Accessibility

The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is dedicated to making its website, hearings, venues, and public engagement efforts as accessible as possible. We aim to ensure that all voices are heard, recognising the importance of accessibility in achieving this.

We are acutely aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on everyone in Scotland. The Inquiry is keen to hear from as many voices as possible and understands that accessibility is crucial to this.

If you encounter any accessibility barriers on the Inquiry website, or if you'd like to report an issue, please contact us at contact@covid19inquiry.scot.

Our commitment to accessibility is outlined in the following key areas, updated as of the recent accessibility audit (October 25, 2024):

  1. Introduction

We continuously work to enhance the accessibility and usability of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry website, aiming to meet WCAG 2.2 guidelines at Level AA. Our accessibility improvements include:

  • High-contrast, easier-to-read colour schemes
  • Larger, accessible font sizes
  • Simple language
  • Full keyboard-only navigation

  1. Recent Accessibility Audit Findings

In October 2024, we conducted a thorough audit to assess our site’s accessibility. The audit confirmed compliance with accessibility standards in several key areas:

  • Colour Contrast: All colour combinations meet WCAG 2.2 requirements, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments.
  • Visual Accessibility: Interactive elements like buttons and links have clear hover states and visual feedback, supporting intuitive navigation.
  • Typography: Text uses accessible font sizes and clear web-safe fonts throughout.
  • Low Motion: The site contains no animations that could affect users sensitive to motion, adhering to “reduced motion” settings.

  1. Areas for Improvement and Actions Taken

While our website largely complies with accessibility guidelines, the audit identified specific areas for improvement. We are addressing the following:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Enhancing focus management in the cookie banner and adding a “Skip to main content” button.
  • Assisted Device Compatibility: Improving ARIA labels for screen readers, ensuring buttons are correctly configured, and adjusting interactive elements for better screen reader interaction.

  1. Feedback

Your feedback is essential to our accessibility efforts. If you experience any issues, please reach out at contact@covid19inquiry.scot.

  1. Enforcement Procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission enforces accessibility regulations. If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service for further advice.

  1. Version Control

This document was last updated following the accessibility audit on October 25, 2024, and will be revised periodically.