The Town of Comox has added a new tool to its official website that helps visitors adjust the site to their personal needs. The Comox website accessibility widget offers a range of settings to improve online use for people with different abilities.
The widget gives users control over how the website looks and feels. They can adjust contrast, lighting, and design features to make the content easier to read and navigate. The tool appears at the bottom right corner of the screen by default, but visitors can move it or hide it if they prefer.
Some of the features include high contrast, negative contrast, grayscale mode, and a light background option. Users can underline or highlight links, hide images, switch to large text, use a more readable font, activate dyslexia-friendly mode, increase line height, or add more space between words. Each setting is designed to help visitors access information without barriers.
The project was made possible through funding from the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC). The grant allowed the town to invest in online tools that promote an inclusive digital experience for everyone.
This change is part of the town’s wider three-year Accessibility Assessment and Action Plan, first adopted in 2023. The plan sets a clear path for improving access to both online and physical spaces. It includes a list of priority actions, which the town reviews regularly to keep them up to date.
Reviews of the plan involve collaboration between the Comox Valley Accessibility Committee, the Comox Valley Social Planning Society, local residents with lived experience, and accessibility experts. By working with these partners, the town ensures the plan continues to meet real community needs.
Comox Mayor Nicole Minions said the improvements show the town’s focus on removing barriers. She explained that the widget supports fair and equal access to information and services online.
The town’s commitment to accessibility is not limited to the website. The broader plan includes physical infrastructure changes, public engagement strategies, and policy updates. By aligning digital tools with other accessibility efforts, Comox aims to make all aspects of community life easier to navigate.
The Accessibility Assessment and Action Plan also encourages community feedback. Residents can share their thoughts on how to improve services, both online and offline. These suggestions will be considered in future updates.
Experts say online accessibility is an important step toward building inclusive communities. People who have vision challenges, reading difficulties, or other accessibility needs can benefit from tools that let them adjust how they view and interact with content. Simple changes like larger text, better contrast, or clear link styles can make a major difference.
Digital inclusion is now a key focus for many towns and cities. As more services move online, ensuring that websites are easy for everyone to use is becoming a basic requirement. The Town of Comox is aiming to lead by example in this area.
The accessibility widget is already active on the website, and visitors are encouraged to try it out. The town hopes it will help residents and visitors alike find the information they need without unnecessary challenges.
By combining technology, community input, and strategic planning, Comox is working toward a more inclusive future. The launch of the Comox website accessibility widget is just one of the many steps being taken to make sure no one is left out of the digital conversation.
