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Accessibility

Our aim is to make our website as accessible as possible to the widest range of people. This means considering the specific needs of not only those with visual or motor impairments, learning difficulties and other forms of disability, but also different browser technology and Internet connection speeds.

To this end, we have endeavoured to comply with the most widely accepted guidelines for the construction of accessible web sites specified by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Their Website Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define three levels of accessibility, each progressively more demanding. The most basic level of accessibility is Priority 1 (level A compliance) followed by Priority 2 and 3 (levels AA and AAA).

We endeavour to ensure this site complies with all Priority 1 and 2 checkpoints and where possible Priority 3. We are aware however, that a number of the checkpoints are subjective and there may be instances where interpretation may vary.

Web Standards

This website has been designed to industry standards, using cascading stylesheets (CSS) and validate as per the HTML5 specification. You can find more information about HTML5 on the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) website.

Where possible WAI-ARIA roles have been used to help assistive technologies in interpreting the content of this website.

Searching the website

You can search this site for information via the search form located in the top right of every page, this will allow you to search by keyword.

Website accessibility tools

 

  • Change Text Size

    We recommend using your browser settings to change the text size or zoom for our website. You may already be familiar with how to achieve this but as each browser is slightly different we have listed some below:-

    Google Chrome: Select ‘Tools’ then ‘Zoom’ or zoom in or out using (ctrl + +) or (ctrl + -).
    Internet Explorer 7+: Select the ‘View’ menu, then one of the options under ‘Text Size’ or alternatively zoom in or out using (ctrl + +) or (ctrl + -).
    Mozilla Firefox: Select the ‘View’ menu, then ‘Text Size’, then select Increase, Decrease or Normal or alternatively zoom in or out using (ctrl + +) or (ctrl + -).
    Opera: Select the ‘View’ menu, then one of the ‘Zoom’ percentage options or alternatively using (+) or (-).
    Safari: Select the ‘View’ menu, then ‘make text bigger’ (ctrl + +) or ‘make text smaller’ (ctrl + -).

    If you use a browser which is not mentioned please consult its help contents and look for similar options.

  • Windows accessibility tools
    1. Ease of Access Center:
      • To access accessibility settings, press Start + U.
      • Here are some key features you can explore:
        • Screen Magnifier: Enlarge content on your screen for better visibility.
        • Screen Narration: Enable narration to read out text and interface elements.
        • On-Screen Keyboard: Use an on-screen keyboard if you have difficulty using a physical keyboard.
        • High Contrast: Adjust display settings for easier reading.
    2. Optimizing Your Computer for Ease of Display:
      • Windows provides various settings to enhance display readability.
      • You can adjust font sizes, color schemes, and contrast levels.
      • Explore these options in the Ease of Access Center.
    3. Using Windows Without a Keyboard or Mouse:
      • If you prefer alternative input methods, Windows offers solutions.
      • Try voice commands, touch gestures, or eye-tracking technology.
      • Visit the Ease of Access Center to explore these features.
    4. Text or Visual Alternatives for Sounds:
      • Some users may need alternatives to auditory cues.
      • Windows allows you to replace sounds with visual notifications.
      • Customize these settings in the Ease of Access Center.

    Here are the key features you will find in the Accessibility Settings:

    For more help with accessibility on your Windows computer, visit the Microsoft website for Windows.

  • Mac OS accessibility tools
    1. Revealing the Accessibility Options Window:
      • Use the following keyboard shortcuts:
        • Built-in Keyboard (Mac notebook): Press Function-Command-Option-F5 (Fn-⌘-⌥-F5).
        • External Keyboard: Press Command-Option-F5 (⌘-⌥-F5).
      • If you accidentally activate the window, click Done to close it or click anywhere outside the window.
    2. Quickly Enable or Disable Common Accessibility Features:
      • These features include:
        • Zoom: Magnify content on the screen.
        • VoiceOver: Provides spoken feedback for users with visual impairments.
        • Sticky Keys: Allows key combinations to be pressed sequentially.
        • Slow Keys: Delays key acceptance for users who type slowly.
        • Mouse Keys: Control the cursor using the numeric keypad.
        • Switch Control: Customizable switch-based control for users with limited mobility.
        • Invert Display Colors: Change color schemes for better visibility.

    For more help with accessibility on your Mac computer, visit Apple’s Accessibility Support webpages.

  • Apple iOS accessibility tools

    To customise your iPhone or iPad:

    1. Open your device’s Settings.
    2. Tap on Accessibility

    Here are the key features you will find in the Accessibility settings:

    For more help with accessibility on your Apple device, visit Apple’s Accessibility Support webpages.

  • Android accessibility tools

    To customise your Android device:

    1. Open your device’s Settings app.
    2. Scroll down and choose Accessibility.

    Here are the key features you will find in the Accessibility settings:

    For more help with accessibility settings on your Android device, visit the official Android Accessibility Help pages.

Feedback

If you encounter any issues or have any questions regarding the accessibility of this website, please don’t hesitate to report any problems to us by contacting us directly.

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This page was last updated on 16/10/2024