We are committed to ensuring access for all. This accessibility statement explains how we, as the Service Provider, will endeavour to meet the requirements as set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.1 at AA Level as defined by the Web Accessibility Initiative.
Our commitment and approach to maintaining an accessible website
We are committed to:
- Maintaining an accessible website in accordance with the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations
- Ensuring that this website achieves “Level AA” conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, to comply with the National Disability Authority’s Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies. (The National Disability Authority’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design has an introduction to policy and legislation relevant to Universal Design in Ireland.)
- Ensuring that all new information on the website will achieve “Level AA” conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
- Including accessibility when we procure 3rd-party systems or upgrades to existing systems.
How we test for conformance with official accessibility guidelines
We use a range of techniques to help providing access for all. They include:
Automated Scanning
Automated scanning provides a quick (but not complete) overview of issues that persons may encounter.
Guidance
Provision of guidance to content editors such as using Alternate Text, Ensuring Heading Levels are correct and other practices.
Manual Review
Regularly performing manual review of each site and adjusting the site to help improve accessibility.
This website’s conformance with official accessibility guidelines
The website currently has a partial conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Our most recent web accessibility audit for this website was on 17/08/2023.
Areas for improvement and time-lines
We are aware of some areas on the website where we could improve accessibility. We are currently working to achieve this. We hope that this website will achieve “Level AA” conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 by December 2023.
Noted Issues
- Map Links currently serve no purpose other than to specify location. This will change during a referendum event.
How to send feedback on this website’s accessibility
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of this website. To submit feedback; please email us at franchise@housing.gov.ie.
Accessibility features of this website
A large number of techniques are used to enable the site become accessible for all. The process is ongoing as content changes and the structure of the site changes. Some of the accessible features on this site include (but not limited to) the following:
Alt Text
All Images where appropriate have suitable alternative text to provide a descriptive element to the image portrayed.
Heading Outline Hierarchy
Logical sense applied to headings where possible starting with the Page Title at H1, H2 for subheadings, H3 beneath those where appropriate.
Descriptive Links
Links and Buttons have purpose defined or have descriptive elements or Aria labels where those elements are cannot be provided.
Contrast
Reasonable minimums in difference with relation to contrast between foreground elements and background elements.
Navigability
Logical structure applied to the website to ensure the site can be used without a mouse.
ARIA Landmarks
A large variety of aria- landmarks applied to aid in accessibility.