Thistle & Cypress is committed to maintaining a digital space that is welcoming, usable, and accessible to everyone. Our work is rooted in care, clarity, and thoughtful design, and we extend those same values to the way people experience our website.
We strive to meet or exceed the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) so that all visitors can engage with our stories, recipes, guides, and resources without barriers.
How We Approach Accessibility
Inclusive design from the start
We design and review our content with accessibility in mind—clear structure, readable typography, meaningful alt text, and predictable navigation. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor, including those using assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice navigation, or keyboard-only browsing, can move through the site with ease.
Alignment with ADA principles
While the ADA does not prescribe a single technical standard for websites, we look to WCAG 2.1 AA as our guiding framework. This includes attention to perceivable content, operable interfaces, understandable interactions, and robust code that works across devices and assistive tools.
Continuous improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility. As we publish new content—whether a seasonal recipe, a gardening guide, or a reflective essay—we review elements such as headings, color contrast, link clarity, and media descriptions. We also monitor evolving best practices and update our site as standards change.
Features That Support Accessibility
- Alt text for images that conveys meaning without unnecessary embellishment.
- Semantic HTML and consistent heading structure to support screen readers.
- Keyboard-friendly navigation for visitors who do not use a mouse or trackpad.
- Readable color contrast that maintains the brand's warm, botanical aesthetic while ensuring legibility.
- Captions or transcripts for multimedia content when applicable.
- Clear, descriptive link text rather than vague phrases like "click here."
- Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and assistive technologies.
If You Need Assistance
If you encounter any accessibility barriers on our site, we want to know. Your experience matters, and your feedback helps us improve.
You can reach us at:
Please include a brief description of the issue, the page where it occurred, and the device or assistive technology you were using. We will review your message promptly and work to resolve the issue.
Our Commitment Going Forward
Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility. As Thistle & Cypress grows, we will continue refining our design, content, and technical foundations to ensure that our digital home remains open, navigable, and welcoming to all.