Missouri Council of the Blind Website Rebuild Proposal

Executive Summary

The Missouri Council of the Blind (MCB) requires a modern, accessible website to effectively serve blind and visually impaired Missourians while competing for membership and support in today's digital landscape. Look Media proposes a phased approach that delivers immediate competitive positioning while establishing a roadmap for future innovation.

Why Look Media?

Look Media maintained the MCB website from 2004 to 2018, during which time the site won four major awards from the American Council of the Blind in 2012 for accessibility, functionality, and public relations excellence. We continue to administer the moblind.org domain and understand MCB's unique mission and audience. Our proven track record in accessible design, combined with modern web standards and ongoing support capabilities, makes us the ideal partner for this rebuild.

Investment Overview

Phase 1 Core Rebuild: Estimated $2,500
Ongoing Maintenance: Starting at $300 per month for hosting and technical support
Phase 2 and 3 Future Enhancements: Modular pricing available

Project Overview and Objectives

Current Situation

MCB's existing website requires modernization to meet 2025 accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA), improve mobile responsiveness, and provide features that attract younger members while serving existing constituents effectively.

Primary Objectives

Accessibility Excellence: Deliver a best-in-class accessible website that exceeds WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
Competitive Positioning: Match or exceed rival organizations' digital presence to attract and retain members
Member Engagement: Provide clear pathways to membership, programs, and resources
Scalability: Establish foundation for future feature additions without requiring complete rebuilds
Content Management: Enable Look Media to efficiently update content as requested by MCB

Success Metrics

WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance validation
Improved mobile traffic engagement (target: 60 percent or more mobile users)
Increased membership inquiries and applications (measurable via form submissions)
Faster page load times (less than 3 seconds on mobile)
Reduced bounce rate on key pages (membership, donation, programs)

Recommended Approach: Phased Implementation

Phase 1: Core Website Rebuild (Recommended Start)

Investment: Estimated $2,500

Note: Project timeline will be established once agreement has been made.

What's Included in Phase 1

Site Architecture (25 to 30 pages)

Home Page

Mission overview with clear value proposition
Featured programs and services
Upcoming events and latest news highlights
Prominent calls-to-action (Join MCB, Donate, Get Support)
Member testimonials
Quick links to popular resources

About MCB

Our Mission and History
Board of Directors (with contact details)
Local Affiliates directory
Annual Reports and Impact
Contact Us and Office Information
Career Opportunities

Membership

Join MCB (conversion-optimized page)
Member Benefits and Services
Membership Tiers and Categories
Renew Membership
Membership FAQs
Note: Member Portal login deferred to Phase 2

Programs and Services (8 to 10 core program pages)

Youth Services and Educational Scholarships
Summer Camp (Cobblestone Lodge)
Adaptive Technology Grants
Employment Resources (consolidated page)
Health Benefit Program
White Cane Training
Orientation and Mobility
First Timer Program
Legal Advocacy

Resources

Resource Library (PDF downloads, organized by category)
Know Your Rights
ADA Resources
Advocacy Toolkit
Local Affiliates
Downloads and Forms (applications, bylaws, policies)

News and Events

Latest News (blog format)
The Chronicle (Newsletter archive)
Podcasts (The People's Perspective)
Event Calendar
Annual Convention information

Support Us

Donate Now (conversion-optimized)
Volunteer opportunities
Fundraising Events
Legacy Giving information

Phase 1 Deliverables

Fully responsive design (desktop, tablet, mobile)
WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant
All core pages with SEO-optimized content
Basic event calendar functionality
Contact forms with accessibility features
Newsletter sign-up integration
LOOK Analytics setup and dashboard
Site migration and testing
CMS documentation for Look Media team
30-day post-launch support

What's NOT in Phase 1

Member portal with login functionality
Job board database
Discussion forums
Interactive community features
Mobile application
Advanced filtering and search for resource library
E-commerce functionality for dues payment
Video and audio content creation (we will integrate existing content)

Phase 2: Enhanced Features and Community Tools

Timeline: Can be implemented 3 to 12 months after Phase 1 launch

Investment: Modular pricing - individual features can be quoted separately

Proposed Phase 2 Features

Member Portal and Login System: Secure area for members to update profiles, register for events, access members-only content
Enhanced Resource Library: Advanced search and filtering by category, format, audience, topic
Community Hub: Discussion forums with moderation tools, member directory, social event calendar
Job Board System: Employer listings, resume bank, application tracking
Online Dues Payment: Secure payment processing integrated with membership database
Newsletter Management System: Automated email campaigns, subscriber management
Volunteer Portal: Opportunity listings, hour tracking, coordinator dashboard

Phase 2 Approach

Features can be implemented individually or in bundles based on priority and budget. Each feature will have its own project timeline (typically 2 to 6 weeks) and can be scheduled around MCB's operational calendar.

