ACCESSIBILITY
Access Is Part of the Service
People should not have to fight through the process before they can begin using it.
Two Dogs Diverged works to identify and reduce barriers across the website, communication, programs, events, and services.
Accessibility needs are individual, environments change, and technology is imperfect. The goal is to provide clear ways to request an adjustment, report a barrier, and continue the conversation when the original format does not work.
You do not need to provide a complete medical history to explain what is inaccessible.
AN ONGOING RESPONSIBILITY
Accessibility Is a Working Practice
A website can meet a technical requirement and still be difficult for someone to use. A program can offer an adjustment that works for one person and creates a barrier for another.
Accessibility requires more than assuming a format will work because it has worked before.
It requires listening to what is inaccessible, identifying what part of the process creates the barrier, making a reasonable adjustment when possible, and reassessing whether the change actually helped.
Accessibility is not finished when an option is offered. The option must be usable by the person who needs it.
01
ASK
Make It Possible to Explain the Barrier
People need a clear way to say what is not working, where the barrier appears, and what type of change may help.
A request should not require someone to know technical accessibility language or provide an unnecessary medical history.
03
ADJUST
Change the Format When Possible
An adjustment may change how information is presented, how communication occurs, how participation is structured, how much processing time is available, or how a task is completed.
The adjustment should address access without quietly creating a different barrier.
Access Exists Within a Larger System
Accessibility may be affected by disability, health, pain, fatigue, processing, sensory needs, communication, transportation, finances, technology, caregiving, the dog’s behavior, the physical environment, and the requirements of the service itself.
These factors do not exist separately. A useful plan considers how they interact.
The person requesting access brings essential information about what is and is not usable.
The Conversation Requires More Than One Perspective
The person requesting an adjustment understands their access needs and lived experience in ways an outside professional cannot.
Two Dogs Diverged understands the structure, purpose, safety requirements, animal-welfare considerations, and operational limits of the service.
A workable adjustment is developed by bringing those perspectives together rather than assuming either person has the entire answer alone.
Access is not something done for someone. It is something built with them.
02
IDENTIFY
Find the Part That Is Inaccessible
The barrier may involve the website, communication method, scheduling process, technology, document format, physical environment, training mechanics, event structure, transportation procedure, or another part of the service.
Identifying the actual barrier makes it easier to consider a useful response.
04
REASSESS
Check Whether the Change Worked
Accessibility needs, services, technology, environments, and capacity can change.
An adjustment that worked previously may need to be revised, and an attempted solution may need to be replaced when it does not provide meaningful access.
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
The Website Should Be Usable Beyond the Visual Design
A website is not accessible merely because the text can be seen or the page looks organized.
Visitors may navigate with a keyboard, screen reader, voice control, magnification, text resizing, reduced-motion settings, alternative input devices, or other assistive technology.
The website is designed to support multiple ways of accessing information, understanding content, completing forms, and moving between pages.
STRUCTURE
Headings and Reading Order
Pages use one primary H1 followed by logically ordered H2, H3, and lower-level headings.
Content should remain understandable when read in source order without relying on columns, visual position, text size, or color to establish meaning.
NAVIGATION
Keyboard and Focus Access
Interactive elements should be reachable and usable without a mouse.
Links, buttons, forms, menus, and accordions should follow a logical focus order and display a clearly visible focus indicator.
Keyboard focus should not become trapped, disappear, or move unexpectedly.
READABILITY
Contrast, Type and Spacing
Text should use strong contrast, readable sizes, comfortable line spacing, clear alignment, and sufficient space between interactive elements.
Important information should not appear only in red, faint gray, extremely small text, decorative type, all capitals, or text placed over a busy image.
MEANING
Links, Images and Visual Information
Links and buttons should describe their purpose without relying on phrases such as “click here.”
Meaningful images should include alternative text describing the relevant content. Decorative images should be hidden from assistive technology.
Information communicated through a visual, icon, position, or color should also be available in text.
FORMS
Labels, Instructions and Errors
Form fields should have visible labels, clear instructions, predictable controls, and errors that identify what needs attention.
Required information should not be communicated by color alone, and visitors should be able to review entries before submitting when the form permits it.
MEDIA & MOTION
Captions, Transcripts and Movement
Meaningful prerecorded video should include captions, and audio information should have a text alternative when appropriate.
Automatic animation, flashing, autoplaying media, unnecessary parallax effects, and moving content should be avoided. Reduced-motion preferences should be respected.
Additional Website Practices
- Body text generally remains at least 17 pixels.
- Main headings remain below the previously rejected 84-point scale.
- Touch targets should be at least 44 by 44 pixels.
- Content should remain usable when text is resized.
- Mobile layouts should preserve the intended reading order.
- Tables should be used only when their structure improves understanding.
- Accordions should communicate whether they are expanded or collapsed.
