08 February 2012
Website accessibility
Please find to follow some information regarding the accessibility features present within this website. The site is designed wherever possible to be inclusive and to provide access to all users regardless of technological or physical disability.
Below, please find information regarding incorporated features:
- In order to enable a wide range of cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility we use standards-compliant valid HTML.
- We aim to meet AA Accessibility Standards in accordance with the guidelines provided by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative.
- Users are able to change the text size on the page to suit their needs.
- We have also provided a text only version which is automatically generated and, therefore, will be as up-to-date as the full graphic version.
- Images also contain ALT text which will provide a description of each image should the end user be unable to access it.
- There are no tables used for layout and users can skip straight to the main content of the page using 'skip navigation' link. Both of these features are of use to those who use screen readers.
Screen readers
Screen readers are programs that read out the information which is displayed on your computer screen. They are useful for those who are blind or partially sighted, allowing them to browse the internet as well as carrying out other tasks.
There are a variety of Screen Readers available, but a free one can be obtained from ScreenReader.net.
Browsealoud
Browsealoud offers a similar service to a screen reader, but is more targeted towards users who have dyslexia or other reading difficulties. It will work with most popular browser, whether they are PC or Mac based, and is free to download. Please visit Browsealoud Downloads.
Once you have downloaded Browsealoud, all you need to do is hover your mouse over the text you would like help with. The text will then be highlighted and read aloud. If you prefer, you can adjust the settings so that the text is read aloud from where the mouse pointer is onwards. You can also change the voice, pitch, speed and volume which the program uses to suit your needs.
Changing text size on this website
How to increase the font size to suit your needs
Using Internet Explorer 5 or more (PC)
Choose View > Text Size and select your preferred text size.
Using Internet Explorer 4 (PC)
Choose View > Fonts and select your preferred text size.
Using Internet Explorer for Mac
Choose Preferences > Web Browser > Language/Fonts select your preferred text size.
Using Mozilla Firefox
Choose View > Text Size and select Increase or Decrease to select your preferred text size. Alternatively you can press Ctrl and + or - until the text is at your preferred size.
