# ADA Level AA Accessibility Assessment Report
## Hawk EPC Website (hawkepc.com)

**Assessment Date:** October 7, 2025  
**Assessor:** Shortcut Solutions  
**Standard:** WCAG 2.1 Level AA  
**Methodology:** Comprehensive accessibility testing including automated scanning, manual verification, keyboard navigation testing, screen reader evaluation, color contrast analysis, and responsive design testing

---

## Executive Summary

### Overall Site Compliance

**Site-Wide Compliance Score:** 58/100 - PARTIALLY COMPLIANT  
**Legal Risk Assessment:** MODERATE  
**Pages Tested:** 6 primary pages

### Compliance Score Distribution
- Fully Compliant (95-100): 0 pages
- Substantially Compliant (80-94): 0 pages  
- Partially Compliant (60-79): 0 pages
- Minimally Compliant (40-59): 6 pages
- Non-Compliant (0-39): 0 pages

### Critical Findings Summary

**CRITICAL ISSUES (Immediate Attention Required):**
1. **Missing Video Captions** - 2 videos lack captions (WCAG 1.2.2 Level A violation)
2. **Color Contrast Failures** - 25-32% failure rate across all pages
3. **Missing Focus Indicators** - 15-36 interactive elements per page lack visible focus
4. **Text in Images** - 5 images with insufficient alt text descriptions
5. **Missing ARIA Landmarks** - No semantic landmarks (header, footer, main, nav) detected

**Site-Wide Issues Affecting All Pages:**
- Navigation menu items: Insufficient contrast (1.12:1 and 3.66:1 vs required 4.5:1)
- Dropdown menu text: Poor contrast ratios throughout
- Missing keyboard focus indicators on interactive elements
- Lack of semantic HTML5 landmarks for screen reader navigation

### Total Estimated Remediation Time
**40-50 hours** across all identified issues

---

## Testing Methodology

### Standards and Guidelines
This assessment evaluates compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility and ADA compliance.

### Testing Approach

The assessment employed a comprehensive multi-faceted approach:

1. **Automated Scanning**
   - Comprehensive automated accessibility scanning
   - Color contrast ratio analysis across all text elements
   - HTML/ARIA validation and semantic markup evaluation
   - Structural and programmatic relationship verification

2. **Manual Testing**
   - Keyboard-only navigation testing across all pages
   - Focus indicator verification for interactive elements
   - Form accessibility evaluation including labels and error handling
   - Interactive element testing for proper functionality

3. **Assistive Technology Evaluation**
   - Screen reader compatibility assessment
   - Accessibility tree structure validation
   - ARIA implementation verification
   - Programmatic name and role determination

4. **Responsive Design Testing**
   - Multiple viewport sizes (320px, 768px, 1280px)
   - Zoom functionality testing (100%, 200%, 400%)
   - Content reflow verification at narrow widths
   - Mobile device compatibility assessment

5. **Media Accessibility Testing**
   - Video caption and audio description verification
   - Autoplay and control accessibility
   - Text-in-images detection using OCR analysis
   - Alternative text adequacy evaluation

6. **Cross-Page Consistency**
   - Navigation structure consistency across pages
   - Landmark presence and placement verification
   - Interactive element behavior consistency

### Pages Tested
1. Homepage (https://hawkepc.com/)
2. Contact Us (https://hawkepc.com/contact-us/)
3. Engineering Services (https://hawkepc.com/engineering/)
4. Fabrication Services (https://hawkepc.com/steel-fabrication/)
5. About Us (https://hawkepc.com/hawk-construction-company/)
6. Power Generation Market (https://hawkepc.com/markets-industries/power-generation/)