- Contact information should appear as real text rather than only inside an image.
- Page titles and link destinations should be descriptive.
- Time limits should be avoided unless they are essential.
- Visitors should receive a clear confirmation after submitting a form.
WCAG Informs the Work. It Is Not a Claim of Perfection.
The website is being designed using practices informed by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, with WCAG Level AA as a working accessibility target where applicable.
This statement does not mean that every page, third-party feature, update, browser, device, or assistive-technology combination has been independently audited or certified.
A barrier remains important even when the feature involved was intended to be accessible.
Accessibility Requires Testing and Feedback
Automated tools can identify some technical problems, but they cannot determine whether every page is understandable or usable.
Keyboard review, screen-reader testing, contrast review, text resizing, mobile testing, and feedback from people using the website all contribute different information.
If something prevents you from accessing content or completing an action, report the barrier and identify the page or feature involved.
ACCESS WITHIN SERVICES
Participation Should Not Depend on One Way of Doing Things
A person may understand the material and still be unable to access the format in which it is offered.
A training exercise may require different mechanics. Verbal instructions may need to be written. A schedule may need more recovery time. A virtual platform may work while a physical environment does not—or the reverse.
When possible, the format should change before the person is treated as the problem.
COMMUNICATION
Receiving and Sharing Information
- Written instructions following a conversation
- Email or text-based communication
- Plain-language clarification
- Additional time to process or respond
- Questions provided in advance
- Captions or chat during a virtual session
- Repeating or rephrasing information
- A communication method that does not depend entirely on telephone calls
The available communication method may vary according to the information being shared, privacy, urgency, and the platform involved.
INSTRUCTION
Learning the Concept
- Breaking information into smaller parts
- Demonstrating a skill in more than one way
- Providing written steps or visual references
- Reviewing foundational information
- Allowing questions before expecting application
- Separating explanation from active dog handling
- Revisiting a concept after the person has had time to process it
Changing how a concept is taught does not mean lowering the importance of understanding it.
MECHANICS
Performing the Skill
- Mobility
- Balance
- Strength
- Reach
- Grip
- Coordination
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Processing
- Sensory needs
- Fluctuating physical or cognitive capacity
- Available handling or mobility equipment
The goal is to identify mechanics the person can use safely and consistently—not require imitation of one standard body position.
PACING
Time, Breaks and Recovery
- Shorter periods of active instruction
- Additional breaks
- Reduced repetition
- More implementation time between sessions
- A slower progression
- Flexible participation during a symptom change
- Planned recovery after physically or cognitively demanding work
Recovery is part of learning and participation. It is not a reward that must be earned.
PARTICIPATION
Different Ways to Engage
- Observing before handling
- Attending without a dog
- Using chat instead of speaking
- Keeping the camera off when visual participation is not essential
- Using a support person
- Completing an alternative but equivalent activity
- Selecting an in-person or virtual format when both are appropriate
- Pausing and returning when the program structure permits it
The method of participation may change while the purpose of the service remains intact.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Accessing the Resources
- Larger or reflowable text
- Accessible digital documents
- Captions or transcripts
- High-contrast materials
- Documents sent before a session
- Keyboard-accessible links
- Alternative file formats
- Assistance navigating a required platform
- A different submission method when the original one creates a documented barrier
Third-party platform limits may affect which alternatives are possible, but the barrier should still be reported.
The Adjustment Depends on the Service
An adjustment that works in a lecture may not work during an AKC evaluation. A virtual option may support handler education but not replace a transport service. Written instruction may supplement training without providing the direct observation required for a particular concern.
The purpose, environment, safety requirements, animal-welfare needs, evaluation criteria, technology, and essential service functions all affect what can be changed.
Accessibility is individualized. So are the boundaries of the service.
Explain the Barrier—not Your Entire Medical History
- The part of the service that is inaccessible
- How the barrier affects participation
- The adjustment or alternative that may help
- Any relevant timing or communication need
An Adjustment May Need to Be Tested
An agreed adjustment may be tried and reassessed. If it does not provide meaningful access, creates a safety concern, changes an essential requirement, or creates another barrier, a different option may need to be considered.
The goal is not identical participation. The goal is meaningful access to the purpose of the service.
VIRTUAL ACCESS
Online Does Not Automatically Mean Accessible
Virtual services can remove travel, location, mobility, and environmental barriers. They can also create barriers involving technology, internet access, captions, processing, screen fatigue, platform navigation, communication, and the need to appear or respond in real time.
Virtual access must consider both the educational purpose and the actual experience of using the technology.
PUBLIC WEBSITE
Wix
The public Two Dogs Diverged website provides information about the organization, programs, services, accessibility, and ways to begin.
Website pages should support keyboard navigation, logical heading order, readable text, high contrast, descriptive links, accessible forms, alternative text, reduced motion, and clear error messages.
