Accessibility
Accessibility statement
We are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability, capability or technology.
We welcome your feedback regarding the accessibility of any of our pages or services. We aim to conform to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C's) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, to a double-A level.
This website uses HTML5 and Cascading Style Sheets 3 (CSS3) and has been designed to best fit a variety of screen sizes including mobile, tablet and desktop.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines on W3C website
Browsers and devices
We have made sure that this website works on all common browsers and devices.
Keyboard navigation
To adhere to web accessibility guidelines, we have:
provided logical and consistent navigation for keyboard users
linked our logo to the home page
implemented site search facilities
Screen reader navigation
If you are using a screen reader, you should be able to navigate through the site using the following keyboard commands:
H to move forwards through the page headings
Shift + H to move backwards through the page headings
1 to navigate to the next level 1 heading (or 2 for the next level 2 heading, and so on to heading 6)
Shift + 1 to navigate to the previous level 1 heading (same applies for headings 2-6)
Insert + F5 to get a list of all form controls on the page
Insert + F6 to get a list of all headings on the page
Insert + F7 to get a list of all links on the page
Images
Images have been given descriptive alternative text, which allows screen reader users to understand images that help understand the page content. Decorative and spacer images that we think aren't essential to understanding the content have null alternative text.
Changing the colour and font of the display
We don't currently offer any alternate colour schemes. However, you can use the controls in your browser to change the size of the text or the colour of the display.
For example, to override the website font and colour settings in Internet Explorer:
Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Internet Explorer
Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options
Click the General tab, and then click Accessibility
Select the 'ignore colours specified on web pages', 'ignore font styles specified on web pages', and 'ignore font sizes specified on web pages' check boxes, and then click OK twice
Assistive technologies
The following assistive technologies are compatible with the site except for areas that have accessibility limitations.
JAWS versions 12, 13 and 14
NVDA Screen Reader
Dragon Naturally Speaking version 11.5
ZoomText 9.1 Screen Magnifier
You may experience issues with older versions of these applications or other assistive technologies. If you experience any issues, contact us.
Accessibility guidelines
This site has been developed to conform to level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0). These guidelines are the internationally recognised benchmark for building accessible web sites. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines explain how to make websites more accessible for people with disabilities. Conformity to these guidelines also makes websites more user-friendly for all people.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines on W3C website
Accessibility audit
We use Sitemorse to make sure that we are keeping on top of the latest accessibility standards.
Digital Accessibility Centre website
Document downloads
All of our documents are in PDF format and are marked with this icon:
To open PDF documents, you must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. Adobe Reader is free and easy to use.
Download free version of Adobe Reader on Adobe website
Limitations
Due to certain constraints we have had to include technologies and features that cause accessibility issues. These include:
We are working towards overcoming these limitations by improving their accessibility or by providing accessible alternatives. If you require alternative versions to our downloadable documents or if you experience any accessibility problems with our site, contact us
Useful links to information about accessibility
Web Access Centre on Royal National Institute of Blind People website
Web Accessibility in Mind website
