Accessibility Policy for HSO Petroleum Service

01. Scope

This policy applies to: 

• All public-facing content on www.hsopetroleum.com and any affiliated subdomains. 

• All digital documents (PDFs, spec sheets, manuals) made available through our platform. 

• The user interface and user experience of our product catalog, search functionality, cart, and checkout processes. 

• Any mobile applications or tools we may offer in connection with our services. 

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, partners, and third-party vendors who develop content or code for HSO's digital platforms.

02. Our Commitment to Accessibility Standards

We strive to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which is the standard referenced by the U.S. Department of Justice for ADA compliance and by the European Union for EAA compliance. These guidelines are organized around four core principles: content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). 

While WCAG 2.1 Level AA is our target, we continuously monitor evolving standards, including WCAG 2.2, and will update our practices as appropriate.

03. Accessibility Features of Our Platform

To ensure equal access for all users, we have implemented or are committed to implementing the following features: 

3.1 Perceivable (Users can perceive content with any senses) 

• Text Alternatives: All non-text content (images, icons, buttons) includes descriptive alternative text (alt text) that conveys the purpose or function of the element. 

• Captions and Transcripts: Video content includes captions, and audio content is accompanied by transcripts where feasible. 

• Adaptable Content: Content is structured with proper headings (H1, H2, H3) so that assistive technologies can navigate logically. 

• Color Contrast: Text and interactive elements maintain sufficient color contrast against backgrounds (minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text). 

3.2 Operable (Users can navigate and interact using various methods) 

• Keyboard Navigation: All functionality is available using a keyboard alone, without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes. 

• Focus Indicators: Users navigating by keyboard can clearly see which element is currently focused. 

• Sufficient Time: Users have enough time to read and complete forms; where time limits exist, users can extend them. 

• No Seizure-Inducing Content: No content flashes more than three times per second. 

3.3 Understandable (Users can comprehend content and interfaces) 

• Readable Text: We use clear, plain language for product descriptions, instructions, and error messages. 

• Predictable Navigation: Navigation elements appear consistently across pages. 

• Error Prevention and Identification: Form errors are clearly identified and described in text, with suggestions for correction. 

3.4 Robust (Content works with current and future technologies) 

• Compatibility: Our code is designed to work with screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), braille displays, voice recognition software, and other assistive technologies. 

• Valid Markup: We use valid HTML and ARIA attributes where needed to enhance accessibility. 

04. Accessibility of Product Listings (Partner Responsibility)

As a marketplace platform, we work with independent Partners who provide product descriptions, images, and specifications. To maintain platform-wide accessibility: 

• Partner Obligations: Partners listing products on HSO agree to provide: 

  • Descriptive alt text for product images. 

  • Clear, readable product descriptions. 

  • Technical specifications in accessible formats (not solely as images). 

  • Any PDF documentation in accessible (tagged) format where possible. 

• HSO's Role: We provide guidance to Partners on accessibility best practices and reserve the right to remove or request modification of listings that create significant accessibility barriers. 

05. Third-Party Integrations

Our platform may integrate third-party tools (payment processors, logistics trackers, chat functions). While we cannot control the accessibility of these external services, we: 

• Select vendors who demonstrate commitment to accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA or better) where available. 

• Provide alternative ways to complete essential functions when third-party tools present accessibility barriers. 

• Encourage users to report accessibility issues with third-party components so we can advocate with vendors for improvements.

08. Enforcement and Compliance

8.1 United States (ADA) 

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires places of public accommodation (including e-commerce websites) to ensure equal access. While the ADA does not specify technical standards, courts and the Department of Justice have consistently referenced WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the appropriate benchmark. HSO adopts this standard to meet our legal obligations and reduce legal risk. 

8.2 Mississippi State Context 

Mississippi has not enacted separate digital accessibility laws for private businesses, but the state follows federal ADA requirements. The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services has adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA for state government websites, reflecting the growing expectation of accessibility across all digital services in our home state. Non-compliance with ADA can result in fines up to $75,000 for first violations and $150,000 for subsequent violations. 

8.3 European Union (EAA) 

For customers in the European Union, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) takes full effect on June 28, 2025. It requires e-commerce services to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is widely recognized as demonstrating compliance with EAA requirements. Non-compliance may result in fines ranging from €1,500 to €100,000 depending on the member state. 

8.4 United Kingdom 

Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses must make reasonable adjustments for disabled consumers. Our WCAG 2.1 AA compliance efforts support our obligations under UK law.

09. Accessibility Statement

We have prepared a separate, user-friendly Accessibility Statement (available at www.hsopetroleum.com/accessibility-statement) that summarizes our commitment in plain language. The statement is reviewed and updated at least annually.

10. Training and Awareness

All HSO employees involved in digital content creation, design, and development receive training on: 

• WCAG 2.1 principles and success criteria. 

• Creating accessible documents (PDFs, Word, Excel). 

• Testing with assistive technologies. 

• Responding to accessibility feedback. 

Partners are provided with accessibility guidelines for their product listings. 

11. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing practice. We maintain accessibility through: 

• Automated Testing: Regular scans using automated tools to detect technical violations. 

• Manual Testing: Periodic manual testing with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) and keyboard-only navigation. 

• User Testing: Engagement with users who have disabilities to identify real-world barriers. 

• Expert Audits: Annual third-party accessibility audits to validate our conformance and identify areas for improvement. 

12. Procurement and Vendor Management

When procuring third-party software or services for our platform, we: 

• Include accessibility requirements in our requests for proposals (RFPs). 

• Request Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) or equivalent documentation. 

• Prioritize vendors who demonstrate WCAG 2.1 AA conformance.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This policy and our accessibility practices are designed to comply with applicable federal, state, and international laws. For legal purposes, this policy shall be governed by the laws of the State of Mississippi, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. 

Any legal action arising under or relating to this policy shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Panola County, Mississippi.

14. Policy Maintenance and Updates

HSO reserves the right to modify this policy at any time to reflect changes in: 

• Legal or regulatory requirements. 

• Evolving accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2). 

• Our platform's features and capabilities. 

Changes will be effective upon posting to our website. The effective date at the top of this policy indicates the latest revision. Material changes will be communicated through our website or via email to registered users.

15. Contact Information for Accessibility Inquiries

For questions about this policy or to request assistance with accessing any part of our platform:

Postal Mail: 

HSO Petroleum Service 

Attn: Accessibility Team 

204 Hays St 

Batesville, Mississippi 38606 

USA