Introduction
We aim to comply with the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) current guidelines for accessibility; this is an ongoing process of re-evaluation and we are continually working to make our web sites more accessible for people with disabilities as technology, and standards, allow.
Accessibility standards
The World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the Web accessible to people with disabilities. Included in this initiative is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which includes a series of checkpoints (referred to as Priorities) that may be used to review a web site's content for accessibility.
We believe we comply with all of the Priority 1,2 and 3 checkpoints defined by the above guidelines across our main web site, though our satellite sites still have some way to go. More information on these priorities can be found below:
- World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
- Checklist of Checkpoints for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0
Access keys
Access keys are specifically defined keys that are assigned to hyperlinks or other elements (such as a search field) within a web page. In short, a hyperlink or form field for example may have a letter or number associated with it, which when used targets that link, removing the need to use a mouse to navigate, click or (for example) select a particular field. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) advocate use of access keys through their Web Accessibility Initiative.
We have defined access keys for all pages (with the current exception of our Online Services) as follows: -
- Access key '0' - Accessibility Page information (this page
- Access key '1' - Home
- Access key '2' - Skip to Main Content
- Access key '3' - Site Map
- Access key '4' - Search
How to use access keys
The table below shows which key combinations to use for different browsers. Not every browser or version supports access keys (notably Netscape version 6 or earlier). In addition, behaviour differs from browser to browser; IE in later versions requires use of the Enter key after using an Alt key.
| Browser | Operating System | Access Key activated by... |
|---|---|---|
| Firefox, Mozilla | PC | Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key |
| Firefox, Mozilla | Linux | Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key |
| Firefox, Mozilla | Mac | Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 5+ | PC | Hold down the ALT key, press the number of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER |
| Internet Explorer 4 | PC | Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 5+ | Mac | Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 4.5 | Mac | Access keys are not supported |
| Opera | All | Hold down the Shift key and press Escape, release both keys, then press the number of the access key |
| Konqueror | Linux | Hold down the ' Ctrl ' key and press the number of the Access key |
| Safari and Omniweb | Mac | Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key |
| Netscape 6 and earlier | PC and Mac | Access keys are not supported |
| Netscape 7 | PC | Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key |
Images
All images have ALT or TITLE attributes associated with them. This means a short description will be provided when images are disabled (or are for other reasons unavailable), or alternatively a tool-tip (when hovered over with a mouse).
Links
We try to make sure that links are described logically (rather than 'click here') to make sense out of context. Where appropriate, links have been given TITLE attributes to help fully explain the purpose of the link concerned.
For those using screen readers, we have provided links that enable sections of each page to be skipped. Users can choose to jump to the main content, or skip main or secondary navigation levels. Please note,these 'skip links' will not be visible to those using a standard browser, except under certain circumstances (such as disabling stylesheets).
Portable Document Files (PDFs)
Some of our content is provided in the form of PDF (portable document format) files. In order to view these documents through your browser you will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader software; this free software can be installed automatically for you if it is not available on your system by going to the Adobe web site.
Adobe also provides some additional information on making information more accessible; this includes an online tool for converting PDFs to text. Two links are listed below:
- Adobe's Accessibility Resource Center
- Adobe's online pdf conversion tool
In order to view PDFs (portable document files), you will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader software.