Accessibility

We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at level AA. Pages are built as static HTML with semantic headings, landmarks and lists, so assistive technology can navigate them. Text and backgrounds are chosen for sufficient contrast, and the layout adapts to small screens and browser zoom.

Every page has a single main heading and an ordered heading structure. Images carry alternative text that describes what they show. Interactive elements, including menus and call buttons, can be reached and used with a keyboard and show a visible focus outline. Animations respect the reduced-motion setting in your operating system. Questions and answers use native disclosure elements, so their text is present in the page for screen readers and search.

This service works by phone: calling connects you with an independent contractor. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, you can use the California Relay Service by dialling 711 to place the call. Contractors are independent businesses, and their own accessibility practices may differ.

Some linked documents from public agencies, such as PDF reports, are outside our control and may not be fully accessible. Where we cite them, we summarise the relevant facts in the page text so the information is available without opening the document. AI-generated images are examples only and don't carry essential information that isn't also in the text.

We check pages with automated accessibility tools and manual keyboard testing at mobile, tablet and desktop widths. Automated tools don't catch every issue, so we also welcome reports from people who use assistive technology every day.

If something on this site is hard to use, call the number on any page and say you're reporting an accessibility issue. Tell us the page, what you were trying to do and the technology you were using. We'll aim to fix it or provide the information another way.

Navigation menus open with a keyboard and close with the Escape key. A skip link at the top of each page jumps to the main content. Tables comparing drain methods use header cells, so screen readers announce each column. Links describe where they go rather than saying only 'click here'. Text can be enlarged to 200 percent without content being cut off or overlapping. If your browser or device offers high-contrast or forced-colour modes, the site is designed to remain readable in them.

We write in plain language, explain technical terms such as lateral, cleanout and trap the first time they appear, and keep paragraphs short. Safety steps on emergency pages are set out as numbered steps so they can be followed one at a time. Each page opens with a short summary so the main point is clear before the detail.

Some functions, such as call routing, are provided by other companies. We choose providers with accessibility in mind but cannot control every part of their services. If a barrier comes from a third party, tell us and we'll raise it with them or find another way to help.

This statement is reviewed when the site changes significantly, and at least whenever the site's design or page templates are updated. The effective date shows the latest version. Earlier versions are not kept online, but the commitments above apply to every page on the site, including the guides, service pages, area pages and legal pages.