Report a barrier when a page, menu, form, link, image, or interactive feature prevents access.
PRIVATE MEMBER PLATFORM
Base44
Paradox Dogs uses a private Base44 platform for account access, onboarding, membership selection, community participation, events, assignments, and available member resources.
Creating an account does not immediately provide community or resource access. New members must complete the required onboarding steps and select a membership path.
If the platform creates an access barrier, report the specific page, feature, or action involved. Available alternatives depend on the purpose of the feature and the access controls required.
EVENT SCHEDULING
Calendly
Calendly is used to schedule Paradox Dogs virtual open houses and may be used for other eligible appointments or events.
The visitor selects an available date and time, enters the requested information, and receives confirmation at the email address provided.
If the scheduling page cannot be used, report the barrier and identify the event or appointment you are trying to schedule. Do not assume an event is reserved until confirmation is received.
LIVE VIRTUAL SESSIONS
Google Meet
Google Meet is used for eligible live virtual instruction, discussions, events, and open houses.
The meeting link is sent through the relevant registration, scheduling, or member process. Participants are responsible for using an email address they can access and keeping the confirmation information needed to join.
Platform-generated captions or other built-in access features may be available, but their performance can vary. Report when the available feature does not provide usable access.
Virtual Participation May Need a Different Format
- Written instructions before or after a session
- Questions submitted in advance
- Use of meeting chat instead of speaking
- Additional processing time
- Repeating or rephrasing verbal information
- Captions when supported by the platform
- A support person present during the session
- Camera-off participation when visual observation is not essential
- Shorter active-participation periods
- Breaks during longer sessions
- Alternative submission formats
- Assistance locating a platform feature or resource
The adjustment must still allow the service’s essential purpose to be completed. Some training, evaluation, or observation requires live audio, video, dog visibility, handler visibility, or real-time participation.
Camera and Audio Requirements Depend on the Work
A lecture or discussion may not require the same level of visual participation as a training lesson, behavior observation, handling exercise, or virtual evaluation.
When a camera, microphone, dog visibility, environmental view, or live response is essential, that requirement should be explained before participation.
If the required format creates a barrier, request an adjustment before the session so the purpose and available alternatives can be reviewed.
Live Education Does Not Always Include a Recording
Paradox Dogs education is provided live, and recordings of live classes are not offered.
An accessibility request may address how information is communicated or accessed during a live session, but it does not automatically create a recording or on-demand version of the class.
Depending on the material and membership access, a written resource, clarification, alternative explanation, or another available support may be considered. Do not promise that every live session has an equivalent written resource.
Before a Virtual Session
- Confirm the date, time, and time zone.
- Use an email address you can access.
- Save the confirmation and meeting link.
- Test the device, browser, camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection.
- Locate caption, chat, or accessibility controls you plan to use.
- Review whether the dog or environment must be visible.
- Request known accessibility adjustments before the session when possible.
- Have a backup communication method available when one has been agreed upon.
When Technology Fails
A disconnected call, broken link, platform error, caption failure, or device problem does not automatically mean the participant chose not to attend.
Communicate through the available contact method as soon as reasonably possible. The next step depends on the event, service, timing, platform, and whether the essential content can be resumed or rescheduled.
Do not promise automatic rescheduling, refunds, recordings, or replacement access. Apply the relevant event or service policy after reviewing what occurred.
IN-PERSON ACCESS
The Location Is Part of the Accessibility Plan
An in-person service does not occur in a neutral space.
Parking, entrances, surfaces, seating, restrooms, weather, noise, lighting, crowds, travel distance, dog behavior, and the physical demands of participation can all affect access.
When possible, location and participation needs should be discussed before the appointment or event—not discovered after someone arrives.
ARRIVAL
Parking, Entrances and Routes
Before an in-person service, relevant questions may include:
- Where parking is available
- Whether an accessible parking space exists
- The distance from parking to the activity
- Whether the route includes stairs, curbs, gravel, grass, slopes, or uneven surfaces
- Whether doors, gates, or narrow passages affect entry
- Whether an alternate entrance or meeting point is available
- Where the person should wait or check in
Do not describe a location as accessible based only on the presence of a ramp or parking space.
PACING
Breaks and Physical Demand
In-person participation may involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, handling equipment, managing a leash, moving between environments, or processing information while working with a dog.
Possible adjustments may include:
- Seated instruction
- Shorter active periods
- Additional breaks
- Reduced repetition
- More implementation time between sessions
- A slower progression
- Demonstration before participation
- Dividing work into smaller segments
- Changing the physical setup
- Allowing recovery before continuing
A person should not have to conceal pain, fatigue, dizziness, sensory overload, or reduced processing simply to appear cooperative.
SUPPORT
Support People and Personal Assistance
A participant may request to bring a support person, interpreter, aide, caregiver, driver, or another person assisting with access.
