Accessibility Statement

1. Accessibility Standards

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities and improve usability for all users.

2. WCAG 2.1 Compliance Overview

Our website meets the four main principles of web accessibility:

3. Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

3.1 Visual Accessibility

• High Contrast: Colour contrast ratios meet or exceed WCAG AA standards (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
• Text Scaling: All text can be enlarged up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Font Choices: Clear, readable fonts with appropriate spacing
• Colour Independence: Information is not conveyed by colour alone
• Focus Indicators: Clear visual focus indicators for all interactive elements

3.2 Keyboard Navigation

• Tab Navigation: All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Skip Links: "Skip to content" links for easy navigation
• Logical Tab Order: Sequential navigation that follows a logical structure
• No Keyboard Traps: Users can navigate away from any element using standard keyboard commands

3.3 Screen Reader Support

• Alt Text: Descriptive alternative text for all images
• Heading Structure: Proper heading hierarchy (H1-H6) for content structure
• ARIA Labels: Appropriate ARIA labels and descriptions where needed
• Form Labels: Clear, descriptive labels for all form elements
• Link Text: Descriptive link text that makes sense out of context

3.4 Content Structure

• Semantic HTML: Proper use of HTML5 semantic elements
• Lists and Tables: Properly structured data presentation
• Reading Order: Logical reading order maintained
• Page Titles: Descriptive and unique page titles

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website has been tested with and supports the following assistive technologies:

Assistive Technology	Platform	Support Level	Notes
JAWS (Job Access With Speech)	Windows	Full Support	Versions 2019 and later
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)	Windows	Full Support	Latest stable version
VoiceOver	macOS/iOS	Full Support	Built-in accessibility
TalkBack	Android	Full Support	Android 8.0 and later
Dragon NaturallySpeaking	Windows	Compatible	Voice navigation support
Switch Control	iOS/macOS	Compatible	Alternative input methods

5. Browser and Device Support

Our website is designed to work with:

• Modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Mobile devices and tablets
• Various screen sizes and orientations
• Both touch and mouse/keyboard input methods

6. Content Accessibility

6.1 Written Content

• Plain Language: We strive to use clear, simple language
• Readability: Content is structured for easy reading and comprehension
• Abbreviations: Acronyms and abbreviations are spelled out on first use
• Error Messages: Clear, helpful error messages and instructions

6.2 Multimedia Content

• Image Descriptions: All informative images include alternative text
• Video Content: Videos include captions when available
• Audio Content: Transcripts provided for audio-only content
• Auto-play: No content auto-plays with sound

7. User Controls and Preferences

We provide users with control over their browsing experience:

• Ability to pause, stop, or hide moving content
• No time limits on reading or form completion
• Option to disable or control animations
• Respect for browser and operating system accessibility settings

8. Known Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge some current limitations:

• Some third-party embedded content may not fully meet accessibility standards
• Legacy content is being updated to meet current accessibility standards
• Some complex interactive features are being enhanced for better accessibility

9. Testing and Evaluation

We regularly test our website accessibility through:

• Automated Testing: Regular scans using accessibility testing tools
• Manual Testing: Human testing with various assistive technologies
• User Testing: Feedback from users with disabilities
• Expert Review: Professional accessibility audits
• Code Review: Development team accessibility checks

10. Ongoing Improvements

We are committed to continuously improving accessibility through:

• Regular accessibility audits and updates
• Staff training on accessibility best practices
• Incorporating accessibility into our design and development process
• Staying current with accessibility standards and guidelines
• Responding to user feedback and implementing improvements

11. Alternative Formats

If you require content in an alternative format, we can provide:

• Large print versions of articles
• Plain text versions of web content
• Audio descriptions of visual content
• Simplified versions of complex information

Please contact us using the information below to request alternative formats.

12. Feedback and Contact Information

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Chiswick News. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement.