Accessibility Statement – hashimotoally.co.uk

Last updated: June 2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

1.1 Accessibility Mission

Hashimoto Ally is committed to ensuring that our website and health information resources are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. We believe that access to reliable health information is a fundamental right, and we work continuously to remove barriers that might prevent anyone from accessing our content.

1.2 Who This Statement Is For

This accessibility statement explains:

Our commitment to digital inclusion and accessible design
The accessibility standards we follow
Known accessibility issues and our plans to address them
How to report accessibility problems or request assistance
Alternative ways to access our information if needed

1.3 Our Values

Inclusive Health Information: Everyone deserves access to clear, reliable health information regardless of their abilities, technology, or circumstances.

Equal Access: We strive to provide an equivalent user experience for all visitors to our website.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to ongoing enhancement of our accessibility features and user experience.

2. Accessibility Standards and Compliance

2.1 Standards We Follow

Primary Standards:

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA: International standard for web accessibility
EN 301 549: European standard for accessibility of ICT products and services
British Standard BS 8878:2010: Web accessibility code of practice

Legal Framework:

Equality Act 2010: UK legislation prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities
Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018: While primarily for public sector, we follow these as best practice

2.2 Current Compliance Status

WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance:

Level A: Fully compliant across all content
Level AA: Substantially compliant with ongoing improvements
Level AAA: Partially compliant where feasible without compromising usability

Conformance Statement: This website substantially conforms to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. We are committed to achieving full compliance and addressing any remaining barriers.

2.3 Accessibility Features Currently Implemented

Visual Accessibility:

High colour contrast ratios (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
Text resizable up to 200% without horizontal scrolling
Clear visual focus indicators for keyboard navigation
Consistent layout and navigation structure
Alternative text for all meaningful images

Motor Accessibility:

Full keyboard navigation support
Logical tab order throughout the website
Skip links to main content areas
Generous click/tap target sizes (minimum 44px)
No time limits on content consumption

Auditory Accessibility:

Captions provided for video content
Transcripts available for audio content
No auto-playing audio that interferes with screen readers
Audio controls clearly labelled and accessible

Cognitive Accessibility:

Clear, simple language with reading level of 12-14 years
Consistent navigation and page layouts
Clear headings and page structure
Important information highlighted and summarised
Error messages that clearly explain problems and solutions

3. Assistive Technology Compatibility

3.1 Screen Reader Support

Tested and Compatible With:

NVDA (Windows): Free screen reader – fully supported
JAWS (Windows): Commercial screen reader – regularly tested
VoiceOver (macOS/iOS): Apple’s built-in screen reader – supported
TalkBack (Android): Google’s screen reader – basic compatibility

Screen Reader Features:

Proper heading structure for easy navigation
Alternative text for images, charts, and graphics
Form labels clearly associated with input fields
Status messages announced appropriately
Landmarks and regions properly identified

3.2 Keyboard Navigation

Full Keyboard Access:

All interactive elements accessible via keyboard
Logical tab order following visual layout
Skip links to bypass repetitive navigation
Keyboard shortcuts documented where available
Focus indicators clearly visible

Keyboard Navigation Features:

Tab: Move forward through interactive elements
Shift + Tab: Move backward through interactive elements
Enter/Space: Activate buttons and links
Arrow Keys: Navigate within menus and lists
Escape: Close modal dialogs and pop-ups

3.3 Voice Control and Switch Navigation

Voice Control Support:

Consistent labelling for voice navigation commands
All interactive elements have accessible names
Clear visual indicators for actionable items

Switch Navigation:

Compatible with switch navigation devices
Linear navigation path through content
All functionality available through single-switch scanning

4. Content Accessibility Features

4.1 Text and Reading Support

Plain English Standards:

Content written at 12-14 year reading level
Medical terms explained in glossary
Complex concepts broken into digestible sections
Summary boxes for key information

Text Formatting:

Sans-serif fonts for better readability
Adequate line spacing (1.5x minimum)
Left-aligned text for easier reading
Good contrast between text and background

4.2 Visual Content Accessibility

Images and Graphics:

Descriptive alternative text for all informational images
Empty alt attributes for decorative images
Complex images accompanied by detailed descriptions
Charts and graphs have data tables or text alternatives

Video and Multimedia:

Closed captions for all video content
Audio descriptions where necessary for understanding
Transcripts provided for all audio and video content
Controls clearly labelled and keyboard accessible

4.3 Interactive Content

Forms and Input:

Clear labels for all form fields
Error messages specific and helpful
Required fields clearly indicated
Input format examples provided where needed

