Accessibility statement  

1.0 Screen Reader compatibility

Our content does not rely upon Flash, Java-script or other web-plug-ins.   As such it is compatible with generic screen-reading software applications.  Where, in the future, we do

opt to use Flash or another similar tool to develop content, we will still provide an HTML alternative that will remain compatible with screen reading tools.  

2.0 Font and Page Size

There are a number of things that you can do to make the page you are viewing more suitable for your individual circumstances.  All of the most up-to-date browsers; including Internet Explorer 7 and 8, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Opera all support “page zooming” as a solution to increasing the font / graphic size of any web-page that you are viewing.  

To zoom a page, hold down the CTRL button on your keyboard and scroll with your mouse-wheel.  Internet Explorer will allow you to zoom in as high as 1000%.  Firefox will provide you with an option to increase text size without increasing the size of any images.  

You can download the latest versions of internet browser software free of charge.  Find the latest versions by doing a Google search.  

3.0 Structuring of Information

Large chunks of text will be divided into manageable blocks using, for example, short paragraphs.  Where an acronym, abbreviation or NHS term is used, a full explanation will provided using our Interactive Jargon Buster tool.   All pages will use standard heading elements and will be structured using clean line-breaks between sections.  

4.0 Language and style

We commit to using plain language on all of our web-pages.  Where we must use an acronym, abbreviation or NHS term, we will ensure that a full explanation is provided using our Interactive Jargon Buster tool.  

5.0 Use of Images

Editorial content must make sense without reference to images or diagrams unless the subject matter can only be displayed using images.  For example, the library of NHS calculator tools.  

6.0 Website and Navigation Structure

Navigation standards are provided using a consistent format.  Each site sub-section will be clearly defined and, where appropriate, established as a separate category in its own right.  

The navigation banner will be consistent across all sub-domains within our website.  In addition, we commit to the provision of a standard bottom-bar with access to the latest in national health news, posts from NHS Warwickshire and access to the directory search facility.  

New windows will be used to link to resources or pages which lay outside the ownership of our website.  For pages that we own, we will link within the existing window except where there are specific reasons that make a new window a more user-friendly option.  For example, when linking into the NHS calculator tools.  

7.0 Movement

We commit not to use blinking, flickering or flashing objects.  We will not use scrolling marques or panels within the structure of the NHS Warwickshire website.  

8.0 Audio and Video content

All audio and video content present on the website will not have auto-play features enabled.   Where video is embedded, we will provide subtitles and captions where it is within our direct control to do so.  Examples of video which is outside of our immediate control include the NHS Choices video library.  

9.0 Forms

All forms embedded into our website are navigable using the keyboard as an alternative to mouse-click navigation.  We reserve the right not to provide keystroke selection due to the fact that there is no common standard for keystrokes, and they are often not compatible with screen-readers.   A submit button will be provided on all forms.  

10.0 Documents

Our website utilises a document management solution.  All documents will be uploaded in one of three formats:

• PDF
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Power-point

We have made a commitment to use standard file extensions, and will not be adopting the new docx and pptx framework for the foreseeable future.  

11.0 Links

All links within our website will be structured using standard web nomenclature.  All links to video or tools will be provided with a thumbnail image that demonstrates what the link is about.  

12.0 Accessibility options

There is no embedded font re-sizing provided within the framework of the site.  We have opted instead to market the zoom feature which is now standard in all of the most popular browsers.  More information is provided in the section on Font and Page size.   We use style-sheets to control the layout and presentation of the website   We do not use tables to present non-tabular data or content.