WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant WordPress Site Empowers Colorado’s Oral Health Unit’s Resource Center
FIREANT STUDIO’s deep understanding of accessibility standards, coupled with their experience in creating robust and user-centered designs, positioned them to deliver a tailored solution that would meet the OHU’s specific needs and serve as a powerful tool for community engagement. This project showcases FIREANT Studio’s proven ability to craft dynamic and accessible WordPress websites for government entities, facilitating effective communication and resource dissemination for the benefit of the communities they serve.
Colorado’s OHU sought to create a central, accessible online resource hub, consolidating vital information for a diverse statewide audience. Recognizing the complexities of building such a platform, especially for underserved populations, the OHU partnered with FIREANT Studio. Leveraging our deep understanding of government agency needs and expertise in accessible WordPress development, we delivered a sustainable and scalable solution. This partnership ensures the OHU can effectively empower Coloradans with critical oral health information, showcasing FIREANT’s commitment as a reliable long-term technology partner.
The Challenge
The OHU faced the challenge of developing an effective online resource tool that catered to the needs of a broad and diverse audience across Colorado. This included individuals with varying levels of technological literacy, those from underserved communities with limited access to technology, as well as dental professionals seeking specific information. Furthermore, the OHU needed a platform that allowed them to easily manage and expand the resource center over time as new materials became available and evolving best practices emerged. The complexity of managing hundreds of resources, while ensuring seamless accessibility and ease of use for all user groups, presented a significant hurdle.
The FIREANT Approach:
FIREANT STUDIO adopted a user-centered approach to address the OHU’s challenges. We began by revising the website’s Information Architecture to create a logical and intuitive structure for the vast library of resources. We developed an engaging message strategy that resonated with the core site visitors, focusing on the needs of underserved communities and dental partners. This strategy prioritized expedited user journeys, making it easier for individuals to find the specific information they needed quickly and efficiently. Our team conducted thorough strategic research and competitor analysis to identify best practices and inform the design and functionality of the new website. This ensured the final product would be not only visually appealing but also highly effective in meeting the OHU’s objectives.
FIREANT’s Solution
FIREANT Studio developed a custom, responsive WordPress solution that addressed the OHU’s specific requirements. At the heart of the new website lies a robust searchable resource center, housing hundreds of documents, videos, and other valuable materials related to oral health. Critically, the site was built to be fully WCAG 2.1 AA accessible, ensuring inclusivity and usability for all individuals, including those with disabilities. To further enhance accessibility, the website was integrated with FIREANT’s proprietary ClarityPDF.io – accessible PDF software. This innovative tool automates PDF accessibility, eliminating the need for manual remediation and streamlining the process of adding new resources to the site. A custom-built search and filtering solution allows users to quickly narrow down the extensive resource library by keyword, topic, resource type, audience, and language, providing a streamlined and personalized experience. This robust search functionality is a key feature of the new website, empowering users to easily find the precise information they need, regardless of their technical skills or familiarity with oral health topics.
Comprehensive Website Accessibility Achieved
The newly developed website goes beyond basic accessibility measures, achieving full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all users, including those with disabilities using assistive technologies, can easily access and navigate the vital oral health information provided by the OHU. This achievement demonstrates FIREANT Studio’s dedication to creating equitable digital experiences and underscores the OHU’s commitment to serving all Coloradans. The rigorous adherence to WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines ensures the long-term viability and inclusivity of the platform.
Streamlined Resource Center
FIREANT implemented a custom-designed search and filtering system within the resource center, transforming how users interact with the OHU’s extensive library. This powerful tool empowers users to quickly and easily locate relevant resources by filtering across multiple criteria, including keywords, topics, resource types, target audience, and language. This streamlined process drastically improves user experience, saving valuable time and effort while ensuring individuals can efficiently access the specific information they need. This intuitive design reflects FIREANT STUDIO’s focus on user-centered design principles, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all visitors.
Effortless Accessibility Management with ClarityPDF.io Integration
Recognizing the ongoing challenge of maintaining accessibility, especially with dynamic content, FIREANT Studio integrated its proprietary ClarityPDF.io software into the website. This innovative solution automates the process of PDF remediation, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly manual adjustments. ClarityPDF.io ensures all PDF resources uploaded to the website are automatically converted to accessible formats, simplifying ongoing content management for the OHU and guaranteeing consistent accessibility for all users. This seamless integration showcases FIREANT Studio’s ability to provide holistic, future-proof solutions that address long-term accessibility needs.
The Impact
The collaboration between FIREANT Studio and the Colorado CDPHE Oral Health Unit resulted in a transformative online resource hub that empowers Coloradans to take control of their oral health. By prioritizing accessibility, user experience, and a robust search functionality, the new website effectively addresses the challenges of disseminating vital information to a diverse audience. The custom WordPress solution, integrated with ClarityPDF.io, not only provides a user-friendly platform for accessing valuable resources but also streamlines the OHU’s content management process.
TLDR
This project serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful web design and development in improving public health outcomes by making critical information readily available and accessible to all. The new website stands as a model for other government agencies seeking to effectively engage their communities and improve access to important resources.
