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Accessibility and the VLA website

Conformance to w3c/wai guidelines

To ensure that this site is genuinely accessible to all, we have done the following:

  • This site is built according to w3c standards specifications and for the main part of the site the pages validate as XHTML 1.0 strict.
  • Visual presentation is completely separate from content and style sheets validate to w3c standards for CSS.
  • This site will degrade gracefully in older less capable browsers and devises.
  • We have added access keys and other useful accessibility features like the ability to skip the navigation.
  • We have tried to avoid the use of javascript.
  • We have not used hidden tables for page layout.
  • We have generally used black text on a white background.
  • We have used simple English language.
  • We offer the option to listen to the website using the Browsealoud service.

Browsers

As mentioned above, this site degrades gracefully in older browsers and technology, which means that it may not look the same for some people using older browsers or non graphical devises.

However, you will still find the site works and you will still be able to use it quite successfully.

If you do not need assistive technologies, then this site looks its best when viewed with a modern standard compliant browser.

Access keys

We have extensively used access keys to help navigation, for those preferring or needing to use a keyboard.

Where possible we have followed the UK government guidelines to try and keep things consistent and familiar. 

  • Home = 1
  • News = 2
  • Site Map = coming soon
  • Using the web site (help) = 6
  • Terms and conditions (help) = 6
  • Feedback (help) = 6
  • Complaints = 7
  • Contact us = 9
  • Accessibility Page = 0

How to use access keys

This depends on your operating system and the type and version of your browser, here are some common ones:

Browsers for PCs

Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key

Firefox 1.5 for PCs: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key

Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear.

Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the ALT key, press the number of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER

Internet Explorer 4: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key

Browsers for Macs

Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key

Firefox 1.5: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key

Safari: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key

Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear.

Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key

Internet Explorer 4.5: Access keys are not supported