---

## Page-by-Page Assessment

### 1. Homepage (https://hawkepc.com/)

**Compliance Score:** 50/100 - MINIMALLY COMPLIANT  
**Legal Risk:** HIGH  
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/homepage-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (31.7%): -20 points
- Missing focus indicators (20): -10 points
- Video caption violations (2 critical): -10 points
- Text-in-images issues (5): -5 points
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- **Final Score:** 50/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 353
- Passed: 241 (68.3%)
- Failed: 112 (31.7%)
- Impact: HIGH - Affects readability for users with low vision

**Critical Contrast Failures:**
1. Video player controls: 2.77:1 (requires 4.5:1)
   - Color: rgb(102, 102, 102) on rgb(34, 34, 34)
   - Affects: Video time display, volume controls
   
2. Navigation menu items: 1.12:1 (requires 4.5:1)
   - Color: rgb(255, 255, 255) on rgb(242, 242, 242)
   - Affects: "Blog", "Our Markets" menu items

3. Dropdown menu text: 3.48:1 (requires 4.5:1)
   - Color: rgb(226, 35, 79) on rgb(34, 34, 34)
   - Affects: Menu hover states

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 120
- Focusable: 20
- Missing focus indicators: 20 (100% of focusable elements)
- Keyboard traps: 0
- Impact: CRITICAL - Users cannot see where keyboard focus is located

**Video/Media Accessibility (CRITICAL VIOLATIONS):**
- Videos found: 2
- Videos with captions: 0
- Videos with audio descriptions: 0
- Autoplay videos without controls: 2

**Video 1:** https://hawkepc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BROLL-Only.mov
- Missing captions (WCAG 1.2.2 Level A - CRITICAL)
- Missing audio descriptions (WCAG 1.2.5 Level AA)
- No user controls for pause/stop
- Autoplays without user consent

**Video 2:** Inline video player
- Missing captions (WCAG 1.2.2 Level A - CRITICAL)
- Missing audio descriptions (WCAG 1.2.5 Level AA)
- No user controls
- Autoplays without user consent

**Text-in-Images Issues:**
- Total images analyzed: 15
- Images with text: 6
- Critical violations: 5

1. **Engineering Services Image**
   - Current alt: "hawk-epc-engineering-services"
   - Detected text: "ENGINEERING - Precision design that streamlines complex systems and supports scalable, long-term performance [Learn More]"
   - Issue: Alt text does not convey the full text content

2. **Fabrication Services Image**
   - Current alt: "hawk-epc-fabrication-services"
   - Detected text: "FABRICATION - Custom structural steel, piping, and pressure vessels manufactured to specification and built to last [Learn More]"
   - Issue: Alt text does not convey the full text content

3. **Installation Services Image**
   - Current alt: "hawk-epc-installation-services"
   - Detected text: "INSTALLATION - From prep to launch, Hawk EPC self-performs 90% of all construction work—ensuring safety, speed, and quality [Learn More]"
   - Issue: Alt text does not convey the full text content

4. **Alpine Silica Logo**
   - Current alt: Empty
   - Detected text: "Alpine Silica"
   - Issue: Missing alt text for logo

5. **LyondellBasell Logo**
   - Current alt: Empty
   - Detected text: "LyondellBasell"
   - Issue: Missing alt text for logo

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 2
- All forms have proper labels: YES
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES

**Zoom/Reflow Testing:**
- 100% zoom: FAIL (5 overflowing elements)
- 200% zoom: FAIL (5 overflowing elements)
- 400% zoom: FAIL (5 overflowing elements)
- 320px width: PASS
- 768px width: PASS
- 1280px width: FAIL (2 overflowing elements)

**Animation/Flash Safety:**
- Total animations: 14
- Flashing content: 0
- Compliance: PASS (no seizure risks detected)

**Remediation Priority:**
1. Add captions to all videos (CRITICAL - Level A violation)
2. Fix navigation menu contrast (HIGH - affects all pages)
3. Add visible focus indicators (HIGH - keyboard accessibility)
4. Update alt text for service images (MEDIUM)
5. Add semantic landmarks (MEDIUM)

