User friendly design
In addition to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines we have implemented our own design rules to make the site clear and easy to use:
- Using meaningful ALT text so there is a descriptive alternative for all images.
- Using clear descriptions and calls to action on hyperlinks.
- No use of frames, which are difficult for special browsers to display.
- Limited use of JavaScript, which doesn't work with some browsers and screen readers.
- Using an easier-to-read font set against a light blue background with no obtrusive background images.
- No pop-ups or obtrusive advertising.
Additional Accessibility tools
If you want to alter the way you view our website you can do so using settings in your internet browser.
Internet Explorer
To change font styles, font sizes and colours specified on the website:
- On the browser 'Tools' menu select 'Internet Options'.
- On the 'General tab', select 'Accessibility'
To increase font size or to zoom:
- In the browser 'Page' menu select 'Options' (or simply press 'cntrl –' or 'cntrl +' on your keyboard)
- In Internet Explorer 7 you can simply use the 'Change Zoom Level' tool in the bottom right of your browser window
More changes can be made by selecting 'Internet Options' in the browser 'Tools' menu.
Firefox
To change font styles, font sizes and colours specified on the website:
- Select the 'Content' tab on the browser 'Tools' menu and selct options for fonts and colours
To change the Font Size, Page Style or Character encoding:
- Select the corresponding options in the browser 'View' menu (or simply press 'cntrl –' or 'cntrl +' on your keyboard to de crease and increase the font)
Safari
Similar changes can be made in the Safari browser.
Accessibility reference W3C accessibility guidelines explain the reasons behind each guideline.
