Accessibility Statement for The Gilded Spoon

At The Gilded Spoon, located in the heart of Chicago’s River North, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for everyone. We continually strive to improve the user experience for all visitors to our website, and we apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve this goal. Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond our website to the physical space of our restaurant, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive dining experience for all our patrons.

Our Commitment

The Gilded Spoon believes in providing equal access to information and services for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We are dedicated to making our website and physical restaurant location accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability.

To uphold this commitment, we adhere to the following principles:

• Compliance with Standards: We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines outline best practices for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
• Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and update our website and accessibility practices to ensure ongoing compliance and to address any emerging accessibility issues.
• Training and Awareness: Our team is trained on accessibility best practices, and we are committed to raising awareness of accessibility issues throughout our organization.
• User Feedback: We actively solicit feedback from users regarding their experiences with our website and restaurant, and we use this feedback to inform our accessibility efforts.

Accessibility Features on Our Website

To ensure that our website is accessible to all users, we have implemented the following features:

• Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML elements to structure our content, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret and navigate.
• Alternative Text for Images: All images on our website include descriptive alternative text, allowing users who are unable to see the images to understand their content and purpose.
• Keyboard Navigation: Our website is fully navigable using a keyboard, allowing users who cannot use a mouse to access all content and functionality.
• Sufficient Color Contrast: We ensure that there is sufficient color contrast between text and background colors, making it easier for users with low vision to read our content.
• Resizable Text: Users can easily increase or decrease the text size on our website without losing content or functionality.
• Clear and Consistent Navigation: Our website features a clear and consistent navigation structure, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
• Form Accessibility: All forms on our website are designed to be accessible, with clear labels, instructions, and error messages.
• Video Captions and Transcripts: All videos on our website include captions and transcripts, making them accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Dark Mode: A dark mode toggle is available, allowing users to switch to a high-contrast color scheme that may be easier to read.
• ARIA Attributes: We utilize ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and interactive elements.

Physical Accessibility of The Gilded Spoon Restaurant

Beyond our website, The Gilded Spoon is dedicated to providing a physically accessible and welcoming environment for all guests. We have implemented the following accessibility features at our Chicago location:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: Our entrance, dining areas, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility impairments can navigate our restaurant comfortably.
• Accessible Seating: We offer a variety of seating options, including accessible tables that can accommodate wheelchairs. Please specify your seating needs when making a reservation.
• Large Print Menus: We provide large print menus upon request, making it easier for guests with low vision to read our menu offerings.
• Braille Menus: Braille menus are available for our blind or visually impaired guests, providing full access to our culinary selections.
• Service Animals Welcome: Trained service animals are welcome in our restaurant, and we are happy to provide water and a designated relief area if needed.
• Assistive Listening Devices: We offer assistive listening devices for guests who are hard of hearing, ensuring that they can fully participate in conversations and enjoy the ambiance. Please request these devices in advance or upon arrival.
• Staff Assistance: Our staff is trained to provide assistance to guests with disabilities, including helping with seating, menu selection, and navigation within the restaurant. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
• Accessible Restrooms: Our restrooms are equipped with grab bars and other features to ensure accessibility for guests with mobility impairments.
• Visual Fire Alarms: In addition to audible fire alarms, we have visual fire alarms to alert guests who are deaf or hard of hearing in the event of an emergency.

Feedback and Contact Information

We welcome your feedback on our accessibility efforts. If you encounter any accessibility barriers on our website or at our restaurant, please let us know. Your feedback will help us improve our accessibility and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our users.

To provide feedback or request assistance, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (312) 555-4444 (Please ask for the Accessibility Coordinator)
• Address: 123 River North Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Our Accessibility Coordinator, Ms. Eleanor Vance, is available to address your concerns and provide assistance. We are committed to responding to accessibility inquiries promptly and effectively. We aim to respond to all queries within 3 business days.

We also welcome suggestions for improvements to our accessibility practices. Your input is invaluable in helping us create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Ongoing Efforts

The Gilded Spoon is committed to ongoing accessibility improvements. We will continue to monitor our website and restaurant for accessibility issues and to implement solutions as needed. We will also continue to train our staff on accessibility best practices and to solicit feedback from our users. Our goal is to create a dining experience that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We are partnering with local accessibility consultants to conduct regular audits and provide recommendations for further improvements. We also encourage our staff to attend workshops and seminars on accessibility to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices.

We appreciate your support in our efforts to create a more accessible and inclusive dining experience for all. At The Gilded Spoon, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the art of culinary excellence in a comfortable and welcoming environment.