Accessibility

Access isn’t extra. It’s the bare minimum!!

She Zine Mag was built by people who’ve been shut out, talked over, and told to “just deal with it.” We’re not here for that. We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to building a platform that doesn’t leave anyone behind — especially not because of a font choice, motion trigger, or lack of alt text.

This isn’t a side note. It’s part of the work.

Here’s what we’ve implemented so far — and what’s in progress.

What’s Already In Place

Alt Text on All Images

Every image — editorial, graphic, meme, whatever — comes with clear, descriptive alt text. No filler. No skipped uploads. If it’s visual, it’s described.

Keyboard + Screen Reader Compatibility

You can navigate the site without a mouse. Headings follow a proper order. We’ve built pages to work with most major screen readers (and we’re still testing).

Plain Language + TL;DR

Long article? Big concept? We’re adding TL;DRs and simplified intros to keep content accessible for tired brains, short attention spans, and readers who need it straight.

Legible Typography

No migraine fonts. No low-contrast grey-on-white nightmares. You’ll find real text sizes, clear spacing, and readable layouts across the board.

Captions + Transcripts (In Progress)

Audio and video content comes with transcripts or captions wherever possible. We’re rolling these out gradually — but it’s a priority.

For Neurodivergent and Sensory-Sensitive Readers

You deserve tools that don’t make the experience harder.

We’re adding:

• Dark mode

• Reduced motion toggle

• Dyslexia-friendly font options

• Content warnings with opt-in reveals

• Cleaner, low-stimulation layouts for print/PDF versions

• Short paragraphs and scannable formatting

• No autoplay. Ever.

This isn’t “minimalist aesthetic.” It’s functional design that respects overstimulation, fatigue, and cognitive access.

Trauma-Informed Options

Some of our stories cover difficult material — grief, rage, mental health, systemic violence. You’ll find:

• Content warnings at the top of applicable articles

• Optional reveal blocks for intense or graphic sections

• Calm versions or plain-text options where available

• Freedom to opt out without missing the point

We don’t tone things down, but we do believe in informed reading. You deserve to engage on your own terms.

In Progress + Upcoming

We’re currently working on:

• A full accessibility audit using WAVE, axe, and screen readers

• Improved focus states and form field labels

• Alt text for older archived media

• A dedicated toggle menu for accessibility settings

• A monthly internal audit checklist

• Optional download versions of articles in accessible PDF format

• A content warning taxonomy for site-wide tagging

• Ensuring we meet or exceed AODA and Accessible Canada Act standards

Help Us Improve

This is the first time that we’ve implemented many of these tools, and it’s a process with a bit of a learning curve. If something’s broken, missing, or getting in your way, tell us. We’re listening. 

Email: accessibility@shezinemag.com
Feedback form: Submit here — anonymous if you want.

You don’t need to justify your needs. Just let us know what’s not working, and we’ll do our best to fix it fast.

Creative rebellion doesn’t mean chaos for chaos’s sake. It means rebuilding the system — with care.

We believe access is feminist. Access is the future.
And access is the plan.