BC Bryan Chen

Accessibility

Last reviewed 28 August 2026

I want this site to be usable by everyone, including people who browse with a keyboard, a screen reader, magnification, or reduced motion. This page describes what I have actually done, and what I know is still imperfect.

Target standard

I am aiming for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. This site has not been independently audited, so I describe it as partially conformant: most of the standard is met, and the known gaps are listed below.

What the site does

  • Every page works from the keyboard alone, and the focused element always has a visible outline.
  • A "Skip to content" link is the first thing a keyboard or screen-reader user reaches.
  • Text and background colours were checked against WCAG AA. The lowest contrast ratio on the site is 5.4 to 1, above the 4.5 to 1 minimum.
  • Headings run in order without skipping levels, so screen-reader users can navigate by structure.
  • Icons are decorative and hidden from screen readers, so they are not read out as meaningless graphics.
  • Links that open a new tab say so to screen-reader users.
  • The photograph has a text description.
  • If your system is set to reduce motion, all animation is switched off.
  • Page regions use real landmarks (header, navigation, main, footer).
  • Text reflows without horizontal scrolling down to a 390 pixel wide screen, and the layout survives zooming.

Known limitations

  • My résumé is a PDF. PDFs are often awkward with screen readers, and I have not had this one professionally remediated. If you would like the same information as plain text or in another format, email me and I will send it.
  • No independent accessibility audit or user testing with assistive technology has been carried out.
  • Pages I link to elsewhere, such as LinkedIn, iGEM, UC San Diego, and WIST, are outside my control and have their own accessibility practices.

Tell me if something does not work

If any part of this site is difficult or impossible for you to use, please email me at brc035@ucsd.edu and describe what happened and what you were using. I read these and I will reply. If something is blocking you, I will send you the information you needed in a format that works, rather than making you wait for a fix.

Back to bryanchen.net