Navigation and Menus:

Consistent navigation structure across pages
Breadcrumb navigation for complex page hierarchies
Clear indication of current page location
Search functionality with accessible results

5. Known Accessibility Issues and Planned Improvements

5.1 Current Known Issues

Minor Issues We’re Addressing:

Some embedded third-party content may not meet full accessibility standards
Certain complex data visualisations could benefit from enhanced text alternatives
Social media widgets may have limited accessibility features

Planned Resolution Timeline:

Immediate (within 1 month): High-priority accessibility barriers
Short-term (within 3 months): Enhanced text alternatives and form improvements
Medium-term (within 6 months): Third-party content accessibility review
Ongoing: Regular accessibility audits and improvements

5.2 Third-Party Content Limitations

External Services: Some third-party services embedded on our website may have accessibility limitations:

Social media widgets: Limited control over accessibility features
Video platforms: Dependent on platform accessibility support
Analytics tools: Background functionality with minimal user interaction

Our Approach:

Evaluate all third-party services for accessibility before implementation
Provide alternative access methods where third-party content is inaccessible
Work with vendors to improve accessibility features
Replace services that cannot meet accessibility standards

5.3 Continuous Improvement Plan

Regular Assessment:

Monthly: Automated accessibility scanning and issue identification
Quarterly: Manual accessibility testing with assistive technologies
Annually: Comprehensive accessibility audit by external experts
Ongoing: User feedback integration and issue resolution

6. Alternative Access Methods

6.1 Alternative Formats

Available Upon Request:

Large print versions of key resources and guides
Audio versions of important health information
Simplified language versions for users with cognitive disabilities
Braille versions through partnership with local services

Request Process:

Email: info@hashimotoally.co.uk
Response time: Within 5 working days
No additional cost for alternative formats

6.2 Personal Assistance

Support Services:

Telephone support for users who cannot access website content
Email assistance for navigating complex health information
Guidance on using accessibility features and assistive technology
Help connecting with appropriate healthcare resources

6.3 Offline Access

Non-Digital Options:

Key health information available in printed format
Telephone helpline for essential information
Partnership with local libraries and community centres
Collaboration with healthcare providers for information distribution

7. Accessibility Testing and Quality Assurance

7.1 Testing Methods

Automated Testing:

Weekly: Automated accessibility scanning using industry-standard tools
Tools Used: WAVE, axe-core, Lighthouse accessibility audit
Scope: All public pages and user interaction flows

Manual Testing:

Monthly: Keyboard navigation testing across all website features
Quarterly: Screen reader testing with multiple assistive technologies
Annually: Usability testing with people with disabilities

7.2 User Testing Programme

Inclusive User Testing:

Regular testing sessions with users who have various disabilities
Feedback collection on accessibility barriers and improvements
Collaboration with local disability organisations
Integration of accessibility feedback into development priorities

Testing Participants:

Users with visual impairments (blindness, low vision, colour blindness)
Users with motor impairments (limited dexterity, mobility restrictions)
Users with hearing impairments (deafness, hard of hearing)
Users with cognitive disabilities (dyslexia, attention disorders)

7.3 Professional Assessment

External Auditing:

Annual accessibility audit by certified accessibility professionals
Expert review of complex interactive features
Compliance verification against latest WCAG guidelines
Recommendations for accessibility enhancement and innovation

8. Reporting Accessibility Issues

8.1 How to Report Problems

Contact Methods:

Email: info@hashimotoally.co.uk
Subject Line: “Accessibility Issue Report”

Information to Include:

Page URL: Specific page where you encountered the problem
Browser and Device: What technology you were using
Assistive Technology: Screen reader, keyboard navigation, etc.
Problem Description: What you were trying to do and what happened
Suggested Solution: If you have ideas for improvement

8.2 Response Process

Our Commitment:

Acknowledgment: Within 24 hours of report receipt
Initial Assessment: Within 48 hours
Resolution Timeline: Depending on complexity, typically within 10 working days
Follow-up: Confirmation that the issue has been resolved satisfactorily

Priority Levels:

Critical: Prevents access to essential health information – fixed within 24 hours
High: Significant barrier to website use – fixed within 3 working days
Medium: Moderate usability issue – fixed within 1 week
Low: Minor enhancement – scheduled for next development cycle

8.3 Feedback and Suggestions

We Welcome:

Suggestions for accessibility improvements
Reports of good accessibility practices you’ve experienced
Ideas for alternative content formats
Feedback on the effectiveness of our accessibility features

