Accessibility - Making our site work for you

If you view or consume content differently, there are a few tools you can use to help.

If English is not your first language, there are several ways our content can be translated.

Use the translate tool in our header, located in the top right of your screen

Google Translate is a third-party site which can translate content into many languages.
It usually performs an acceptable level of translation. However, it does attempt to perform a literal translation and is not always accurate. Please keep this in mind when using the service

Resizing text

Resizing text on smartphones

All smartphones will have features with their accessibility setting usually found under settings, where you can increase and decrease the size of text throughout the device.

Resizing text on browsers

Making text larger on web browsers can be done by using the keyboard

• On a Windows computer: Press the “Ctrl” key, use the wheel on your mouse, or slide two fingers together down the mousepad to zoom in and out.
• Using your keyboard, you can also enlarge pages using ‘Ctrl’ and + or – to resize.
• On an Apple computer: Place two fingers on the trackpad and open out (like a pinch in reverse).

Specialist screen magnification programmes and adaptive hardware

Specialist software and assistive hardware is available to help users.

More information on what assistive technology is available to help with sight loss and low vision can be found through Ability Net.

Using screen readers

A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer.

Computers, tablets, and smartphones will usually have a screen reader function built in.

Using screen readers within smart phones

Most smartphones will have features within their accessibility settings usually found under settings, where assistive technology can read your commands. And carry on reading depending on your selections.

VoiceOver is typically used by Apple and TalkBack by Android devices.

Within these settings, you should be able to control

• The volume of the voice
• The accent
• The speed at which the text is read.

Using screen readers within browsers

There are several screen readers available to use. The most popular programs are JAWS and NVDA for Windows computers, VoiceOver for Mac and iPhone, and TalkBack on Android. 

The best choice for you depends on: 

• The type of computer and or mobile phone that you have.  
• The browser you prefer; some combinations of browser and screen reader works better than others. 
• The apps you use; while all screen reader users work with common office apps, email, and the web, if you need a screen reader to work with specific applications you may be limited to one that can be scripted to work well with it. 

 AbilityNet have put together some helpful guidance around choosing the best option for a screen reader for you.

AbilityNet offers a wide range of helpful advice and guides on ways to make your device easier for you to use.

Their 'My computer, my way' simple 'how to' guides make your device easier to use.

These guides can be filtered by disability and technology or issues.