23 October 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CITY OF SOUTHPORT

CITY OF SOUTHPORT PROVIDES AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE ONLINE

Southport, NC – The City of Southport now provides an inclusive online experience to enable website visitors to access online content and services barrier-free.

As part of our diversity and inclusion strategy, website visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customize their digital experience through Recite Me assistive technology.

Being able to offer an inclusive experience is essential to support over 25% of the population who may encounter barriers when exploring our website due to having a disability, learning difficulty, visual impairment, or if they speak English as a second language.

The Recite Me assistive toolbar on the City of Southport website includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customizable styling options an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 65 text-to-speech and styling options.

Public Information Officer ChyAnn Ketchum commented, “Accessibility is extremely important to us. We are committed to ensuring all residents, community members, and visitors can access information and services in a way that best meets their individual needs.”

The internet can be an incredibly intimidating place for those with access barriers, and those lacking the tools they need to adequately understand or communicate are at a significant disadvantage.

Ross Linnett, Recite Me’s Founder and CEO commented, “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs. As more organizations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.”

To explore our accessibility support tool, visit the City of Southport website and click the Accessibility Tools button at the top, right of the website menu.

ChyAnn Ketchum
Public Information Officer
City of Southport
[email protected]
O: (910) 457-7927 ext. 1040
C: (910) 267-7300

###