Accessibility Policy

1. Our Commitment

Kalaloka ("Platform"), a product of DigiYogi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, is committed to ensuring that our content reading and writing platform is accessible to all users, including persons with disabilities. We recognize that accessibility is essential for an inclusive digital experience, especially for a platform focused on Kannada-first literature and storytelling.

We are working towards conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, issued by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). We also strive to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) in providing equal access to digital information and services.

2. Accessibility Features Available

The Platform currently provides the following accessibility features:

2.1 Visual Accessibility

• Dark Mode: A full dark mode is available that reduces eye strain and improves readability in low-light environments. You can toggle this in your profile settings.
• High Contrast: Our dark mode provides high contrast ratios between text and backgrounds.
• Font Sizing: The web platform respects browser-level font size settings. Content text is rendered in readable sizes with sufficient line spacing.
• Color Independence: We use text labels and icons alongside color to convey information, so color is not the sole means of communicating meaning.

2.2 Screen Reader Support

• The web platform uses semantic HTML elements (headings, lists, navigation landmarks, form labels) to support screen reader navigation.
• Images include alternative text descriptions where applicable.
• Interactive elements (buttons, links, form controls) include appropriate ARIA labels.
• Page structure uses proper heading hierarchy (h1 through h6).

2.3 Keyboard Navigation

• Core features of the web platform can be accessed using keyboard-only navigation.
• Focus indicators are visible on interactive elements.
• Tab order follows a logical reading sequence.

2.4 Audio Content

• AI-generated audio narrations are available for published content, providing an alternative way to consume written stories and articles.
• Audio playback controls are accessible and include play, pause, and seek functionality.

2.5 Language Support

• The Platform supports Kannada, Hindi, and English, with proper Unicode rendering for all scripts.
• Language attributes are properly set on content elements to assist screen readers with pronunciation.

3. Known Limitations

While we are actively working to improve accessibility, the following limitations are currently known:

• Mobile App: The mobile application (Android) may have limited screen reader support in some areas. We are progressively improving React Native accessibility props.
• User-Generated Content: Content created by users (stories, poems, quotes) may not always include accessibility metadata such as image descriptions. We encourage creators to add descriptive text.
• Quote Images: Quote cards rendered as images may not always have complete text alternatives.
• Complex Interactions: Some interactive features (such as drag-and-drop series ordering or gift animations) may not be fully accessible to keyboard-only or screen reader users.
• Third-Party Content: Embedded content from third-party services (such as advertisements) may not meet our accessibility standards.
• PDF Exports: Downloaded content exports may have limited accessibility tagging.

4. How to Request Accommodations

If you encounter any accessibility barriers or need accommodations to use the Platform, we want to hear from you:

• Email: support@kalaloka.buzz with the subject "Accessibility Request."
• Please describe the issue or accommodation you need, including the device and assistive technology you are using.
• We will acknowledge your request within 48 hours and provide an estimated timeline for accommodation.
• Where possible, we will provide an alternative means of accessing the content or feature until the issue is resolved.

5. Feedback Mechanism

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of the Platform. Your input helps us identify areas for improvement:

• Send accessibility feedback to support@kalaloka.buzz.
• Include as much detail as possible: the page or feature, the issue encountered, the browser/device you used, and the assistive technology involved.
• Accessibility feedback is prioritized in our development roadmap.

6. Our Roadmap

We are committed to continuous improvement of accessibility across the Platform:

• Regular accessibility audits using automated tools and manual testing.
• Progressive enhancement of mobile app accessibility features.
• Training content creators on writing accessible content.
• Improving alt-text generation for quote images using AI.
• Working towards WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance across all core user journeys.

7. Contact

For accessibility-related questions, requests, or feedback:

• Email: support@kalaloka.buzz
• Platform: Kalaloka (a product of DigiYogi)
• Address: Bangalore, Karnataka, India