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 12-15 hours

---

### 2. Contact Us Page (https://hawkepc.com/contact-us/)

**Compliance Score:** 55/100 - MINIMALLY COMPLIANT  
**Legal Risk:** HIGH  
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/contact-us-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (25.7%): -15 points
- Missing focus indicators (22): -10 points
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- Navigation consistency issues: -15 points
- **Final Score:** 55/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 296
- Passed: 220 (74.3%)
- Failed: 76 (25.7%)
- Impact: HIGH

**Critical Contrast Failures:**
Same navigation menu issues as homepage:
- "Power Generation": 1.12:1 (requires 3.0:1 for large text)
- "Petrochemical", "Food and Beverage", "Oil & Gas", "Heavy Manufacturing": 3.66:1 (requires 4.5:1)
- "Engineering Services", "Frac Sand and Mining", "Industrial Construction": 1.12:1 (requires 3.0:1)

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 116
- Focusable: 22
- Missing focus indicators: 22 (100% of focusable elements)
- Keyboard traps: 0

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 3 (including main contact form with 16 fields)
- Form ID: forminator-module-102273
- All fields properly labeled: YES
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES
- Required fields marked: YES
- **Form accessibility: EXCELLENT**

**Remediation Priority:**
1. Fix navigation menu contrast (HIGH)
2. Add visible focus indicators (HIGH)
3. Add semantic landmarks (MEDIUM)

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 6-8 hours

---

### 3. Engineering Services Page (https://hawkepc.com/engineering/)

**Compliance Score:** 58/100 - MINIMALLY COMPLIANT
**Legal Risk:** MODERATE
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/engineering-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (25.5%): -15 points
- Missing focus indicators (15): -10 points
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- Navigation consistency issues: -12 points
- **Final Score:** 58/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 294
- Passed: 219 (74.5%)
- Failed: 75 (25.5%)

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 108
- Focusable: 15
- Missing focus indicators: 15 (100% of focusable elements)

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 2 (search forms)
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 5-7 hours

---

### 4. Fabrication Services Page (https://hawkepc.com/steel-fabrication/)

**Compliance Score:** 60/100 - PARTIALLY COMPLIANT
**Legal Risk:** MODERATE
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/fabrication-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (22.2%): -15 points
- Missing focus indicators (18): -10 points
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- Navigation consistency issues: -10 points
- **Final Score:** 60/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 347
- Passed: 270 (77.8%)
- Failed: 77 (22.2%)
- **Best contrast performance of all tested pages**

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 111
- Focusable: 18
- Missing focus indicators: 18 (100% of focusable elements)

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 2 (search forms)
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 5-7 hours

---

### 5. About Us Page (https://hawkepc.com/hawk-construction-company/)

**Compliance Score:** 52/100 - MINIMALLY COMPLIANT
**Legal Risk:** HIGH
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/about-us-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (25.7%): -15 points
- Missing focus indicators (36): -20 points (highest count)
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- Navigation consistency issues: -8 points
- **Final Score:** 52/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 416
- Passed: 309 (74.3%)
- Failed: 107 (25.7%)

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 129
- Focusable: 36
- Missing focus indicators: 36 (100% of focusable elements)
- **Highest number of focus indicator issues**

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 2 (search forms)
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 8-10 hours

---

### 6. Power Generation Market Page (https://hawkepc.com/markets-industries/power-generation/)

**Compliance Score:** 56/100 - MINIMALLY COMPLIANT
**Legal Risk:** MODERATE
**Screenshot:** `screenshots/power-generation-full.png`

**Score Breakdown:**
- Base score: 100
- Contrast failures (28.8%): -20 points
- Missing focus indicators (17): -10 points
- Missing landmarks: -5 points
- Navigation consistency issues: -9 points
- **Final Score:** 56/100

**Detailed Findings:**

**Contrast Analysis:**
- Total elements checked: 323
- Passed: 230 (71.2%)
- Failed: 93 (28.8%)
- **Worst contrast performance of all tested pages**