The support person’s role, space, confidentiality expectations, dog interaction, and participation boundaries may need to be discussed in advance.
A support person does not automatically become a training participant, dog handler, decision-maker, or substitute client.
Service Animals and Training Dogs May Require Advance Planning
A disabled participant may use a service animal while also attending a dog-related service involving another animal.
The presence of multiple dogs, the service animal’s task access, available space, the training objective, the behavior of the participating dog, and the safety of every person and animal may require planning before the appointment.
A service animal should not be distracted, handled, fed, corrected, or used as a training stimulus without the handler’s knowledge and agreement.
Requesting advance information is intended to plan access and safety—not to question whether a person is disabled.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Surfaces, Seating and Space
The working area may need to account for:
- Stable seating
- Space for mobility equipment
- Space for a support person
- Safe dog-handling distance
- Flooring and traction
- Shade or shelter
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Noise
- Access to restrooms
- A lower-stimulation waiting or recovery area
The available options depend on the location. Confirm essential needs before scheduling whenever possible.
COMMUNICATION
Understanding Instructions in the Environment
Noise, movement, distance, face coverings, hearing differences, processing needs, anxiety, and the demands of handling a dog can affect communication.
Possible adjustments may include:
- Written instructions
- Demonstration
- Repeating or rephrasing information
- Facing the participant while speaking
- Moving to a quieter area
- Pausing dog handling during explanation
- Providing time to ask questions
- Sending key steps after the session
Information should not depend entirely on someone hearing and remembering verbal instructions while simultaneously managing the dog.
SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS
Reducing Avoidable Barriers
Depending on the service and location, it may be possible to adjust:
- Noise exposure
- Visual activity
- Distance from other dogs or people
- Lighting
- Group position
- Waiting location
- Start time
- Duration
- Number of active participants
- Use of hearing protection, sunglasses, seating, mobility equipment, or other personal access tools
The environment cannot always be fully controlled, particularly during public-access, transport, outdoor, or real-world training.
The Dog’s Behavior Also Affects the Environment
Fear, reactivity, arousal, escape behavior, bite history, handling sensitivity, resource guarding, or difficulty around people, dogs, mobility equipment, medical devices, or confined spaces must be disclosed before an in-person service.
This information helps determine:
- Whether the location is appropriate
- How much distance is needed
- Which equipment should be used
- Whether other people or animals can be present
- Whether a virtual starting point would be safer
- Whether another professional or setting is required
Accessibility planning cannot depend on withholding behavior or safety information.
Weather, Health and Fluctuating Capacity
Heat, cold, humidity, storms, air quality, illness, pain, fatigue, medication effects, disability symptoms, and changes in the dog’s condition may affect whether an in-person service remains usable or safe.
The session may need to move, shorten, pause, change format, or be rescheduled according to the service policy and the circumstances involved.
Do not promise automatic rescheduling or refunds.
Before Arriving
- Confirm the exact address and meeting point.
- Ask about parking, entrances, surfaces, seating, restrooms, and travel distance.
- Explain any access need that affects the location or activity.
- Confirm whether a support person or service animal will attend.
- Disclose relevant behavior, handling, and safety concerns involving the participating dog.
- Confirm what equipment, documents, or supplies are required.
- Review weather and location-specific instructions.
- Ask what to do if the location becomes inaccessible on arrival.
Access begins before arrival.
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
Information Is Not Accessible If You Cannot Use It
A person may receive every required detail and still be unable to find, process, hear, read, remember, navigate, or respond to it in the format provided.
Accessible communication considers the content, format, timing, technology, environment, and what the person must do with the information next.
FORMAT
Written and Verbal Information
Depending on the service and information involved, communication may be supported through:
- Written instructions after a conversation
- Verbal explanation of written content
- Key points provided before a session
- A written summary of agreed next steps
- Repeating or rephrasing information
- Separating instructions into smaller parts
- Additional time to read or respond
A written summary may support understanding without becoming a complete transcript or permanent record of every conversation.
VISUAL ACCESS
Readable Documents and Text
Depending on the original material, possible adjustments may include:
- Larger text
- Reflowable digital text
- High-contrast formatting
- Accessible headings and lists
- Reduced visual clutter
- Text provided outside an image
- A different digital file format
- Descriptive text for meaningful visual content
Scanned documents, screenshots, or image-only files may require additional work before assistive technology can use them.
RESPONSE METHOD
How You Prefer to Communicate
When possible, identify the communication method you can use most reliably.
This may include email, an accessible form, telephone, text-based communication, platform messaging, live captions, meeting chat, or communication through an authorized support person.
Not every method is appropriate for urgent, private, payment-related, contractual, or detailed training information. The available method may depend on what must be communicated.
