Paddle Collective Web Accessibility Statement

Effective Date: October 22, 2025

At Paddle Collective, we are dedicated to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. We strive to make our website, paddlecollective.com.au, and associated digital services (such as our booking system and email communications) inclusive and usable by everyone, regardless of ability, device, or environment. This Accessibility Statement outlines our current practices and ongoing commitment to accessibility.

We recognize that accessibility is a fundamental right and aligns with our mission to create an open, welcoming community for ocean paddling along the Western Australian coastline. By prioritizing accessible design, we aim to remove barriers so that everyone can discover, book, and enjoy our clinics, camps, and events.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Paddle Collective is committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our digital platforms. We conduct regular audits, incorporate user feedback, and collaborate with accessibility experts to enhance usability. Our goal is to meet or exceed established standards, making our content available to the widest possible audience.

Standards and Guidelines

We design and develop our website in accordance with:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1: At Level AA conformance, as recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This includes requirements for perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content.

• Australian Web Accessibility Standards: Aligned with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and guidance from the Australian Human Rights Commission, ensuring compliance with national legal obligations.

• Digital Service Standard: Following principles from the Australian Digital Service Standard for user-centered, inclusive design.

Key features we implement include:

• Keyboard Navigation: Full site navigation possible using only a keyboard.

• Screen Reader Compatibility: Alt text for images, semantic HTML for structure, and ARIA labels where needed.

• Color and Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratios for text and sufficient color differentiation.

• Responsive Design: Optimized for various screen sizes, including mobile devices and assistive technologies.

• Captioning and Transcripts: For any video content (e.g., instructional paddling videos), we provide closed captions and transcripts.

• Form Accessibility: Clear labels, error identification, and instructions for booking forms.

Current Accessibility Status

Our website currently conforms to WCAG 2.1 Level AA for most pages, including the homepage, booking system, blog, and contact forms. We use tools like WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse for ongoing testing. However, we acknowledge that some third-party integrations (e.g., payment processors or embedded maps) may have limitations beyond our control, and we work with vendors to address these.

As of October 22, 2025:

• Fully Accessible: Core navigation, booking process, and content pages.

• In Progress: Enhanced mobile gesture support and live chat (if implemented).

• Known Limitations: Older blog posts may lack updated alt text; we are retrofitting these.

We perform automated and manual audits quarterly and after major updates.

Feedback and Reporting Accessibility Barriers

We value input from all users and encourage you to report any accessibility issues you encounter. Your feedback helps us improve.

• How to Report: Email us at [admin@paddlecollective.com.au] with details of the issue (e.g., page URL, description of the barrier, and your assistive technology). We aim to respond within 5 business days and resolve issues within 30 days where feasible.

• Anonymous Reporting: Feel free to submit feedback without personal details.

• Contact for Assistance: For booking help, call 0438 950 866 or DM us on Instagram @paddleco_au —we can guide you through alternatives.

If you believe we have failed to address an accessibility concern, you may also contact the Australian Human Rights Commission at humanrights.gov.au or 1300 656 419.

Enforcement and Compliance

Paddle Collective complies with applicable accessibility laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). We appoint an Accessibility Coordinator to oversee progress and report annually on improvements. Non-compliance claims can be directed to us first, with escalation to regulatory bodies if needed.

Changes to This Statement

We may update this Accessibility Statement periodically to reflect improvements, legal changes, or site updates. The latest version will always be posted here, with notifications via our newsletter for subscribers.

Contact Us

For questions about this statement or accessibility support:

Paddle Collective Accessibility Coordinator Email: admin@paddlecollective.com.au Phone: 0438 950 866 Instagram: @paddleco_au Address: Karinnyup Western Australia

Thank you for paddling with us—we're all in this together, making waves accessible for everyone.

This statement was developed with reference to W3C templates and Australian best practices.