Skip to content
Bucks Health and Wellbeing

shop4support Accessibility Statement

shop4support strives to make our services available to everyone.

Statement of Commitment

The main aim of shop4support is to enable people who have a disability, are getting older and/or need support to take control of their own lives. To this end, all decisions made as to the copy, content, design, and functionality of shop4support must consider this core aim and unless it can be shown to be technically or practically impossible, all content must be made accessible.

Editorial Content

  • An accessible alternative to any potentially inaccessible content must be made available, unless this can be proven to be technically or practically impossible
  • Large paragraphs of information should be broken into manageable, short paragraphs
  • The full name of each abbreviation or acronym should be featured where it first occurs in a document
  • The below features should be employed in order to make copy more succinct:
    1. Relevant headlines
    2. Subheads
    3. Bullet points
    4. Short, one-topic paragraphs
    5. Descriptive links
  • Where possible text rather than images should be used to convey the main meaning of a feature
  • Any accessible alternative content should be uploaded at the same time as the original content

Language/Style

  • Plain language should be used and jargon avoided
  • Text of more than two lines should be aligned to the left

Use of Images

  • Where appropriate, any direction or 'call to action' given to users should be accompanied by icons
  • Any pictures integral to the meaning/understanding of a story or feature must be anchored with text

Movement on Screen

Items on screen must not flicker.

Audio and Video Content

  • Audio and video content must not auto play unless users know this is going to happen
  • All video footage must be accompanied by a downloadable transcript for use by individuals with hearing impairments

Links

All links must be accompanied by a description of the item the link connects to.

Accessibility Options

  • The option for the user to choose from four font sizes must appear at the top right hand side of every page. Options are: 12px/14px/18px/22px for paragraph text
  • The option for the user to choose from four different contrasts must appear at the top right hand side of every page. Contrast options are:
    • Default setting
    • Yellow text on a black background
    • Black text on a pastel yellow background
    • Dark blue text on a pastel blue background

Design and Functionality

  • Consistent navigation must be provided at all times
  • The various sections of a page must be clearly defined and include the consistent location of on screen objects
  • All text should be published on a plain background
  • Browser back button functionality must not be broken
  • New windows or pop ups should not be used for any content other than a media player. These should not appear unless the user opens them intentionally

Conclusion

This document is updated on a regular basis. If you have any questions relating to this document, please contact info@shop4support.com

Useful Information about Screen Readers

What is a screen reader?

A screen reader is a computer programme that reads out the text on a computer screen. Screen readers can be used to help people with visual impairments and dyslexia access computer based documents and websites.

What types of screen reader are there?

There are two types of screen reader:

  • A screen reader that has been 'embedded', or is already part of a website.
  • A 'client side' screen reader, that can be added to an individual's computer

How do I choose a screen reader?

It is important to try out a screen reader before you buy it, to check that it has the features you want and that it will work with the software that you need to use. You can usually ask a supplier for a demonstration version. If you don't have your own computer, it's worth asking a local voluntary IT centre, library or college if you can use theirs.

There are now a number of different screen readers available. Below are just a few of them:

Hal

This screen reader has support for Braille displays and will support other languages using the Orpheus speech synthesizer. The professional version enables users to create map files which can improve access to applications where there is not full keyboard access.
Developed by Dolphin, also available from various suppliers including RNIB, HumanWare and Optelec.

Jaws for Windows

Jaws includes a scripting language which allows users to improve access to applications where there is not full keyboard access. It also has support for braille displays.
Available from various suppliers including Sight and Sound Technology and RNIB.

Lookout

Has a novice mode for the beginner and a system of musical tones to assist with screen navigation. It can be configured using Visual Basic programming.
Available from Choice Technology.

ProTalk 32

Will support some braille displays and certain sound cards.
Available from Professional Vision Services.

Window-Eyes

Has support for braille displays and a number of configuration options which can be set via a menu to define functionality to specific areas of the screen.
Available from Humanware.

Free screen reader software

Thunder

Thunder is available to download from Screenreader.net It works on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 computers.

This information is an introduction to the subject of screen readers. It is not a complete list of all products and services available, nor are any of the products and services featured recommended or endorsed by shop4support.