CLARITY
Plain-Language Explanation
Visitors may ask for unfamiliar terminology, procedures, policies, forms, or training concepts to be explained more directly.
Plain language should preserve the meaning and important limitations of the information. It should not remove details necessary for safety, informed decisions, animal welfare, evaluation, or participation.
Asking for clarification does not indicate a lack of intelligence, preparation, or commitment.
AUDIO & VIDEO
Captions, Transcripts and Alternatives
Meaningful prerecorded video should include captions, and audio-only information should have a text alternative when appropriate.
For live virtual sessions, platform-generated captions may be available, but accuracy and availability can vary.
A request for access to live information does not automatically create a recording, transcript, or on-demand version when those materials are not otherwise produced.
TIMING
Time to Process and Respond
Some information requires time to read, organize, compare, or discuss with another person. When the service permits it, an adjustment may include:
- Receiving questions or materials in advance
- Additional response time
- A pause before making a decision
- Reviewing one topic at a time
- Confirming instructions in writing
- Scheduling a follow-up rather than completing everything in one interaction
Additional time may not be available when immediate safety, animal welfare, emergency transport, event timing, or another essential deadline controls the decision.
Confirmation Is Not a Test
It may be useful to confirm what was requested, what was agreed upon, what happens next, and who is responsible for each action.
This process should clarify communication—not embarrass someone, demand perfect recall, or require them to repeat information word for word.
Questions and corrections are part of accurate communication.
Communication Through Another Person
A participant may request communication support from an interpreter, caregiver, aide, spouse, family member, advocate, driver, or another trusted person.
The participant should identify:
- Who may receive information
- What information may be shared
- Whether the person may schedule, ask questions, or make decisions
- How long the permission applies
- Whether the person may reschedule or cancel
The presence of a support person does not automatically authorize disclosure of private information or transfer decision-making authority.
Accessibility Requests Do Not Replace Emergency Communication
Website forms, email, platform messages, and routine business contact methods may not be monitored continuously.
If a person or animal is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency, veterinary, animal-control, disaster-response, or public-safety resource.
Do not publish a guaranteed response time unless a consistent policy has been established.
Clear communication is part of access—not an extra service added afterward.
ACCESSIBILITY AND ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
An Adjustment Can Change the Path Without Erasing the Purpose
Accessibility does not require every person to participate in an identical way.
A useful adjustment may change the format, timing, environment, communication method, mechanics, technology, or way a person demonstrates understanding.
The adjustment must still provide access to the purpose of the service without creating an unreasonable safety risk, compromising animal welfare, changing an external evaluation standard, or removing a requirement that cannot be separated from the service itself.
The first question should be, “What can change?”—not, “Why can’t this person do it the usual way?”
WHAT MAY CHANGE
WHAT MAY NEED TO REMAIN
The Way Access Is Provided
The Essential Purpose or Requirement
Depending on the service and circumstances, an adjustment may change:
Depending on the service, some requirements may need to remain because they involve:
- Whether information is written, verbal, visual, or demonstrated
- The amount of processing or response time
- The length or number of active participation periods
- Break and recovery structure
- Physical positioning or handling mechanics
- The order in which nonessential activities occur
- Whether questions are spoken, written, or submitted in advance
- Whether a support person assists with communication or access
- Whether participation occurs virtually or in person when both formats can serve the purpose
- The file format or method used to access materials
- The method used to submit eligible work
- The location or environmental setup
- Whether the participant observes before performing
- How a concept is divided into smaller steps
- Immediate safety of people or animals
- Animal welfare and humane handling
- The behavior or skill an evaluation is designed to assess
- Current AKC evaluation criteria
- Direct observation needed to assess a dog-handler team
- Identity, authorization, payment, or account-security requirements
- Required onboarding for private community access
- Privacy and confidentiality boundaries
- Destination acceptance and safe containment for animal transport
- Legal or regulatory transport requirements
- The live-participation structure of Paradox Dogs education
- The need to disclose dog behavior or health information affecting safety
- A deadline controlled by an external organization or urgent circumstance
- The fundamental service being requested
Different does not automatically mean less effective, less serious, or less complete.
A requirement should be treated as essential because of what it protects or accomplishes—not merely because it is familiar.
COMMUNICATION
Written Instructions
A participant may receive written steps instead of relying only on verbal instruction.
The adjustment changes the communication format. It does not remove information necessary to use the skill safely.
TRAINING
Modified Mechanics
A handler may use a different body position, movement, piece of equipment, or reinforcement-delivery method.
The adjustment changes how the skill is performed while preserving its training purpose.
AKC EVALUATION
Access Without Coaching
An evaluation location or communication process may be made more accessible when permitted.
The evaluator still cannot teach, coach, prompt, or change the required test criteria to create a passing result.
PARADOX DOGS
Live Access Without a Recording
A member may request captions, written clarification, chat participation, or another available method of accessing a live session.
