01 Our Accessibility Commitment
We are committed to providing a website that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, technologies and access needs.
We aim to support visitors who may:
- Use a screen reader.
- Navigate using a keyboard.
- Use voice-control software.
- Magnify the screen or increase text size.
- Require strong colour contrast.
- Use captions or transcripts.
- Have limited mobility or dexterity.
- Experience cognitive, learning, hearing or visual disabilities.
02 Accessibility Standards
We aim to follow recognised accessibility principles and good website-design practices where reasonably possible.
These principles include:
- Providing clear and meaningful page structure.
- Using readable text and suitable contrast.
- Supporting keyboard navigation.
- Providing alternative text for meaningful images.
- Using descriptive links and buttons.
- Making forms understandable and clearly labelled.
- Avoiding unnecessary movement, flashing or distracting animation.
- Designing content to work on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.
03 Accessibility Features
The website may include accessibility-supporting features such as:
- Responsive page layouts.
- Clear heading structures.
- Readable font sizes.
- Alternative text for images.
- Keyboard-accessible links and buttons.
- Visible focus indicators.
- Descriptive page titles.
- Consistent navigation.
- Text labels for form fields.
- Accessible colour combinations.
- Reduced-motion support where appropriate.
- Print-friendly policy pages.
04 Keyboard Navigation
Many parts of the website should be accessible using a keyboard without requiring a mouse.
Keyboard users may normally use:
- The Tab key to move forward through links and controls.
- Shift + Tab to move backward.
- The Enter key to activate links or buttons.
- The Spacebar to activate certain controls.
- Arrow keys to move through some menus or controls.
We aim to ensure that interactive elements can be reached and identified through keyboard navigation.
05 Screen Readers and Assistive Technology
We aim to structure pages so they can be interpreted by screen readers and other assistive technologies.
This may include:
- Using appropriate HTML headings.
- Providing alternative text for informative images.
- Using descriptive form labels.
- Providing meaningful link text.
- Identifying navigation and content regions.
- Using accessible button and icon labels.
06 Text Size and Zoom
Visitors may use browser controls to increase or decrease text size and page zoom.
Common shortcuts include:
- Ctrl + Plus or Command + Plus to zoom in.
- Ctrl + Minus or Command + Minus to zoom out.
- Ctrl + 0 or Command + 0 to reset zoom.
We aim to design pages so that content remains readable and usable when zoomed.
07 Colour and Contrast
We aim to use colour combinations that provide sufficient contrast between text, backgrounds, buttons and interactive elements.
Information should not rely on colour alone where another visual or textual indication can reasonably be provided.
Visitors may also use browser extensions, operating-system settings or assistive tools to modify colours and contrast.
08 Images and Alternative Text
Meaningful images should include alternative text where reasonably possible.
Decorative images may use empty alternative text so that screen readers can ignore them.
Complex images, charts or visual materials may require additional explanation in the surrounding content.
09 Video and Audio Content
We aim to improve the accessibility of video and audio materials by providing, where reasonably possible:
- Captions.
- Transcripts.
- Clear audio.
- Descriptive titles.
- Sufficient controls for playing, pausing and adjusting volume.
Some older or third-party media may not yet include captions or transcripts.
10 Forms and Online Enquiries
We aim to make contact forms, vocation enquiries, newsletter forms and payment links understandable and usable.
Forms should, where reasonably possible:
- Use clear labels.
- Identify required fields.
- Provide meaningful instructions.
- Display understandable error messages.
- Allow keyboard navigation.
- Avoid unnecessary time limits or complicated interactions.
Visitors who cannot use a form may contact us by email.
11 Downloadable Documents
Some website resources may be available as PDF, Word or other downloadable documents.
Older documents or externally produced files may not be fully accessible.
If you need a document in another format, you may contact us to request:
- Plain text.
- Large print.
- An accessible digital version.
- Another reasonable alternative format.
Availability may depend on the nature and source of the document.
12 Third-Party and Embedded Content
The website may include content or services provided by third parties, including:
- Stripe payment pages.
- YouTube or Vimeo videos.
- Google Maps.
- Social-media platforms.
- Newsletter or form services.
- External PDF documents.
We may not control the accessibility of third-party platforms or embedded content.
Visitors experiencing difficulty with an external service may contact the relevant provider or contact us for assistance where possible.
13 Known Limitations
Although we aim to improve accessibility continually, some parts of the website may not yet be fully accessible.
Possible limitations may include:
- Older images without complete alternative text.
- Videos without captions or transcripts.
- Third-party payment or map interfaces.
- Older downloadable documents.
- Complex decorative layouts that may not work perfectly with every assistive technology.
- Social-media content controlled by external platforms.
We intend to address important barriers as they are identified and resources permit.
14 Accessibility Feedback
We welcome feedback from visitors who experience an accessibility barrier.
When reporting an issue, please include:
- The page or feature involved.
- A description of the difficulty.
- The device and browser used.
- The assistive technology used, where relevant.
- The format or support you require.
This information can help us understand and address the problem more effectively.
15 Alternative Access
If you cannot access information or complete an online action, please contact us.
Where reasonably possible, we may provide:
- Information by email.
- A plain-text version.
- Guidance through another communication method.
- Assistance locating the relevant information.
- A suitable alternative document format.
16 Ongoing Improvements
Accessibility is an ongoing process.
We aim to improve the website by:
- Reviewing page structure and navigation.
- Adding alternative text to images.
- Improving colour contrast.
- Testing keyboard navigation.
- Improving mobile usability.
- Adding captions or transcripts where possible.
- Reviewing forms and interactive features.
- Responding to accessibility feedback from visitors.
17 Accessibility Responsibility
Accessibility should be considered when:
- Creating new website pages.
- Uploading images or documents.
- Publishing videos.
- Designing forms.
- Adding external tools or plugins.
- Updating website colours and layouts.
Members, administrators, designers and content contributors should aim to follow accessible publishing practices.
18 Changes to This Statement
This Accessibility Statement may be updated when website features, technologies, content or accessibility practices change.
The latest version will be published on this page with the date of the most recent update.
19 Contact Us
To report an accessibility issue or request information in another format, contact the Servite Mission Sisters.