Accessibility Statement

The International Journal of Research on Multidisciplinary Studies (IJROMS), published by the Institute of Teachers' Training Center, Inc. (ITTCI), is committed to promoting equitable, inclusive, and accessible access to scholarly information and publishing services. The journal recognizes accessibility as an essential component of academic participation, knowledge dissemination, and the responsible communication of research.

IJROMS acknowledges that individuals may encounter different barriers when accessing digital information and scholarly publications. These barriers may arise from visual, auditory, physical, neurological, cognitive, technological, or other accessibility-related circumstances. Accordingly, the journal endeavors to make its website, published research, editorial information, and online publishing processes accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, geographical location, technological environment, or individual access requirements.

This statement establishes the journal's commitment to improving digital accessibility, reducing barriers to scholarly participation, and promoting an inclusive publishing environment for authors, researchers, peer reviewers, readers, and other members of the academic community.

1. Accessibility Principles and Commitments

IJROMS adopts the following principles as the foundation of its accessibility practices:

1.1. Equal Access to Scholarly Information

The journal endeavors to provide equitable access to its published articles, editorial policies, author guidelines, announcements, and other academic resources. Access to scholarly information should not be unnecessarily restricted by disability or the use of assistive technologies.

1.2. Inclusive and Non-Discriminatory Publishing

IJROMS supports an inclusive scholarly environment in which individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Accessibility-related circumstances shall not, in themselves, constitute grounds for discrimination in accessing journal information or participating in the journal's publishing processes.

1.3. Usability and Universal Design

The journal seeks to apply accessibility-conscious design principles to its digital platforms and information resources. Its objective is to improve usability across different devices, browsers, assistive technologies, and individual user requirements.

1.4. Continuous Accessibility Improvement

IJROMS recognizes that digital accessibility requires continuing evaluation and improvement. The journal therefore endeavors to identify accessibility barriers, address technical and content-related limitations, and improve its digital publishing environment as resources and technological capabilities permit.

1.5. Accessibility as a Shared Responsibility

The journal recognizes that accessibility involves the coordinated efforts of its editorial, production, and information technology personnel, as well as authors and other contributors who prepare scholarly content for publication.

2. Accessibility Standards and International Frameworks

IJROMS uses internationally recognized accessibility principles as references in developing and improving its digital publishing practices.

In particular, the journal recognizes the relevance of the following frameworks:

2.1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2

IJROMS uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), as a technical reference for improving the accessibility of its website and digital content. The journal considers Level AA success criteria as its accessibility improvement target.

The WCAG framework is organized around four fundamental principles:

  • Perceivable: Information and user interface components should be presented in ways that users can perceive.

  • Operable: Website navigation and interactive components should be usable through different methods of interaction, including keyboard navigation.

  • Understandable: Information, instructions, and website functionality should be presented in a clear and predictable manner.

  • Robust: Digital content should be developed to support compatibility with different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies.

IJROMS recognizes WCAG 2.2 Level AA as a reference for progressive accessibility improvements. This statement does not constitute a certification or declaration that the entire website currently conforms to all WCAG 2.2 Level AA success criteria.

2.2. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

IJROMS recognizes the accessibility principles reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 9 concerning accessibility and access to information and communications technologies.

These principles inform the journal's commitment to reducing barriers that may prevent persons with disabilities from accessing digital information and participating in academic and scholarly activities.

2.3. Inclusive Access to Knowledge

Consistent with the broader principles of open access and inclusive scholarly communication, IJROMS seeks to make academic knowledge available in ways that accommodate diverse users and promote equitable participation in research dissemination.

3. Website and Digital Content Accessibility

IJROMS endeavors to improve the accessibility and usability of its official website and online journal platform. Accessibility considerations include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.1. Website Navigation and Structure

The journal seeks to maintain a logical and consistent website structure, including clearly identifiable menus, headings, navigation elements, and links to important journal information.

3.2. Readable Text and Presentation

The journal endeavors to present website content using readable typography, appropriate text contrast, consistent formatting, and understandable information structures.

3.3. Keyboard Accessibility

Where technically supported, interactive website elements and navigation features should be accessible through keyboard operation without requiring exclusive reliance on a mouse or other pointing device.

3.4. Screen Reader Compatibility

IJROMS endeavors to improve the compatibility of its website content with screen readers and other assistive technologies through meaningful headings, descriptive links, appropriate text alternatives, and properly structured digital content.

3.5. Images and Non-Text Content

The journal encourages the use of meaningful alternative text for informative images, graphics, and other non-text content so that relevant information may be understood by users who cannot directly perceive visual elements.

3.6. Links and Interactive Elements

Links, buttons, and other interactive elements should use descriptive labels that communicate their purpose and destination as clearly as possible.

3.7. Responsive and Device-Compatible Design

The journal endeavors to maintain a website that remains usable across commonly used desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.

4. Accessibility of Scholarly Publications

IJROMS recognizes that accessibility must extend beyond website navigation to the scholarly materials made available through its publishing platform.

Accordingly, the journal encourages accessibility-conscious preparation and presentation of published research, including the following practices:

4.1. Accessible Article Presentation

The journal endeavors to present published article information, abstracts, titles, author details, keywords, references, and other bibliographic information in clearly structured and readable formats.

