Accessibility Guidance
We have made every effort to make this intranet and web site as accessible and easy to use as possible. All pages on our intranet and public web site conform to the UK government accessibility guidelines for web sites and follow the Worldwide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
If you have any accessibility problems or suggestions on improvements, please contact us.
Increasing text sizes
If you wish to make text on our web site easier to read, there are options in your browser you can use to increase the size of the text displayed. In Internet Explorer, select View --> Text Size --> Largest:
Removing layout
If you would rather only view the content text and not the design, then you can change this through Internet Explorer's accessibility options. Select Tools --> Internet Options --> Accessibility. Select all of the ‘ignore…’ check boxes.
Keyboard Navigation
If you are unable to use a mouse, our web site can be navigated using the keyboard only. Use the TAB key to scroll between links (SHIFT + TAB to scroll backwards) and press ENTER if you want to select a link. All the menu links will be scrolled through first by default.
Software to open documents
This web site links to documents and files in a number of formats. The software to view these documents should be installed by default on your computer.
More information on PDF files
The PDF file is the most commonly used file type for online publications. It is the most common format because it preserves the exact layout of the original document and compresses file sizes making them quicker to download. PDF files are also compatible with all different types of operating systems and computers.
If you would prefer to view a PDF file in a text only format, you can use an online PDF conversion tool. This tool will translate the file into a text only version. However, these translations may not be as clearly formatted as the original PDF file. A link to the on-line PDF conversion tool is available at the following link:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_simple_form.html
Accesskeys
On a Windows operating system using Internet Explorer, pressing ALT + an access key, then pressing enter will take you to the links below. On Firefox, you do not need to press the enter key. On a Macintosh, press the CONTROL key instead of the ALT key. All pages have the following access keys:
- s - skip to page content
- (other keys depend on how your site has been developed)
Software to open documents
This web site links to documents and files in a number of formats. You may need special software to read these files, available by free download from the following links:
- Download Adobe PDF reader (opens new window)
- Free viewer for Microsoft Word (opens new window)
- Free viewer for Microsoft Excel (opens new window)
- Free viewer for Microsoft Powerpoint (opens new window)
PDF files and accessibility
The Adobe site provides information on how make PDF files accessible using screen readers, navigation through the keyboard and enhanced screen viewing at the following link: http://www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/reader/main.html
Accessibility software
Specialist and adapted equipment can make using computers easier. There are many different types of equipment available. Please visit www.direct.gov.uk for more information.
