Accessibility Statement

What is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility is about making websites and digital content usable by everyone, including people with disabilities or impairments. The goal is to remove barriers so that all visitors can access information, services, and products online with equal ease.

Why It Matters

• Inclusivity: Just like adding ramps to buildings, accessible websites ensure that people with different abilities can take part fully.

• Legal responsibility: In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires organisations to make “reasonable adjustments” so disabled users are not excluded.

• Better for all users: Features like clear text, captions, and good colour contrast help not just disabled users but also those on mobile devices, older users, and anyone in challenging environments.

Examples of Accessibility in Practice

• Visual: Adding alt text to images so screen readers can describe them to blind or partially sighted users.

• Hearing: Providing captions or transcripts for videos so deaf users can access the content.

• Mobility: Making sure the site can be navigated by keyboard or voice control, not just a mouse.

• Cognitive: Using simple language, clear layouts, and consistent navigation to help people with dyslexia, ADHD, or learning differences.

Accessibility Standards

Most accessibility work is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an international set of standards that outline how to make websites more inclusive. These cover areas such as:

• Perceivable (users can see or hear the content)

• Operable (users can navigate and interact)

• Understandable (content is clear and predictable)

• Robust (content works across different technologies and assistive tools)

In Short

Web accessibility ensures that the online world is open to everyone. By designing and building with accessibility in mind, we create fairer, more inclusive spaces where no one is left out.