Accessibility Statement
We want visitors to be able to explore the museum and this website with dignity and as independently as possible.
Last reviewed: August 9, 2026
Website access
The public website is designed for keyboard, switch-style sequential navigation, screen readers, voice control, browser zoom, high contrast, and reduced motion. Every page has a skip link and visible keyboard focus. The Accessibility button provides larger text, high contrast, underlined links, and Read Aloud controls with separate pause, resume, and stop actions.
Read Aloud speaks only visible page content. It stops if the page changes so it does not continue with hidden or outdated text. Browser and assistive-technology reading tools remain available as alternatives.
Rail Detective
Rail Detective does not require an account, camera, GPS, visitor photo, or timed response. A placard QR can provide one-tap proof entry when signs are installed. Visitors can instead paste or type the large printed finding code; capitalization, spaces, and dashes do not matter. Staff can help with manual entry without collecting visitor information.
The activity works with keyboard or switch-style controls and does not require dragging, hovering, or a precision gesture. Certificate naming is optional, supports browser autofill and paste, stays on the visitor's device, and can be printed or saved as a PDF.
Junior Dispatcher Challenge
Junior Dispatcher Challenge supports English and Spanish, keyboard and switch-style sequential navigation, screen readers, browser zoom, high contrast, reduced motion, and 200–400% reflow. Every track picture has an equivalent text diagram and visible transcript. All decisions use large radio-button targets and ordinary buttons; there is no dragging, precision gesture, timer, penalty, or required speed.
Hints, immediate explanations, and safe retries are available after every decision. Read Aloud selects an explicit voice matching the active language and does not fall back to the wrong language. If that voice is unavailable, the visible transcript and assistive-technology reading remain available. The optional keepsake name stays in the browser.
Railroad family research guide
The research guide provides complete English and Spanish content, clear headings, visible instructions, ordinary checkboxes and buttons, 44-pixel targets, keyboard and switch-style sequential use, high contrast, reduced motion, forced-colors support, and 200–400% reflow. It requires no dragging, hovering, precision gesture, upload, public surname search, or timed response.
The visible checklist can be read with the shared Read Aloud controls, assistive technology, or browser reading tools, and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Entering a name is optional. Clearing, reloading, or leaving the page removes it.
Planning an in-person visit
The museum has an elevator. For detailed access assistance or help arranging an accessible visit, use the accessibility information on the Visit page or call (304) 487-5060. Staff can provide a non-QR, non-camera alternative for museum activities.
Dogs are welcome when kept on a leash. This is a pet policy; it does not limit the rights of visitors with service animals.
Support information
The support page states in text, in English and Spanish, that financial giving and memberships are temporarily paused. No payment method is required to visit, use the website, or contact staff.
Feedback and assistance
If a page, control, exhibit activity, or document is difficult to use, call (304) 487-5060 or use the contact options on the Visit page. Please describe the page or task and the format or assistance that would work better. Do not include sensitive personal information.
We review accessibility when public journeys change and include keyboard, screen-reader semantics, text reflow, mobile, speech, and privacy-safe alternatives in release checks.