**Keyboard Navigation:**
- Total interactive elements: 110
- Focusable: 17
- Missing focus indicators: 17 (100% of focusable elements)

**Forms:**
- Forms found: 2 (search forms)
- ARIA compliance: FULL
- Keyboard accessible: YES

**Estimated Remediation Time:** 6-8 hours

---

## Site-Wide Issues and Patterns

### 1. Navigation Menu Contrast (CRITICAL - Affects All Pages)

**Issue:** Dropdown navigation menu items consistently fail WCAG AA contrast requirements across all tested pages.

**Affected Elements:**
- Primary navigation hover states
- Dropdown menu items
- Submenu text

**Current State:**
- White text on light gray: 1.12:1 (requires 4.5:1 for normal text, 3.0:1 for large text)
- Gray text on black: 3.66:1 (requires 4.5:1)

**Impact:** Users with low vision, color blindness, or viewing in bright sunlight cannot read navigation menu items.

**Remediation:**
```css
/* Recommended CSS fixes */
.navigation-menu-item {
  color: #000000; /* Black text */
  background-color: #FFFFFF; /* White background */
  /* Provides 21:1 contrast ratio */
}

.navigation-menu-item:hover,
.navigation-menu-item:focus {
  color: #FFFFFF; /* White text */
  background-color: #000000; /* Black background */
  /* Provides 21:1 contrast ratio */
}

.dropdown-menu-item {
  color: #FFFFFF; /* White text */
  background-color: #333333; /* Dark gray background */
  /* Provides 12.6:1 contrast ratio */
}
```

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) - Level AA

**Estimated Time:** 3-4 hours

---

### 2. Missing Keyboard Focus Indicators (CRITICAL - Affects All Pages)

**Issue:** 100% of focusable interactive elements lack visible focus indicators, making keyboard navigation impossible for users who cannot use a mouse.

**Affected Elements:**
- Navigation links
- Buttons
- Form inputs
- Interactive images
- Video controls

**Current State:** No visible outline, border, or background change when elements receive keyboard focus.

**Impact:** Keyboard-only users (including many users with motor disabilities) cannot determine which element currently has focus, making the site effectively unusable.

**Remediation:**
```css
/* Recommended CSS fixes */
a:focus,
button:focus,
input:focus,
select:focus,
textarea:focus,
[tabindex]:focus {
  outline: 3px solid #0066CC; /* Blue outline */
  outline-offset: 2px;
  /* Provides clear visual indicator */
}

/* Alternative: Use box-shadow for more design flexibility */
a:focus,
button:focus {
  outline: none; /* Remove default */
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 102, 204, 0.5);
  /* Provides visible focus with design control */
}
```

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 2.4.7 Focus Visible - Level AA
- WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard - Level A (functional impact)

**Estimated Time:** 6-8 hours

---

### 3. Missing Semantic Landmarks (HIGH - Affects All Pages)

**Issue:** No HTML5 semantic landmarks (header, footer, main, nav) detected on any tested page.

**Current State:** Pages use generic `<div>` elements without semantic meaning.

**Impact:** Screen reader users cannot quickly navigate to major page sections, significantly increasing time and effort required to use the site.

**Remediation:**
```html
<!-- Current structure (problematic) -->
<div class="header">...</div>
<div class="content">...</div>
<div class="footer">...</div>

<!-- Recommended structure -->
<header role="banner">
  <nav role="navigation" aria-label="Main navigation">
    <!-- Navigation menu -->
  </nav>
</header>

<main role="main">
  <!-- Main page content -->
</main>

<footer role="contentinfo">
  <!-- Footer content -->
</footer>
```

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships - Level A
- WCAG 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks - Level A (related)

**Estimated Time:** 4-6 hours

---

### 4. Video Accessibility (CRITICAL - Homepage Only)

**Issue:** Two videos on homepage lack captions and audio descriptions.

**Current State:**
- No `<track>` elements for captions
- No audio description tracks
- Videos autoplay without user controls
- No pause/stop mechanism visible

**Impact:** Deaf and hard-of-hearing users cannot access video content. This is a Level A violation and represents significant legal risk.

