Accessibility Statement

Last Updated: 2026

Our Commitment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is committed to ensuring that the NEXUS Public Comment Portal (the "Portal") is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We strive to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. ยง 794d), which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Accessibility Standards

We are committed to making the Portal accessible and usable for all users. Our goal is to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, which include:

  • Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
  • Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable
  • Understandable: Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable
  • Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies

Accessibility Features

The Portal includes the following accessibility features:

  • Keyboard Navigation: All functionality is accessible via keyboard without requiring mouse use
  • Screen Reader Support: Content is structured with proper headings, labels, and ARIA attributes
  • Alternative Text: Images include descriptive alternative text
  • Color Contrast: Text and background colors meet WCAG contrast requirements
  • Form Labels: All form fields have associated labels
  • Focus Indicators: Clear visual indicators show which element has keyboard focus
  • Responsive Design: The Portal is usable on various screen sizes and devices
  • Semantic HTML: Proper use of HTML5 semantic elements for structure

Known Issues and Limitations

We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of the Portal. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us using the information provided below. We will work to address the issue promptly.

Some third-party content or services integrated into the Portal may have their own accessibility characteristics. We strive to work with vendors who share our commitment to accessibility.

Assistive Technologies

The Portal has been tested with and is compatible with the following assistive technologies:

  • Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Browser zoom functionality (up to 200%)
  • High contrast mode

We recommend using the latest versions of assistive technologies and modern web browsers for the best experience.

Feedback and Reporting Issues

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of the Portal. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

USDA Forest Service
NEXUS Program
Email: nexus@usda.gov
Phone: (Please check the main Forest Service website for current contact information)
Website: www.fs.usda.gov

When reporting accessibility issues, please include:

  • The URL or page where you encountered the issue
  • A description of the problem
  • The assistive technology you are using (if applicable)
  • Your operating system and browser version

We will acknowledge your report within 5 business days and work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Alternative Access Methods

If you are unable to access information or services on the Portal due to an accessibility barrier, we will work with you to provide the information in an alternative format. Please contact us using the information above to request alternative access.

File Downloads

Some documents on the Portal may be available in PDF format. If you need an accessible version of a PDF document, please contact us. We will work to provide the information in an alternative format that meets your needs.

Third-Party Content

The Portal may include links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the accessibility of external websites. However, we strive to link only to sites that are accessible or provide accessible alternatives.

Ongoing Improvements

We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of the Portal. This includes:

  • Regular accessibility audits and testing
  • Training for content creators and developers on accessibility best practices
  • Incorporating user feedback into our development process
  • Staying current with accessibility standards and guidelines

Compliance and Enforcement

If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of disability in accessing the Portal, you may file a complaint with:

USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-2600
Website: www.usda.gov/oascr

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice:

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Website: www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm

Additional Resources

Updates to This Statement

We may update this Accessibility Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify users of any material changes by posting the updated statement on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.