Phase 3: Advanced Innovation and Mobile Expansion

Timeline: 12 to 24 months after Phase 1 launch

Investment: Separate proposals for major initiatives

Proposed Phase 3 Features

Native Mobile Application: iOS and Android app with convention voting, affiliate management, full site access, member forums
Interactive Accessibility Tools: Custom audio player for all content, keyboard-activated navigation guide, content summaries
Advanced Tech Features: AI-powered resource recommendations, tech product review database, virtual training platform
Mentorship Platform: Match system for mentors and mentees, progress tracking, communication tools
Enhanced Analytics: Member engagement tracking, program effectiveness metrics, fundraising dashboards

Phase 3 Approach

These advanced features require separate scoping and may involve third-party integrations or custom software development. We recommend implementing Phase 2 successfully before undertaking Phase 3 to ensure organizational readiness and maximum return on investment.

Accessibility Features and Compliance

WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance

All Phase 1 development will meet or exceed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, ensuring the highest level of practical accessibility for blind and visually impaired users.

Screen Reader Optimization

Semantic HTML Structure: Proper heading hierarchy (H1 through H6) and landmark regions
ARIA Labels: Strategic use of ARIA landmarks, labels, and descriptions
Skip Navigation Links: Allow users to bypass repetitive content
Focus Management: Clear focus indicators and logical tab order
Alt Text Standards: Descriptive alternative text for all meaningful images; empty alt attributes for decorative elements
Form Labels: Explicit labels for all form fields with helpful error messaging
Table Markup: Properly structured data tables with headers and captions

Tested Screen Reader Compatibility

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
VoiceOver (macOS and iOS)
TalkBack (Android)
Narrator (Windows)

Visual Accessibility Features

High Contrast Mode: User-selectable high-contrast color schemes
Text Resizing: Content remains readable and functional up to 200 percent zoom
Color Independence: Information never conveyed by color alone
Minimum Contrast Ratios: 4.5 to 1 for normal text, 3 to 1 for large text
Clear Typography: Readable fonts with adequate spacing and line height
Focus Indicators: Visible indicators for keyboard navigation

Keyboard Navigation

Full Keyboard Access: All functionality available via keyboard
Logical Tab Order: Sequential navigation follows visual layout
Escape Routes: Easy exit from modal dialogs and interactive elements
No Keyboard Traps: Users never locked into page elements

Content Structure

Plain Language: Clear, concise writing at appropriate reading levels
Logical Information Hierarchy: Important information presented first
Consistent Navigation: Predictable menu structure across all pages
Descriptive Links: Link text describes destination (example: "Read about Summer Camp" versus "Click here")
Section Headings: Clear headings to break content into manageable chunks

Accessible Forms

Clear Instructions: Step-by-step guidance for form completion
Inline Error Messages: Accessible error identification and correction suggestions
Required Field Indicators: Clear marking of mandatory fields
Input Assistance: Examples and format hints for complex fields
Confirmation Pages: Clear success messages after form submission

Testing and Validation

Automated Testing: Use of WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse accessibility scanners
Manual Testing: Keyboard-only navigation testing
Screen Reader Testing: Real-world testing with JAWS and NVDA
User Testing: Optional beta testing with MCB members
Ongoing Monitoring: Monthly accessibility scans post-launch

Technical Specifications

Custom Content Management System

Platform: Proprietary Look Media CMS

Look Media will develop a custom content management system built specifically for maximum accessibility and ease of use. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions like WordPress, a custom CMS allows complete control over every aspect of the user experience and accessibility features.