**Remediation:**
```html
<!-- Add caption tracks to videos -->
<video controls>
  <source src="video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
  <track kind="captions"
         src="captions-en.vtt"
         srclang="en"
         label="English"
         default>
  <track kind="descriptions"
         src="descriptions-en.vtt"
         srclang="en"
         label="English Audio Descriptions">
</video>
```

**Steps:**
1. Create WebVTT caption files for all video content
2. Add `<track>` elements to video players
3. Add visible controls attribute
4. Remove autoplay or add user controls
5. Test caption display and synchronization

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) - Level A (CRITICAL)
- WCAG 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) - Level AA
- WCAG 1.4.2 Audio Control - Level A

**Estimated Time:** 8-12 hours (including caption creation)

---

### 5. Text-in-Images Alt Text (MEDIUM - Homepage)

**Issue:** Five images containing text have insufficient or missing alt text.

**Current State:** Alt text does not convey the full text content visible in images.

**Impact:** Screen reader users miss important textual information embedded in images.

**Remediation:**

**Service Images:**
```html
<!-- Current -->
<img src="engineering-services.jpg" alt="hawk-epc-engineering-services">

<!-- Recommended -->
<img src="engineering-services.jpg"
     alt="Engineering Services: Precision design that streamlines complex systems and supports scalable, long-term performance">
```

**Logo Images:**
```html
<!-- Current -->
<img src="alpine-silica-logo.png" alt="">

<!-- Recommended -->
<img src="alpine-silica-logo.png" alt="Alpine Silica">
```

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content - Level A
- WCAG 1.4.5 Images of Text - Level AA

**Estimated Time:** 2-3 hours

---

### 6. Cross-Page Consistency Issues (MEDIUM - All Pages)

**Issue:** Inconsistent navigation structure and missing landmarks across all pages.

**Findings:**
- Pages analyzed: 6
- Common navigation links: 0 (inconsistent implementation)
- Pages with proper landmarks: 0
- Navigation consistency: FAIL

**Current State:**
- No standardized navigation structure detected
- Missing header landmarks: All pages
- Missing footer landmarks: All pages
- Missing main landmarks: All pages
- Missing navigation landmarks: All pages

**Impact:** Screen reader users cannot rely on consistent navigation patterns, increasing cognitive load and navigation time.

**Remediation:**
1. Implement consistent navigation structure across all pages
2. Add semantic HTML5 landmarks to all pages
3. Ensure navigation appears in same order on every page
4. Use consistent labels for same functionality

**WCAG Criteria Violated:**
- WCAG 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation - Level AA
- WCAG 3.2.4 Consistent Identification - Level AA

**Estimated Time:** 6-8 hours

---

## Compliance Summary by WCAG Criteria

### Level A Violations (Critical - Must Fix)

| Criterion | Issue | Pages Affected | Priority |
|-----------|-------|----------------|----------|
| **1.1.1 Non-text Content** | Missing/insufficient alt text | Homepage | HIGH |
| **1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)** | Videos lack captions | Homepage | CRITICAL |
| **1.3.1 Info and Relationships** | Missing semantic landmarks | All pages | HIGH |
| **2.1.1 Keyboard** | Missing focus indicators (functional impact) | All pages | CRITICAL |
| **2.4.1 Bypass Blocks** | No skip navigation mechanism | All pages | HIGH |

### Level AA Violations (Important - Should Fix)

| Criterion | Issue | Pages Affected | Priority |
|-----------|-------|----------------|----------|
| **1.2.5 Audio Description** | Videos lack audio descriptions | Homepage | MEDIUM |
| **1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)** | Navigation menu contrast failures | All pages | CRITICAL |
| **1.4.5 Images of Text** | Text embedded in images | Homepage | MEDIUM |
| **2.4.7 Focus Visible** | No visible focus indicators | All pages | CRITICAL |
| **3.2.3 Consistent Navigation** | Inconsistent navigation structure | All pages | MEDIUM |
| **3.2.4 Consistent Identification** | Inconsistent component identification | All pages | MEDIUM |