The adjustment does not automatically create a recording when the program does not provide recordings.
TRANSPORT
Accessible Coordination With Safe Transport
Pickup communication, paperwork format, or coordination with an authorized support person may be adjusted.
The animal must still be safely contained, the destination must accept the animal, and the trip must remain within Crossroads Companion Transport’s permitted scope.
“No” to One Adjustment Is Not the End of the Review
When a requested adjustment cannot be provided, the next step should be to explain which requirement or risk prevents it and consider whether another option could provide meaningful access.
Possible outcomes may include:
- A different communication format
- A modified activity
- Another location
- A different service format
- Additional preparation
- A support person
- Rescheduling
- Referral to another professional or provider
- Recognition that no workable alternative is currently available
An alternative is useful only when it addresses the actual barrier. Offering an unrelated option does not create meaningful access.
The Same Request May Have a Different Answer in Another Service
Camera-off participation may work for a lecture but not a virtual behavior observation. Additional time may work for an intake form but not change an external evaluation deadline. A virtual meeting may replace travel for education but cannot transport an animal.
Accessibility decisions must be connected to the actual service, purpose, environment, and barrier involved.
Preserve the purpose. Change the pathway when the pathway is the barrier.
THIRD-PARTY TOOLS
The Platform May Be External. The Barrier Still Matters.
Parts of the Two Dogs Diverged experience rely on tools and organizations operated by someone else.
Those providers may change their interfaces, features, accessibility settings, account requirements, policies, or availability without direct control from Two Dogs Diverged.
A barrier should still be reported so its source, impact, and possible alternatives can be reviewed.
PUBLIC WEBSITE
Wix
Wix provides the platform used to build and display the public website.
Two Dogs Diverged controls much of the page content, structure, colors, images, links, and form setup, but some menus, widgets, templates, updates, and technical behaviors depend on Wix.
Possible report examples:
- A menu cannot be opened by keyboard.
- Focus order is confusing.
- A form field lacks a usable label.
- Text cannot be resized or read clearly.
- A widget does not work with assistive technology.
PRIVATE COMMUNITY
Base44
Base44 hosts the private Paradox Dogs member platform used for accounts, onboarding, membership selection, community participation, events, assignments, and available resources.
Two Dogs Diverged controls program content and access decisions but may not control every navigation pattern, interface element, notification, or platform-level accessibility feature.
Possible report examples:
- Onboarding cannot be completed.
- A control is not labeled.
- A resource cannot be opened.
- Community navigation is inaccessible.
- A required action cannot be completed by keyboard.
SCHEDULING
Calendly
Calendly may be used to schedule virtual open houses, appointments, or other eligible events.
Two Dogs Diverged controls the event setup and available scheduling details but does not control every part of Calendly’s interface, account behavior, email delivery, or technical accessibility.
Possible report examples:
- An available date cannot be selected.
- A time cannot be confirmed.
- A form field cannot be completed.
- The confirmation is not received.
- The scheduling interface is unusable with assistive technology.
LIVE MEETINGS
Google Meet
Google Meet may be used for live virtual instruction, discussion, events, and open houses.
Two Dogs Diverged controls the meeting content and participation expectations but does not control every caption, connection, browser, audio, video, keyboard, or platform function.
Possible report examples:
- Captions are unavailable or unusable.
- The meeting link does not open.
- Chat or controls cannot be reached.
- Audio or video requirements create a barrier.
- The platform disconnects or fails during participation.
PAYMENTS & FORMS
External Processing Tools
Payment, registration, document, signature, or form tools may be provided by an external processor.
Two Dogs Diverged controls which information is requested and how the tool is incorporated when possible, but processing, security controls, authentication, and some interface elements belong to the provider.
Possible report examples:
- Payment fields are not labeled.
- A required control cannot be reached.
- A document cannot be signed.
- An authentication step is inaccessible.
- An error message does not identify the problem.
EXTERNAL REQUIREMENTS
AKC and Other Organizations
Some evaluations, titles, registrations, documents, policies, or deadlines are established by an outside organization such as the American Kennel Club.
Two Dogs Diverged may explain the process and complete the evaluator’s role but cannot independently change the external organization’s criteria, forms, title decisions, fees, deadlines, or platform.
Possible report examples:
- An external form is inaccessible.
- Submission instructions are unclear.
- A required document cannot be used with assistive technology.
- An external deadline affects the available adjustment.
- The organization’s website creates a barrier after the evaluation is complete.
What Two Dogs Diverged Can Do
After a third-party barrier is reported, Two Dogs Diverged may be able to:
- Identify whether the barrier comes from the page setup, service process, or external platform
- Correct content or configuration under its control
- Explain the required action in another format
- Provide direct navigation instructions
- Consider an alternative communication or submission method
- Contact the provider or report the technical problem
- Document the barrier
- Identify whether another available process can serve the same purpose
- Explain when no equivalent alternative is currently available
The available response depends on the platform, service, security requirements, essential purpose, and the amount of control Two Dogs Diverged has over the feature.