Custom CMS Advantages

Purpose-Built for Accessibility: Every function designed with screen readers and keyboard navigation in mind
No Plugin Dependencies: No third-party plugins that could introduce accessibility barriers or security vulnerabilities
Optimized Performance: Lean codebase without unnecessary bloat from unused features
Complete Control: Full control over updates, features, and functionality
Security: Reduced attack surface compared to widely-targeted platforms like WordPress
Future-Proof: Easy to extend and modify as MCB's needs evolve

Integrated Accessibility Features

Direct Links to All Functions: Streamlined navigation with keyboard shortcuts to key areas
Full Screen Reader Compatibility: Native ARIA landmarks, semantic HTML, and descriptive labels
High-Contrast Mode: User-selectable high-contrast themes (white on black, yellow on black, custom)
Customizable Text: User controls for font size, font family, line spacing, and letter spacing
Keyboard Navigation: Complete site functionality accessible without a mouse
Descriptive Alt Text: System-enforced alt text requirements for all images
Logical Content Structures: Intuitive page layouts with clear heading hierarchies
Accessible Forms: Built-in validation, clear error messaging, and screen reader-friendly input fields

CMS Administrative Features (Look Media Use)

Intuitive content editing interface
WYSIWYG editor with accessibility checks
Media library with alt text management
Form builder with accessibility validation
Event and calendar management
User role management
SEO tools (meta titles, descriptions, URL structures)
Analytics dashboard integration

Hosting Infrastructure

Server Environment

Look Media private servers (Apache and CentOS)
24/7 monitoring by in-house staff
cPanel control panel for easy management
99.9 percent uptime guarantee
Located in secure US-based data center

Included Hosting Features

Unlimited bandwidth
Unlimited email accounts
SSL certificate (HTTPS encryption)
Daily automated backups (30-day retention)
Staging environment for testing updates
Video hosting capability (for podcasts and future content)

Performance Optimization

Content Delivery Network (CDN) integration
Image optimization and lazy loading
Browser caching configuration
Database optimization
Minified CSS and JavaScript
Target load time: less than 3 seconds on mobile networks

Security Measures

SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS)
Regular CMS security updates and patches
Malware scanning and monitoring
Firewall protection
Login security (rate limiting, strong password enforcement)
Regular security audits
Encrypted backups stored off-site
Emergency recovery procedures

Mobile Responsiveness

Mobile-First Design Approach: Designed for small screens first, enhanced for larger displays
Responsive Breakpoints: Optimized layouts for phones (320 to 767 pixels), tablets (768 to 1024 pixels), desktops (1025 pixels and up)
Touch-Friendly Interface: Minimum 44 by 44 pixel touch targets for buttons and links
Mobile Testing: Tested on iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices
Progressive Web App Ready: Foundation for future PWA implementation

Browser Compatibility

Chrome (latest 2 versions)
Firefox (latest 2 versions)
Safari (latest 2 versions)
Edge (latest 2 versions)
Internet Explorer 11 (basic support only)

Analytics and Tracking

LOOK Analytics Setup

Custom dashboard for key MCB metrics
Goal tracking (membership applications, donations, event registrations)
Traffic source analysis
Page engagement metrics
Mobile versus desktop usage
Demographic insights (where permitted)
Monthly performance reports

Accessible Analytics

Form submission tracking
Document download tracking
Outbound link tracking
Event calendar interaction
Membership funnel analysis

SEO Foundation

Technical SEO

XML sitemap generation and submission
Robots.txt optimization
Schema.org structured data markup (Organization, Events, Articles)
OpenGraph tags for social media sharing
Clean, semantic URL structure
Proper canonical tags
301 redirects from old site URLs

On-Page SEO

Optimized page titles and meta descriptions
H1 through H6 heading structure
Alt text for images (dual purpose: accessibility plus SEO)
Internal linking strategy
Fast page load speeds (Google ranking factor)
Mobile-friendly (Google ranking factor)

Content SEO

Keyword research for key pages
SEO-optimized content writing
Regular content update recommendations
Blog and news section for fresh content

Email System

Unlimited email accounts (@moblind.org)
Webmail access
IMAP, POP3, and SMTP support
Spam filtering
Email forwarding and autoresponders
Professional email signatures

Forms and Data Collection

Contact Form System

Accessible contact forms with validation
Spam protection (reCAPTCHA version 3 - invisible)
Email notifications to appropriate staff
Confirmation emails to submitters
Form submission database storage

Application Forms

Membership application
Program applications (scholarships, grants, white cane, etc.)
Volunteer interest form
Convention registration (basic form; advanced registration in Phase 2)

Database Architecture

MySQL or MariaDB database for content storage
Regular automated database backups
Database optimization schedule
Separate development, staging, and production environments
Secure database configuration and access controls

Integration Capabilities

Phase 1 Integrations

MailChimp or Constant Contact (newsletter sign-up)
Google Calendar (event display)
PayPal or Stripe donation button (simple integration)
Social media feeds (optional)
YouTube or Vimeo (podcast embedding)