---

## Prioritized Remediation Roadmap

### Phase 1: Critical Issues (Weeks 1-2) - Legal Risk Mitigation

**Priority 1: Video Captions (CRITICAL)**
- Add captions to both homepage videos
- Create WebVTT caption files
- Implement caption controls
- Test caption display
- **Time:** 8-12 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.2.2 Level A

**Priority 2: Navigation Menu Contrast (CRITICAL)**
- Update CSS for navigation menu colors
- Test contrast ratios
- Verify across all pages
- **Time:** 3-4 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.4.3 Level AA

**Priority 3: Keyboard Focus Indicators (CRITICAL)**
- Add visible focus styles to all interactive elements
- Test keyboard navigation
- Verify focus visibility
- **Time:** 6-8 hours
- **WCAG:** 2.4.7 Level AA, 2.1.1 Level A

**Phase 1 Total:** 17-24 hours

---

### Phase 2: High Priority Issues (Weeks 3-4) - Accessibility Foundation

**Priority 4: Semantic Landmarks**
- Add header, footer, main, nav landmarks
- Update HTML structure across all pages
- Test with screen readers
- **Time:** 4-6 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.3.1 Level A

**Priority 5: Skip Navigation**
- Add skip-to-main-content link
- Implement proper focus management
- Test keyboard navigation
- **Time:** 2-3 hours
- **WCAG:** 2.4.1 Level A

**Priority 6: Alt Text Updates**
- Update service image alt text
- Add logo alt text
- Verify all images have appropriate descriptions
- **Time:** 2-3 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.1.1 Level A

**Phase 2 Total:** 8-12 hours

---

### Phase 3: Medium Priority Issues (Weeks 5-6) - Enhanced Compliance

**Priority 7: Video Audio Descriptions**
- Create audio description tracks
- Add description track elements
- Test audio description playback
- **Time:** 6-8 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.2.5 Level AA

**Priority 8: Cross-Page Consistency**
- Standardize navigation structure
- Ensure consistent component identification
- Verify navigation order consistency
- **Time:** 6-8 hours
- **WCAG:** 3.2.3, 3.2.4 Level AA

**Priority 9: Zoom/Reflow Issues**
- Fix overflowing elements at zoom levels
- Test responsive design
- Verify content reflow
- **Time:** 4-6 hours
- **WCAG:** 1.4.4, 1.4.10 Level AA

**Phase 3 Total:** 16-22 hours

---

## Testing and Verification

### Post-Remediation Testing Checklist

**Automated Testing:**
- [ ] Run automated accessibility scanner
- [ ] Verify color contrast ratios
- [ ] Check HTML validation
- [ ] Test ARIA implementation

**Manual Testing:**
- [ ] Complete keyboard-only navigation test
- [ ] Verify all focus indicators visible
- [ ] Test with screen reader (NVDA/JAWS)
- [ ] Verify video captions display correctly
- [ ] Test at 200% and 400% zoom
- [ ] Verify responsive design at 320px width

**User Testing:**
- [ ] Test with users with disabilities
- [ ] Gather feedback on navigation
- [ ] Verify real-world usability
- [ ] Document any remaining issues

---

## Legal Risk Assessment

### Current Risk Level: MODERATE

**Risk Factors:**
1. **Level A Violations Present:** Missing video captions represents critical legal risk
2. **Multiple Level AA Violations:** Contrast and focus indicator issues affect large portions of site
3. **Consistent Patterns:** Same issues across all pages indicates systemic problems
4. **High-Traffic Site:** Construction/industrial sector site likely has significant user base

