Accessibility statement

This is our site accessibility statement.

We are striving to ensure this site is accessible to all.

If you have any comments then please let us know.

Access Keys

Some browsers support jumping to specific links by typing keys defined on the web site.

On Windows, you can press ALT + an access key; on a Macintosh, you can press CONTROL + an access key.

Standard Keys used on this site:

S - Skip Navigation
1 - Home page
3 - Site map
8 - Terms and conditions
9 - Feedback (Contact) form
0 - Access key details

Standards Compliance

We believe the site complies with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (UK) and reliably conforms to the UK Government's Guidelines on web site standards. The site complies with the US Goverment standards, known as Section 508.

Navigation Aids

Links are provided to allow users of text-only browsers and screen readers to skip over the main content and go straight to the navigation.

You do not need to use the mouse to navigate our pages.

In addition to the Access Keys, use of the TAB key (or its equivalent) will cycle through the hyperlinks and page navigation.

Text Reader Compatability

Tested with JAWS for Windows Version 6

Links

Many links have title attributes which describe the link in greater detail, unless the text of the link already fully describes the target.

All links can be followed in any browser, even if scripting is turned off.

There are no links that open a new window without warning.

Images

All content images include descriptive ALT attributes and the [LONGDESC] (Long Description) that links to a page fully describing each graphic used on the site.

Where possible, we have also used the 'D' link to assist access to the Long Description page. The link will display to the right of each graphic. For example - [d]

Visual design

This site uses cascading style sheets for visual layout.

The default style sheet uses relative font sizes, compatible with the user-specified "text size" option in visual browsers.

If your browser or browsing device does not support style sheets at all, the content of each page is still readable.

Acronyms

Acronyms are defined the first time they are used on a page.