Accessibility
We aim to make our site accessible to as many users as possible. This site has been built to comply with 'AA' level of the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).
Visually impaired users
The site has been tested by an independent expert to make it as usable as possible for blind and partially-sighted users. Users of JAWS screen reader software should note that these tests were carried out with version 9.6.
Keyboard shortcuts
If you are unable to use a mouse, you can move around this site using your keyboard only by using the TAB key to move through menus and content links. Here are some of the main keys you will need:
- TAB + ENTER: move down and click on links on a page or document;
- SHIFT + TAB + ENTER: move up and click on links on a page or document;
- Page Down, Page Up and Arrow keys: scroll within the web page;
- ALT + Arrow-left and ALT + Arrow-right: move back and forth in the history;
- Ctrl T, Ctrl Tab, and Ctrl W: create, switch between, and close browser tabs;
- ALT G + B: close a PDF file (open within the browser) and return to the previous page;
- Spacebar: tick/untick check boxes on forms;
- Arrow keys: select radio buttons on forms; and
- ALT + down arrow: select from dropdown lists on forms.
These are just some of the common keyboard shortcuts you may need. Below are links to further guidance for the main web browsers. Please note: shortcuts may change in different browsers and the above are used in Internet Explorer:
- Internet Explorer: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306832
- Firefox: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/keyboard+shortcuts
- Opera: http://help.opera.com/Linux/9.50/en/keyboard.html
- Safari: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42951
- Google Chrome: http://www.google.com/support/chrome/bin/static.py?page=guide.cs&guide=25799&topic=28650
Viewing PDF files
This site contains a large number of downloadable PDF files which may present issues to users of earlier versions of JAWS screen readerwith Adobe Reader. You should, if possible, use the latest versions of both applications.
- Go to the JAWS for Windows® website. Microsoft
- Download Adobe Reader free from the Adobe website
- Go to the JISC TechDis Accessibility Essentials Series site for help in using PDF files
Read Out Loud
Find out more about using the Read Out Loud feature with PDF files at http://webaim.org/resources/reader/#outloud. Please note that this feature may only be available in Adobe PDF Reader. You should check for a similar tool if you use other PDF reading software.
Customising your own computer
The Web Accessibility Initiatve (WAI) provides guidance on how to customise your particular browser and computer for better web browsing -http://www.w3.org/WAI/users/browsing#type.
Web browsers
This site has been tested in these versions of the following browsers for PCs and Apple Macs where relevant:
- Internet Explorer (versions 6 and 7)
- Firefox (version 3)
- Opera (version 9)
- Safari (version 3)
- Google Chrome (version 2.0)
If you experience any problems with older browsers we advise you to upgrade to the most recent version of your chosen browser (they are all free upgrades) in an attempt to support standards and the implementation of accessible features:
PC users:
- Internet Explorer browser upgrade page
- Firefox browser upgrade page
- Opera browser upgrade page
- Google Chrome browser upgrade page
Apple Mac users:
If you still have any problems viewing pages on the site using any of the above browsers please email webmaster@sfc.ac.uk.
Comments
If you have a disability or particular need and have comments that can improve this site please email us at webmaster@sfc.ac.uk.
If you would like to receive any document in an alternative format, including braille, please email us at webmaster@sfc.ac.uk.