My accessibility statement

I have undertaken to use my knowledge and understanding of the ways in which different people access the internet, to develop a website that is clear and simple for everybody to use. This means that wherever possible, all users of this site will enjoy the same quality of experience. In order to provide a more flexible experience for my visitors, I have chosen to use CSS for layout.

Validation

I have used XHTML 1.0 and CSS that conforms to specification, as laid out by the W3C because I believe that usability and accessibility must have a solid foundation. Therefore, all pages validate as transitional XHTML 1.0 and all style sheets used on this site validate as CSS.

Most pages on this site conform to AA accessibility as measured against version 1.0 of the WCAG.

Access Keys

I have deliberately chosen not to use access keys on this site. I feel that keyboard shortcut keys place an unnecessary burden on the memory of the user and that they ultimately replicate functionality already possessed by screen reader technologies.

I am aware that Checkpoint 9.5 of the WCAG v1.0 relates to the use of access keys, but in light of the reasons outlined above I have chosen to look towards the new WCAG v2.0, where the implementation of access keys is not a featured checkpoint.

Font sizes

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

If your browser or browsing device does not support stylesheets at all, the content of each page will "degrade gracefully" so that it is still readable.

Links

Links have title attributes that describe the link in greater detail, unless the text of the link already fully describes the target. If you are using a mouse, or other pointing device, these can be viewed by hovering over the link text.

Pop-up windows

I hate pop-ups. Therefore, I don't use them on this site. If a link opens a new browser window then I will explain this before you select the link.

Changing your browser settings

It is possible to change fonts and colours used throughout the site by changing your browser settings.

Feedback

I have strived to present a web site that harnesses technology, usability and accessibility, but I am equally aware that true success in this field can only be maintained through a process of interaction with you, my visitor, and continuing development. If you have found any difficulty in using this site, or have identified an error, please contact me.