Our website works for everyone: audit verifies Friends website is accessible

Screenshot of Friends website with a green checkmark and the word Accessible at the bottom of the image

May 15, 2025

National parks belong to all of us. So does the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website, which monthly audits confirm is accessible for more than 30,000 online users who visit every year. Accessibility means our website includes features (like text descriptions of images and other content when you hover over them) and special tools to help people who may live with sight or hearing challenges.

Accessibility is one of our organization’s four pillars. Removing barriers for people of all abilities to learn about and enjoy the lakeshore takes many forms. Construction of an accessible ramp at Meyers Beach is scheduled for this summer. We’ve also funded the all-accessible Stockton Island amphitheater and a viewing stand at Little Sand Bay. And in 2022, we launched a new website which includes accessibility tools to help everyone navigate the site and enjoy the content.

A photo collage of people and animated characters with disabilities, set against a dark background. The text reads: “Our website works for everyone.” Below the text are the logos for GAAD, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and accessiBe.
Blue and white accessibility icon

As part of our commitment to accessibility our website is audited regularly. These audits confirm that our website and accessibility tools enable the 16% of the population with special needs to navigate and enjoy the website. You can access the state of the art accessible features by clicking on the blue accessibility icon visible in the lower right corner of every page in the desktop and mobile views. Watch the video below to learn how to use the tools.

Katie Napiwocki,
Access For All
Advisory Committee member says accessibility is vital to her enjoyment of the lakeshore. She says, “Inclusive recreation allows me to explore enchanted corners of the world which would otherwise remain a locked door to me. Access for All not only beckons me to participate in adventure but welcomes me with open arms and embraces my disability.”

Jeff Rennicke thanks our Friends - Bob Jauch photo

Jeff Rennicke, Executive Director – Bob Jauch photo

“Research shows that time spent in the outdoors has positive physical and mental health attributes,” says Jeff Rennicke, Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands. “However, for many, the obstacles begin early. Friends of the Apostle Islands has used a generous grant from MolinaCares to lower the very first obstacle that many people run into when planning a trip: we have empowered our website AccessiBee, giving our users access to cutting edge accessibility tools they need to learn about the islands, plan their trip, and be safe in the Apostle Islands.”

Friends would like to thank MolinaCares for their support of our online accessibility innitiative.

May 15, 2025 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Now in its 14th year, GAAD is a day dedicated to sparking conversation, reflection, and learning about digital access and inclusion. It highlights the importance of a more accessible web for over one billion people with disabilities.

Molina Healthcare logo

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