Accessibility

We are committed to making sure all our information is clear and accessible for everyone.

About

This policy aims to explain how we will do this. It sets out:

• What we are legally required to do
• How we make our communications and events accessible
• What to do if you do not find our communications accessible and need more support.

What are our legal requirements?

The Equality Act 2010 means that we have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including taking steps to put information into accessible formats if a disabled person is at a substantial disadvantage if we do not do this.

Also, there is a duty under the Equality Act 2010 which covers age, disability, sex (gender), gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexuality (whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual).

In summary, those who are governed by this duty must take account of the need to:

• Get rid of unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Encourage equal opportunities between different groups
• Encourage good relations between different groups.

How do we make online information accessible?

This accessibility policy applies to this website.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:

• Zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
• Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
• Navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
• Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand by using clear language and avoid unnecessary jargon in our communications.

Compliance status

This website is fully compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.

Website accessibility

The Evolving Communities website has enabled functionality to make it easier for people with visual impairments and those using screen readers to view and engage with the content on this website.

Accessibility Toolbar

The accessibility toolbar can be accessed by clicking the accessibility tab on the right hand side of the page. The accessibility toolbar is green with a person icon. To open the accessibility toolbar, click the icon.

When the toolbar is open you can select a number of different options in order to make the site easier to read and browse. The following options are available:

• Increase text size
• Decrease text size
• Greyscale
• High contrast
• Negative contrast
• Light background
• Links underlined
• Readable font
• Reset (to reset all settings to default)

Click on the icon again to close the accessibility tab.

What to do if you need information in a different format?

If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:

• Email info@evolvingcommunities.co.uk
• Call 01225 701851

All publications added to the website will include a statement explaining how to request the document in a different format. We will try our best to meet every request for a document in a different format.

We’ll consider your request and get back to you within three working day. Requests for audio format files, if produced will be done within five working days, all other requests will be completed within 20 working days.

How we make our events accessible?

Online accessibility conditions

Online meetings and conferences will be held via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

British Sign Language (BSL) and different language interpreters can be arranged to be present if requested.

Physical accessibility requirements

All our public and external meetings and events will be held in accessible venues and, where possible, facilities will include:

• Wheelchair accessible venues
• Induction loops
• Accessible lifts and entrances
• Appropriate car parking arrangements
• Clear signage
• Audible lifts/braille
• Quiet/break out areas
• Appropriate lighting
• Support from venue staff for health and safety information

British Sign Language (BSL) and different language interpreters can be arranged to be present if requested.

When was this accessibility policy last reviewed?

It was last reviewed in October 2022.

We will regularly monitor, evaluate and review the effectiveness of this policy, and amend it as necessary.