4.2. Accessible Document Formatting

Authors are encouraged to prepare manuscripts and supporting documents using logical heading structures, readable text, properly identified tables, descriptive figure captions, and other formatting practices that support accessibility.

4.3. Tables, Figures, and Illustrations

Authors should ensure that tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations are clearly labeled and accompanied by explanatory titles, captions, or descriptions where appropriate.

4.4. Alternative Text and Descriptive Information

Where applicable, authors and production personnel are encouraged to provide meaningful alternative text or equivalent descriptions for figures, images, and other visual materials that communicate substantive research information.

4.5. Digital Publication Formats

IJROMS endeavors to improve the accessibility of its digital publication formats. The journal recognizes that PDF documents, scanned materials, complex tables, and image-based content may present accessibility challenges and therefore supports progressive improvements in document preparation and publication production.

5. Accessibility in Editorial and Publishing Services

IJROMS seeks to maintain an inclusive editorial environment for individuals participating in manuscript submission, peer review, editorial communication, and publication-related activities.

The journal endeavors to:

  1. Provide clear and understandable submission instructions, author guidelines, and editorial policies.

  2. Maintain accessible channels for communication with authors, reviewers, and readers.

  3. Consider reasonable accessibility-related requests concerning manuscript submission and editorial correspondence.

  4. Avoid unnecessary procedural barriers that may prevent qualified individuals from participating in scholarly publishing.

  5. Provide clarification or appropriate assistance when users encounter accessibility-related difficulties with the journal's online publishing system.

  6. Promote awareness of accessibility considerations among relevant editorial and production personnel.

Accessibility-related requests shall be considered in accordance with the journal's operational capabilities, applicable requirements, and the circumstances of the individual request.

6. Compatibility with Assistive Technologies

IJROMS recognizes that users may rely on assistive technologies and alternative methods of accessing digital information.

These may include:

  • Screen readers and text-to-speech applications.

  • Screen magnification software.

  • Keyboard-only navigation.

  • Speech recognition and voice-control software.

  • Browser-based accessibility tools.

  • Alternative input devices.

  • Other assistive technologies used to access digital publications and online services.

The journal endeavors to improve compatibility with commonly used assistive technologies. However, accessibility and compatibility may vary depending on the user's device, browser, assistive technology, document format, and third-party software.

7. Known and Potential Accessibility Limitations

IJROMS acknowledges that certain elements of its website and digital publications may not yet provide an optimal accessibility experience.

Potential limitations may include:

  1. Previously published PDF documents that were not originally prepared using accessibility-compliant formatting.

  2. Scanned documents or image-based materials that may not be fully readable by screen readers.

  3. Complex tables, charts, mathematical expressions, and figures that may require additional descriptive information.

  4. Third-party website components, embedded resources, or external services whose accessibility is not entirely controlled by the journal.

  5. Legacy website content that may require technical modification or restructuring.

  6. Certain interactive features of the online journal platform that may present limitations for users of particular assistive technologies.

The identification of these limitations does not diminish the journal's commitment to accessibility. IJROMS intends to address identified barriers progressively through appropriate content revisions, technical improvements, and accessibility-conscious publishing practices.

8. Accessibility Feedback and Requests for Assistance

IJROMS welcomes feedback from authors, researchers, peer reviewers, readers, and other website users regarding accessibility barriers encountered while accessing the journal's website, publications, or editorial services.

Individuals who experience accessibility-related difficulties are encouraged to contact the Editorial Office through the official communication channels provided on the journal website.

To facilitate appropriate assessment and assistance, accessibility-related inquiries may include:

  • The webpage, article, document, or specific website feature concerned.

  • A description of the accessibility difficulty encountered.

  • The device, browser, or assistive technology being used, where relevant.

  • The preferred accessible format or form of assistance, if applicable.

The Editorial Office shall assess accessibility-related concerns and determine appropriate measures based on the nature of the issue, technical feasibility, and available resources.

Where reasonably practicable, the journal may consider providing clarification, alternative access arrangements, or an accessible version of relevant information.

9. Accessibility Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

IJROMS recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing institutional and technical responsibility rather than a one-time website development requirement.

The journal therefore endeavors to:

  1. Review website content and digital publishing practices for potential accessibility barriers.

  2. Improve the structural organization and readability of website information.

  3. Encourage accessibility-conscious manuscript preparation and production.

  4. Consider accessibility feedback in website maintenance and development.

  5. Promote awareness of relevant accessibility standards among editorial and technical personnel.

  6. Update accessibility practices as internationally recognized standards and technologies evolve.

Accessibility improvements shall be implemented progressively, taking into consideration technical requirements, operational resources, and the journal's continuing commitment to scholarly communication.

10. Scope and Application

This Accessibility Statement applies to the official IJROMS website, online journal platform, published scholarly content, editorial information, and digital resources made available through the journal's publishing services, to the extent that these materials are under the journal's control.

Content and services provided by external websites, third-party platforms, or independent service providers may be governed by their respective accessibility policies and technical capabilities.

This statement should be read together with the journal's other applicable editorial, publication, and website policies.

11. Policy Review and Updates

IJROMS reserves the right to review and update this Accessibility Statement when necessary to reflect improvements in accessibility standards, technological developments, changes in publishing practices, and relevant institutional requirements.

The journal shall endeavor to maintain this statement as an accurate representation of its accessibility commitments and ongoing improvement efforts.