Ease of use
This site's layout takes into account users who are visually impaired or have difficulties using a mouse, it is fully compatible with popular screen reading software, and can be navigated easily using just a keyboard.
The design of the site has been tested using JAWS for Windows screen reading software version 9.0.519 by Freedom Scientific
Web Accessibility
The site conforms as a minimum to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 "A" rating where HTML is used.
Access Keys
"Access keys" have been included to assist users with disabilities when navigating their way through the web site. Access keys provide quick and easy access to common pages without the need for a mouse.
The access keys used on this site are:
S = Skip to Content
1 = Home Page
5 = Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6 = Help
0 = Accessibility
c = Contact Us
Windows based computers:
Pressing "ALT" and the access key will give focus to that specific link on the page. If you press "ENTER", you will then be taken to that page. With Firefox, you must hold the "Shift" key aswell as the "ALT" key.
Macintosh based computers:
Pressing "CTRL" and the access key will automatically send you to that specific page.
Increasing text size
Some users might find screen text easier to read by increasing the size at which text is displayed. To do this you should simply adjust your browser's settings.
If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, go to the View menu, select ‘Text Size’ and then either ‘Larger’ or ‘Largest’.
If you use Firefox, Mozilla or Safari, go to the View menu and choose ‘Increase Font’ until the text is the size you require.
Changing colours
Changing the site's background colour can be particularly useful for users who rely on magnification technology as white can produce an uncomfortable glare. It is also possible to change the colour of body text on the site. Both can be achieved by changing preferences in your browser:
If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer:
- Go to the ‘Tools’ menu
- Select ‘Internet Options’
- Select ‘Colors’ and make changes to text and background colours in the ‘Colors’ panel.
If you use Firefox:
- Go to the ‘Tools’ menu
- Select ‘Options’
- Select the ‘Content’ tab
- Make changes to text and background colours in the ‘Fonts & Colours’ panel
Feedback
Improving the accessibility of this site is an ongoing process. We welcome feedback about any problems you may have encountered using this web site.