Using Your Feedback:

All accessibility feedback is reviewed and considered for implementation
Suggestions are integrated into our development roadmap
User feedback helps prioritise accessibility improvements
Regular reports on how feedback has influenced our accessibility work

9. Training and Awareness

9.1 Staff Training

Accessibility Training Programme:

Initial Training: All new staff receive accessibility awareness training
Ongoing Education: Regular updates on accessibility best practices
Specialist Training: Advanced training for developers and content creators
User Empathy: Training includes simulation of disability experiences

Training Areas:

WCAG guidelines and practical application
Assistive technology demonstration and use
Inclusive design principles and implementation
Legal requirements and compliance standards

9.2 Content Creator Guidelines

Accessibility-First Content Creation:

Guidelines for writing accessible content and alternative text
Training on accessible document creation and formatting
Instructions for accessible social media posting
Resources for creating inclusive visual content

9.3 Awareness and Culture

Building Accessibility Awareness:

Regular team discussions about accessibility challenges and solutions
Celebration of accessibility achievements and milestones
Participation in accessibility awareness events and initiatives
Promotion of accessibility as a core organisational value

10. Legal Compliance and Rights

10.1 UK Legal Framework

Relevant Legislation:

Equality Act 2010: Prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments
Human Rights Act 1998: Right to access information and freedom of expression
Disability Discrimination Act: Historical foundation for accessibility rights

Our Legal Obligations:

Make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access
Provide alternative formats and assistance where needed
Not discriminate against people with disabilities
Continuously improve accessibility and remove barriers

10.2 Your Rights

As a User, You Have the Right To:

Access our website and information in an accessible format
Request reasonable adjustments to overcome accessibility barriers
Receive assistance in accessing information if needed
Complain if you experience accessibility discrimination

Enforcement: If you believe we have not met our accessibility obligations, you can:

Contact us directly to resolve the issue
Seek advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Consider legal action under the Equality Act 2010

10.3 Reasonable Adjustments

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments:

Providing information in alternative formats
Offering telephone or email support for complex processes
Simplifying navigation or content presentation
Extending time limits or removing time constraints

11. Contact Information and Support

11.1 Accessibility Team

Primary Contact:

Email: info@hashimotoally.co.uk
Response Time: Within 24 hours for urgent accessibility barriers
Standard Response: Within 5 working days for general enquiries

Accessibility Coordinator:

Role: Overall accessibility strategy and compliance oversight
Background: [Brief description of qualifications/experience]

11.2 Alternative Contact Methods

Communication Support:

British Sign Language interpretation available on request
Large print correspondence available
Audio formats for written communications
Simple language versions of complex information

11.3 Emergency Accessibility Support

For Urgent Health Information Access:

Emergency Email: info@hashimotoally.co.uk
Alternative: Direction to NHS 111 or emergency services for immediate health concerns

12. Future Accessibility Goals

12.1 Short-Term Goals (Next 12 Months)

Achieve full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance across all content
Implement enhanced keyboard navigation features
Expand alternative format availability
Develop accessibility user testing programme

12.2 Medium-Term Goals (12-24 Months)

Explore WCAG 2.1 Level AAA compliance where feasible
Implement innovative accessibility technologies
Develop accessibility awareness resources for our community
Partner with disability organisations for ongoing collaboration

12.3 Long-Term Vision

Our Accessibility Vision:

Become a recognised leader in accessible health information
Contribute to accessibility standards development in the health sector
Create resources that help other health organisations improve accessibility
Continuously innovate in inclusive design for health information

Innovation Areas:

Voice interface development for hands-free access
Personalised accessibility settings and preferences
AI-powered content simplification and explanation
Virtual reality accessibility for immersive health education

Summary

Hashimoto Ally is committed to providing accessible health information that serves everyone in our community. We recognise that accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that every person can access the health information they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Our Accessibility Promises:

Continuous Improvement: We never stop working to improve accessibility
User-Centred Design: Real user feedback drives our accessibility decisions
Inclusive by Default: We design for accessibility from the beginning, not as an afterthought
Transparent Communication: We’re honest about our current capabilities and limitations
Responsive Support: We respond quickly to accessibility barriers and concerns

If You Need Help:

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you encounter any accessibility barriers or need assistance accessing our health information. We’re here to help and committed to finding solutions that work for you.

This accessibility statement reflects our ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and equal access to health information. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for improving accessibility.

Statement Version: 1.0
Effective Date: June 2025
Next Review: December 2025
Contact: info@hashimotoally.co.uk