The Kentucky Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) stands as a model organization for promoting independence and self-determination among individuals with disabilities. This case study examines how KYSILC effectively fulfills its mission through strategic programming, community engagement, and advocacy initiatives. This case study examines the development and implementation of Kentucky SILC’s digital presence, focusing on creating a WCAG-compliant website and integrated marketing tools that effectively serve the disability community. The project prioritized accessibility while delivering engaging content and functionality.

Website Design: Empowering Kentuckians with Disabilities to Live Independently

Objectives

Kentucky SILC recognized the need for a digital platform that would effectively serve individuals with disabilities while promoting their mission of independent living advocacy. The organization required a website that would not only meet strict accessibility standards but also provide robust functionality for content management, event promotion, and community engagement. The project team prioritized creating a user-friendly experience that would work seamlessly with assistive technologies while maintaining an engaging and professional design.

• Create a fully accessible website meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
• Develop effective digital marketing tools
• Ensure consistent brand messaging
• Maximize community engagement
• Provide easy access to resources and information

Design Process

Research and Planning: Technical Architecture

The website was built using a modern tech stack focused on accessibility and performance. The foundation includes semantic HTML5, CSS3 with accessibility-focused styling, and progressive enhancement principles. The content management system was customized to include accessibility checkpoints, ensuring that new content automatically meets WCAG standards. The platform integrates smoothly with assistive technologies and includes features like skip navigation, focus indicators, and alternative text management systems.

Creative Conceptualization

Based on the insights gathered, the design team developed several conceptual designs, experimenting with various orientations, styles, and thematic elements. The concepts were reviewed by stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring that the map would be both informative and aesthetically pleasing. Comprehensive testing was conducted throughout development, involving members of the disability community and accessibility experts. Screen reader testing, keyboard navigation assessment, and color contrast verification were performed regularly. User feedback led to several improvements in navigation structure and content organization, resulting in a more intuitive and accessible experience for all users.

Kentucky SILC Website and Brand Design: Accessible Digital Excellence

The final design creates an inclusive and empowering digital presence that prioritizes accessibility while maintaining professional aesthetics. It features:

• Accessible Color System:
  • Primary Color: Deep Navy Blue for headers and key elements
  • Secondary Colors: Pure White for contrast and readability
  • Accent Colors: Light Blue for interactive elements
  • All color combinations exceed WCAG 2.1 AA contrast requirements
  • High-visibility focus indicators in bright blue
• Logo Design:
  • Dual-Version Accessibility:
    • Full Color: Navy blue with white text for standard display
    • High Contrast: Black and white version for maximum visibility
    • Reversed: White version for dark backgrounds
  • Clear Typography: Sans-serif font for optimal readability
  • Simplified Shapes: Clean lines and recognizable forms
  • Minimum Size Requirements: Ensures visibility at all scales
  • Available in multiple formats (SVG, PNG, PDF) for various uses
• Typography System:
  • Primary Font: Open Sans for its excellent readability
  • Secondary Font: Roboto for supporting text
  • Minimum Font Size: 16px for body text
  • Clear Hierarchy: Distinct heading sizes (h1-h6)
  • Line Height: 1.5 for optimal readability
  • Letter Spacing: Adjusted for maximum legibility
• Navigation Elements:
  • Skip Links: Hidden until focused for keyboard navigation
  • Breadcrumb Trails: Clear location indicators
  • Mega Menus: Organized by topic with clear categories
  • Mobile-Friendly: Hamburger menu with large touch targets
  • Focus States: Highly visible indicators for keyboard users
• Interactive Components:
  • Buttons: Large click areas with clear hover states
  • Forms: Clearly labeled fields with error handling
  • Links: Underlined and color-coded for easy identification
  • Search: Prominent placement with auto-complete features
  • Call-to-Action: High contrast buttons with clear purpose
• Content Presentation:
  • Clean Layout: Ample white space for easy scanning
  • Grid System: Responsive 12-column layout
  • Content Blocks: Clear separation between sections
  • Image Guidelines: Alt text requirements and caption standards
  • Document Templates: Accessible PDF and Word formats
• Responsive Design:
  • Mobile-First Approach: Optimized for all devices
  • Flexible Images: Scales without losing clarity
  • Breakpoint System: Ensures readability at all sizes
  • Touch Targets: Minimum 44×44 pixels for accessibility
  • Orientation Support: Functions in portrait and landscape
• User Support Features:
  • Text Resize Controls: Easy font size adjustment
  • High Contrast Toggle: Alternative color schemes
  • Screen Reader Optimization: ARIA labels and landmarks
  • Language Selection: Clear language switching options
  • Help Resources: Accessible support documentation

These design elements create a cohesive and accessible digital experience that serves all users while maintaining Kentucky SILC’s professional image and mission-driven focus. The design system prioritizes usability without sacrificing visual appeal, ensuring that all visitors can effectively engage with the organization’s resources and information.

The style guide established here serves as a foundation for all digital materials, ensuring consistency across platforms while maintaining the highest standards of accessibility and user experience.

Results and Impact

The new digital platform significantly improved Kentucky SILC’s ability to serve its community. Website analytics showed increased engagement, with higher page view duration and lower bounce rates. The accessible design led to improved user satisfaction scores, particularly among screen reader users. Newsletter subscription rates increased by 45% following the launch of the accessible email marketing system, and social media engagement metrics showed substantial improvement.

Recommendations

Based on the project’s outcomes, organizations undertaking similar initiatives should prioritize accessibility training for all team members, establish clear accessibility guidelines for content creation, and implement regular accessibility audits. It’s crucial to involve users with disabilities in the testing process and maintain strong documentation of accessibility features. Organizations should also consider implementing automated accessibility checking tools while recognizing that manual testing remains essential for ensuring true accessibility.

Conclusion

The Kentucky SILC digital platform project demonstrates that creating an accessible website and marketing system requires careful planning, continuous testing, and a commitment to serving all users equally. The success of this initiative proves that organizations can maintain high standards of accessibility while delivering engaging and effective digital experiences. This case study serves as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to develop inclusive digital platforms that truly serve their entire community.