New Website

The Iris Network's New Website
is Better than Ever 

As we all rely more and more on the Internet for everything from email to personal shopping, from entertainment to news, our expectations of an online experience continue to evolve.  That evolution dictates that every organization should redesign, or at the least refresh its Website roughly every three years.  Here at The Iris Network we've not undertaken such a project in a number of years and those who use our site to obtain information, access services or offer support have no doubt noticed it's long past time for some change.

Starting from the perspective of the users of our Website, our staff examined every aspect of the site with an eye toward optimizing its accessibility, functionality, usability and navigation for all of our users.  Once that process was complete, we retained the services of a well-respected Web design firm here in Portland, iBec Creative, to bring it all together. We hope you will find the exciting changes and improvements helpful. 

Beyond the updated look and feel of the site, which we think is quite elegant, for those with vision loss we have optimized the layout of each page on the site for improved use with screen readers, giving the user faster access to information and much easier navigation.  Limited vision users will note that the adjustable type face function remains, but we've enhanced contrast adjustments to allow the reader even greater control. 

We're also very pleased with our new "Donate" page which offers our valued financial supporters a clean, simple and more efficient interface. And our brand new online store brings our clients a streamlined method to acquire equipment and other essential items necessary to maintaining independence. 

Primary navigation from clearly labeled tabs provides easy identification and access to all of the site's pages.  But beyond all of these wonderful changes and enhancements, we have worked hard to ensure that the information within the pages of our site provides users with the answers they seek, information on research they value and the real success stories about real people who provide us with inspiration.

We're always seeking out new methods to convey important information to those who rely on The Iris Network and its services and also find new opportunities to connect with potential supporters.  To that end we've been working to find productive and innovative ways to reach beyond our current centers of influence.  So incorporated into our Website's enhancements are a number of social media channels, such as Facebook and YouTube, which we hope to utilize to increase awareness, garner support and build relationships with the ever increasing number of people in online communities. 

While we've only been able to briefly touch on a few specifics in this article, we think you'll really appreciate the changes we've made.  Please take a few minutes to tour our new site and send us an email and let us know what you think -- And make sure you tell a friend!