What Two Dogs Diverged Cannot Promise
Two Dogs Diverged cannot guarantee:
- Continuous third-party platform availability
- Compatibility with every browser, device, or assistive technology
- Perfect automated captions
- Immediate correction by an external provider
- Removal of another organization’s account or identity requirements
- Changes to external evaluation criteria, forms, deadlines, or title decisions
- An alternative that bypasses required security, payment, privacy, or authorization controls
- Recovery of information lost through an external outage
- Identical functionality through every alternative format
External Tools May Have Their Own Privacy Terms
When a visitor uses an external platform, information may also be handled according to that provider’s privacy policy, security practices, terms of use, and account requirements.
Before entering sensitive information, confirm that you are using the intended platform and understand what the form or service is requesting.
Do not send passwords, complete payment credentials, government identification, or unrelated medical information through a general accessibility report.
When Reporting a Third-Party Barrier
Include:
- The service or event you were trying to access.
- The name of the platform if known.
- The page, link, form, or action involved.
- What you expected to happen.
- What happened instead.
- The error message, screenshot, or description available.
- The device, browser, or assistive technology involved if you choose to share it.
- The deadline or event date if timing matters.
- The alternative or adjustment that may help.
Do not include confidential account credentials or payment information in the report.
REQUEST AN ADJUSTMENT
Tell Me What Is Inaccessible
You do not need to know the legal name of an accommodation or explain every part of your disability.
Describe what you are trying to access, what part of the process is not usable, and what change may help.
If you are unsure what adjustment to request, explain the barrier in your own words so possible options can be reviewed.
You May Request an Adjustment When:
- A website page, menu, link, form, or document cannot be used.
- A communication method is inaccessible.
- Instructions are not available in a usable format.
- A scheduling or registration process creates a barrier.
- A virtual platform prevents participation.
- An in-person location or activity creates an access concern.
- Training mechanics are not physically or cognitively usable.
- A class, workshop, event, or program format prevents meaningful participation.
- An evaluation process needs an adjustment permitted within its standards.
- A transport or microchip-scanning process creates a communication or coordination barrier.
- A previous adjustment no longer works.
- You need to discuss access before deciding whether to register or enroll.
You may make the request before beginning, after a barrier appears, or when circumstances change.
Request Process
01
02
Identify the Service or Feature
Describe the Barrier
Name the page, program, event, appointment, form, platform, location, evaluation, transport request, or communication involved.
Include a link, event name, appointment date, or screenshot when relevant and safe to share.
Explain what you are trying to do and what prevents you from completing it.
You may describe the functional effect without providing a diagnosis.
Example: “I cannot use the scheduling calendar with keyboard navigation” is enough to begin reviewing the problem.
03
04
Describe What May Help
Provide Timing and Contact Preferences
If you know an adjustment that has worked before, include it.
If you do not know what would help, say so. The review can begin with the barrier rather than a predetermined solution.
Include any event date, appointment, enrollment deadline, transport timing, or other circumstance affecting the request.
Identify the communication method you can use most reliably.
Useful Information for the Initial Request
Include only what is relevant:
- Your name
- Preferred contact method
- The service, page, platform, event, or location involved
- What you are trying to access or complete
- The barrier you encountered or anticipate
- The adjustment or alternative that may help
- Relevant dates or deadlines
- Whether a support person should be included in communication
- Technology details if the barrier is digital and you choose to share them
- Any immediate safety concern affecting participation
Do not include passwords, full payment information, government identification, unrelated medical information, or complete medical records.
After the Request Is Received
Acknowledge the Request
Clarify What Is Needed
The request is identified as an accessibility matter and connected to the relevant service, page, event, or process.
Do not publish a guaranteed response time unless one has been established and can be followed consistently.
Additional questions may be asked when the barrier, requested adjustment, service requirement, timing, or available option is unclear.
Questions should remain connected to understanding access—not collecting unnecessary medical details.
Review Possible Adjustments
Confirm the Next Step
The request is considered alongside the purpose of the service, safety, animal welfare, technology, location, external requirements, privacy, timing, and available alternatives.
The response should explain the adjustment being offered, any relevant limits, what the participant must do next, or why another option must be considered.
If the original request cannot be provided, the response should identify the reason and consider whether another meaningful option exists.
Accessibility Adjustment Request
Use this form to request an adjustment related to the website, communication, training, education, events, evaluations, Paradox Dogs, transport, microchip scanning, or another Two Dogs Diverged service.
If You Cannot Use This Form
Use the primary Two Dogs Diverged email or telephone contact method and state that you are trying to submit an accessibility request.
