediate assistance

9.3 Our Response Process

10. Training and Awareness

10.1 Staff Training

Our team receives regular accessibility training:

• New employee orientation: Accessibility awareness for all staff
• Developer training: Coding for accessibility best practices
• Design training: Inclusive design principles and methods
• Customer service: Interacting respectfully with users with disabilities
• Legal requirements: Understanding accessibility laws and compliance

10.2 Student Education

We provide resources to help students understand and use accessibility features:

• Help documentation: Guides for using Flin with assistive technology
• Video tutorials: Accessible tutorials with captions and descriptions
• Webinars: Regular sessions on accessibility features
• Campus outreach: Presentations at disability services offices

10.3 Community Building

We foster an inclusive community that values accessibility:

• Student advisory board: Including students with disabilities in platform decisions
• Accessibility champions: Student ambassadors who promote inclusive practices
• Awareness campaigns: Education about disability and accessibility
• Partnership programs: Collaboration with disability organizations

11. Legal and Compliance Information

11.1 Regulatory Compliance

Flin complies with applicable accessibility regulations:

• ADA Title III: Public accommodations in digital spaces
• Section 508: Federal accessibility standards
• State laws: Applicable state accessibility requirements
• WCAG 2.1 AA: International accessibility guidelines

11.2 Accommodation Process

We provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities:

• Request process: Simple process for requesting accommodations
• Documentation: Working with official accommodation letters
• Timely response: Prompt evaluation and implementation
• Interactive process: Collaborative approach to finding solutions
• No additional cost: Accommodations provided at no extra charge

11.3 Grievance Procedure

If you believe you have experienced discrimination based on disability:

1. Contact our accessibility team to attempt informal resolution
2. If unresolved, file a formal complaint with our legal department
3. You may also file complaints with relevant regulatory agencies
4. We prohibit retaliation for good faith accessibility complaints

12. Contact Information

For accessibility questions, support, or feedback:

We respond to accessibility inquiries within 24 hours and work diligently to resolve issues promptly.