Future Integration Ready

Payment gateways (full e-commerce in Phase 2)
CRM systems (Salesforce, etc.)
Email marketing platforms
Membership management systems
SMS notification services

Development Workflow

Version Control: Git repository for all custom code
Testing Environment: Staging site for pre-launch testing
Quality Assurance: Multi-browser and device testing
Accessibility Testing: Screen reader testing and WCAG validation
Code Standards: Clean, well-documented code following industry best practices
Documentation: Complete technical documentation for system maintenance
Handoff: Full system documentation for Look Media maintenance team

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

After launch, Look Media will handle all site maintenance including:

Regular CMS security updates and patches
Content updates and additions as requested by MCB
Security monitoring and threat mitigation
Backup verification and management
Performance monitoring and optimization
Analytics review and reporting

Investment and Pricing

Phase 1: Core Website Rebuild

Investment: Estimated $2,500 - Final price to be determined based on final scope

Included in Phase 1 Investment

Complete website design and development (25 to 30 pages)
WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliance
Mobile-responsive design
All technical specifications outlined in this proposal
SEO optimization
LOOK Analytics setup
Forms and calendar functionality
Content migration from existing site
CMS documentation
30-day post-launch support

Payment Terms: To be determined upon contract signing

Ongoing Website Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Plan: STARTER ($300 per month)

2 hour monthly support time for content updates
Hosting included ($50 value)
SSL certificate ($60 value)
Video hosting ($70 value)
Priority help desk support
Daily site backups, storage, and recovery
Site analytics and monitoring
Monthly site health checks
Additional hours: $80 per hour

Alternative: BASIC ($475 per month)

4 hours monthly support time for content updates
Hosting included ($50 value)
SSL certificate ($60 value)
Video hosting ($70 value)
Priority help desk support
Daily site backups, storage, and recovery
Site analytics and monitoring
Monthly site health checks
Additional hours: $70 per hour

Alternative: PLUS Plan ($850 per month) for more frequent content updates

8 hours monthly support time
All Basic features plus:
Plugin maintenance (if any third-party integrations added)
Graphic design support
SEO optimization of new content
Additional hours: $60 per hour

Complete maintenance plan options: Starter ($300 per month), Basic ($475 per month), Plus ($850 per month), Pro ($1,225 per month). See attached Look Media Maintenance Plans for detailed comparison.

About Look Media

Look Media is a full-service digital agency with over 20 years of experience creating accessible, effective websites for organizations and businesses. We specialize in user-friendly design, content management systems, and ongoing support that allows our clients to focus on their mission while we handle the technical details.

Our History with MCB

Look Media maintained the Missouri Council of the Blind website from 2004 to 2018. During our partnership:

Acquired and continue to administer the moblind.org domain name (since 2006)
Built an award-winning accessible website recognized by the American Council of the Blind
Provided technical support for MCB conventions and board meetings
Streamed meetings and events for remote member participation

2012 ACB Awards for MCB Website

At the American Council of the Blind's 51st national conference, MCB's website (designed and maintained by Look Media) received:

First Place: Most accessible and navigable website
First Place: Most functional, current, and useful website
First Place: Best public relations content
Second Place: Most outstanding affiliate website

These awards demonstrate our commitment to creating websites that serve blind and visually impaired users with excellence.

Our Approach

Accessibility-First Design: We build accessibility into the foundation, not add it as an afterthought
Clear Communication: Regular updates, honest timelines, responsive support
Long-Term Partnership: We're invested in your ongoing success, not just the initial launch
Local Service: Kansas City-based team available for in-person meetings and support
Award-Winning Work: Proven track record of creating effective, accessible websites

Contact Information

Look Media International LLC
PO Box 6947
Lee's Summit, Missouri 64064

Phone: 816-524-8433 or toll-free 800-363-LOOK
Website: www.lookmedia.com

Next Steps

We're excited about the opportunity to partner with MCB again and build a website that serves your members and advances your mission.

To Move Forward

Review this proposal with your Board and stakeholders
Schedule a discussion to address any questions and finalize Phase 1 scope
Approve the proposal and sign the service agreement
Establish project timeline based on mutual availability and priorities
Begin content gathering and project kickoff

Questions?

Please contact Look Media at 816-524-8433 or toll-free 800-363-LOOK to discuss this proposal, schedule a presentation, or request any additional information.

We look forward to partnering with the Missouri Council of the Blind to create an exceptional website that serves your members and advances accessibility standards for the entire blind community.