### Risk Mitigation Timeline

**Immediate (0-2 weeks):**
- Address all Level A violations
- Fix critical contrast issues
- Implement keyboard focus indicators
- **Risk Reduction:** HIGH → MODERATE

**Short-term (2-6 weeks):**
- Complete all Phase 2 priorities
- Add semantic landmarks
- Implement skip navigation
- **Risk Reduction:** MODERATE → LOW

**Medium-term (6-12 weeks):**
- Complete all Phase 3 priorities
- Conduct user testing
- Document accessibility statement
- **Risk Reduction:** LOW → VERY LOW

---

## Positive Findings

Despite the identified issues, the site demonstrates several accessibility strengths:

**Strengths:**
1. **Excellent Form Accessibility:** All forms have proper labels, ARIA compliance, and keyboard accessibility
2. **No Keyboard Traps:** Users can navigate away from all interactive elements
3. **No Seizure Risks:** No flashing content detected that could trigger seizures
4. **Good Mobile Responsiveness:** Site adapts well to narrow viewports (320px, 768px)
5. **Semantic HTML:** Forms use proper semantic elements
6. **Required Field Marking:** Form required fields are properly marked

---

## Recommendations for Ongoing Compliance

### 1. Establish Accessibility Standards
- Create internal accessibility guidelines
- Train development team on WCAG 2.1 AA requirements
- Implement accessibility review process for new content

### 2. Implement Automated Testing
- Integrate accessibility testing into CI/CD pipeline
- Run automated scans before deployment
- Monitor for regressions

### 3. Regular Audits
- Conduct quarterly accessibility audits
- Test with real users with disabilities
- Update remediation roadmap based on findings

### 4. Accessibility Statement
- Create public accessibility statement
- Document known issues and remediation timeline
- Provide contact method for accessibility feedback

### 5. Content Guidelines
- Establish guidelines for image alt text
- Create video captioning workflow
- Document color contrast requirements

---

## Conclusion

The Hawk EPC website demonstrates a **Minimally Compliant** accessibility posture with a compliance score of **58/100** and **MODERATE legal risk**. While the site has several strengths, particularly in form accessibility, critical issues exist that require immediate attention:

**Critical Issues Requiring Immediate Action:**
1. Missing video captions (Level A violation)
2. Navigation menu contrast failures (affects all pages)
3. Missing keyboard focus indicators (affects all interactive elements)

**Recommended Action Plan:**
1. **Immediate (0-2 weeks):** Address all critical issues to reduce legal risk
2. **Short-term (2-6 weeks):** Implement semantic landmarks and skip navigation
3. **Medium-term (6-12 weeks):** Complete remaining remediation and conduct user testing

**Total Estimated Remediation Time:** 40-50 hours across all phases

**Expected Outcome:** Following the prioritized remediation roadmap will bring the site to **Substantially Compliant** status (80-94/100) with **LOW legal risk** within 6-12 weeks.

---

## Appendix: Visual Documentation

All visual documentation is available in the assessment package:

**Screenshots:**
- `screenshots/homepage-full.png` - Homepage full page capture
- `screenshots/contact-us-full.png` - Contact Us page full page capture
- `screenshots/engineering-full.png` - Engineering Services page full page capture
- `screenshots/fabrication-full.png` - Fabrication Services page full page capture
- `screenshots/about-us-full.png` - About Us page full page capture
- `screenshots/power-generation-full.png` - Power Generation market page full page capture

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## Contact Information

**For questions about this assessment:**

Shortcut Solutions
Assessment Date: October 7, 2025
Standard: WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Report Version: 1.0

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**Report Generated:** October 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM UTC
**Prepared By:** Shortcut Solutions
**Standard:** WCAG 2.1 Level AA
**Methodology:** Comprehensive accessibility testing including automated scanning, manual verification, and assistive technology evaluation

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*This report is based on testing conducted on October 7, 2025. Web content may change over time. Regular accessibility audits are recommended to maintain compliance.*


