The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) aims to ensure an inclusive web experience for all visitors, recognizing the diverse range of physical and cognitive disabilities that can affect user interaction. Vision loss, hearing loss, limited manual dexterity, and Dyslexia are just a few examples of such disabilities, each requiring different methods to effectively access electronic information.
HCD remains committed to proactively addressing accessibility concerns pertaining to website content and documents, taking affirmative steps to ensure compliance. This includes ongoing endeavors to convert historical documents into accessible formats. If any document or information on HCD's website is presently inaccessible, alternative accessible formats can be provided upon request. To request specific documents or information, contact us and specify your preferred format. It is important to note, however, that HCD cannot assume responsibility for the content or accessibility of external websites or documents linked on this website.
If you have difficulty accessing any material on this site, please email us or contact us in writing:
651 Bannon Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95811
The State of California's website has been developed in compliance with California Government Code Sections 7405 and 11135, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, or a subsequent version.
HCD’s Web Accessibility CertificationWebsite Accessibility Features
We have implemented a range of technology solutions to enhance the user experience of our website, ensuring easier navigation, faster loading times, and improved accessibility. Here are some of the notable solutions we have integrated:
Style Sheets
The website utilizes responsive Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to ensure consistent layouts and a contemporary design that facilitates seamless user interaction across various browsers and devices. In terms of accessibility, CSS is meticulously maintained to align with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This includes, but is not limited to, considerations such as color contrast, responsiveness of content, and navigability of the website's elements.
Accessible Images & Infographics
All images, graphics, and photographs on the HCD website include an alternative text “ALT” and/or “TITLE” attributes. However, to be truly inclusive, many former images of charts and infographics have been recreated and styled on the HCD website as accessible content rather than an image with a long alternative text, allowing screen readers to tab through the content instead of reading the entire description.
Breadcrumb Navigation
Located directly below the main navigation towards the top of the website, the breadcrumbs provide a trail of where you’re at and where you have been. Breadcrumbs make it easier and quicker to navigate your way back to the root folder.
WCAG 2.0 Level AA
The HCD website adheres to WCAG 2.0 AA Guidelines and Success Criteria organized under the following 4 principles:
Provide text alternatives for non-text content and captions and other alternatives for multimedia. Create content that can be presented in different ways, including by assistive technologies, without losing meaning, making it easier for users to see and hear content.
Make all functionality available from a keyboard. Give users enough time to read and use content. Do not use content that causes seizures. Help users navigate and find content.
Make text readable and understandable. Make content appear and operate in predictable ways. Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
Maximize compatibility with current and future user tools.
Grievance Procedures
HCD upholds a policy that strictly prohibits discrimination based on disability.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Grievance Procedure has been established to facilitate anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the HCD.
- The Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) Grievance Procedure has been adopted to facilitate anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.