Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

Accessibility Policy

TDHCA is committed to making its Web site accessible to the widest possible audience, including people with visual disabilities using screen-reading software. As part of that commitment, we are continually working to make all our Web pages more accessible. Some of the accessibility and usability features we have provided are included below.

Skip Navigation

A "Skip Navigation Link" option is place at the top of web pages. This allows users with mobility impairments and those who use screen-reader software to go directly to the main content of a Web page without having to experience repetitive navigation links.

Text and Textual Equivalents

We try to ensure that alternative text (ALT tags) are provided for all non-text elements used on our Web site.

Document Images

When posting PDF files, we follow guidelines at https://www.adobe.com/accessibility whenever feasible.

Testing

We have tested our web page design with screen readers and other web accessibility tools. As a result, we have made changes to improve the site's accessibility for users with disabilities.

Guidelines

TDHCA guidelines include

  • Following current web standards and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • Avoiding excessive images, image maps and use of animation material.
  • Using hypertext links that make sense when read out of context.
  • Using headings, lists and Web site structure in a consistent manner, including CSS to control the Web site's style.
  • Providing alternatives in cases where content produced by scripts, applets or plug-ins may not be accessible or supported.
  • Avoiding the use of frames.
  • Summarizing table content or creating tables that allow for line by line reading.
  • Validating and testing pages with various tools, including W3C's HTML Validation Service, the Firefox Web Developer Toolbar, FireEyes, RAMP, and accessibility testing within Adobe Dreamweaver.
  • Testing on the Windows and MAC platforms and multiple web browsers.
  • Using various accessibility checklists and guidelines, including those at www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT.

Other Accessibility Concerns

All TDHCA field offices are inspected for ADA compliance by the Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Additional information about accessibility programs in Texas is available from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.

Contact Us

TDHCA welcomes comments on how to improve the site's accessibility for users with disabilities. Please let us know if you have any problems accessing our Web site. When you contact us, please note:

  • The nature of your accessibility problem.
  • The format you prefer for receiving requested Web site material.
  • The Web address of the requested material.
  • Your contact information.
  • If you need to contact us via TDD equipment, please visit the Relay Texas Web site at https://www.puc.state.tx.us/relaytexas/Overview.aspx for assistance.

For issues related to accessibility on the TDHCA Web site, email webmaster@tdhca.state.tx.us or call 512-475-1238.