Include the service or page involved, the barrier, the adjustment that may help, and a contact method you can use.
Do not require the visitor to submit the inaccessible form before offering another method.
This Form Is Not an Emergency Service
Accessibility forms and routine business contact methods may not be monitored continuously.
If a person or animal is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency, veterinary, animal-control, disaster-response, or public-safety resource.
REPORT AN ACCESSIBILITY BARRIER
If Something Blocks Access, Report It
A barrier may be obvious, such as a button that cannot be reached by keyboard. It may also appear only when someone uses a particular device, assistive technology, communication method, location, document, or service process.
Reporting what happened provides information that automated tools, visual review, and previous testing may have missed.
You do not have to prove that a barrier affects everyone before reporting that it affected you.
WEBSITE
Navigation and Page Content
DOCUMENTS & MEDIA
Files, Audio and Video
Examples:
Examples:
- A menu, button, link, accordion, or form cannot be used.
- Keyboard focus is missing, trapped, or out of order.
- A page has confusing heading structure.
- Text is too small or has insufficient contrast.
- Information appears only inside an image.
- An image lacks meaningful alternative text.
- Content becomes unusable when enlarged.
- A PDF or document cannot be read with assistive technology.
- A scanned file contains no usable text.
- A video lacks captions.
- Audio information has no text alternative.
- Captions are inaccurate enough to change the meaning.
- A visual demonstration has no description or alternative explanation.
COMMUNICATION
Information and Response Methods
VIRTUAL ACCESS
Platforms and Online Participation
Examples:
Examples:
- Required information is provided only by telephone.
- Instructions are not available in a usable format.
- A support person cannot be included appropriately.
- A response method creates a disability-related barrier.
- Important information is unclear, inaccessible, or missing.
- A form requires unnecessary medical disclosure.
- Wix, Base44, Calendly, Google Meet, or another tool cannot be navigated.
- Scheduling cannot be completed.
- Captions, chat, controls, or meeting links are inaccessible.
- A required platform action cannot be completed by keyboard.
- Onboarding or membership access cannot be completed.
- Technology requirements were not explained before participation.
IN-PERSON ACCESS
Locations and Activities
SERVICE PROCESS
Programs, Evaluations and Transport
Examples:
Examples:
- Parking, entrances, routes, surfaces, seating, or restrooms create a barrier.
- The location description was incomplete or inaccurate.
- The activity cannot be performed using the available access method.
- Noise, lighting, crowds, weather, or spacing prevents participation.
- A service-animal or support-person need was not planned appropriately.
- An agreed adjustment was unavailable on arrival.
- A policy or procedure creates an access barrier.
- An agreed adjustment is not communicated to the relevant service.
- Evaluation access is confused with changing the test criteria.
- A transport or microchip-scanning process cannot be coordinated accessibly.
- A third-party requirement creates a barrier without a clear review process.
- The offered alternative does not address the original access need.
Reporting Process
01
Identify What You Were Trying to Access
02
Explain What Happened
Name the page, document, feature, platform, program, event, evaluation, location, appointment, transport request, or service involved.
Describe the action you attempted, what you expected to happen, and what happened instead.
Include the exact error message or behavior when available.
03
Share Relevant Context
04
Explain the Impact and Possible Fix
If you choose, include the device, browser, assistive technology, communication method, location feature, or other context that may help reproduce the barrier.
You are not required to disclose a diagnosis.
Describe what the barrier prevented you from doing and any adjustment or correction you believe may help.
It is acceptable to report the problem without knowing the solution.
Accessibility Barrier Report
Use this form to report an accessibility problem involving the website or a Two Dogs Diverged service.
How the Report May Be Used
- The report may be used to:
- Reproduce and document the barrier
- Correct content or configuration under Two Dogs Diverged’s control
- Review an existing accessibility practice
- Identify a temporary access method
- Notify a third-party provider
- Improve future pages, documents, events, or service processes
- Clarify instructions or location information
- Determine whether an individual adjustment should also be discussed
Some corrections may require assistance or changes from Wix, Base44, Calendly, Google Meet, a payment processor, AKC, a venue, or another external provider.
If the Reporting Form Is Inaccessible
Use the primary Two Dogs Diverged email or telephone contact method and state that the barrier-reporting form cannot be used.
Include the page or service involved, what you attempted, what happened, and a communication method you can access.
Do not require someone to use the inaccessible form before accepting the report another way.
Reporting a Barrier Is Appropriate
A person should not lose access, be treated as difficult, or be discouraged from participating solely because they reported an accessibility problem or requested that it be reviewed.
Reporting a barrier does not guarantee that every requested solution is possible, but the report itself is legitimate information about the service experience.
This Form Is Not Monitored as an Emergency Service
If a person or animal is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency, veterinary, animal-control, disaster-response, or public-safety resource.
Do not rely on this form for urgent response.