Introduction
All user groups must be provided for when designing a website, SIG recognises this and we strive to serve all available user bases. This page explains:

• the methods we have taken to make this website accessible and plans that may come into effect in future
• the functions of the site that have been incorporated for disability groups
• help and support with the usage of certain website features
• what you, the user, can do if you require us to answer a question or to submit any feedback

Guidelines
The SIG plc website is being maintained at a level that is designed to support disabled Internet users. Firstly, we aim to stay under the strict level one priorities of the W3C Web Content Accessibility guidelines. These are covered by the RNIB "See it Right" criteria for accessibility. Furthermore, any new information added to the website will aim to be in conformity with these standards. These include specific details for the following user groups:

Screen reader/voice browser/screen magnifier users

Partially sighted users

Colour blind users

Keyboard only users

Screen reader/voice browser/screen magnifier users
Built into the site are navigation techniques accessible by screen readers and voice browsers. There are also shortcuts to allow users to jump directly to the main content from the navigation menu and also to the Site Tools. Built into the site are combinations of Alt keys that will assist users of screen readers, voice browsers and screen magnifiers. These are as follows:

Alt key + P + Enter key will take the user to the top of the main content panel.

Alt key + S + Enter key will take the user to the Site Tools.

Alt key + H + Enter key will take the user back to the home page.

All images have text replacements and the relevant page title tags have been added.

Partially sighted users
It is possible to change the size of the font within the website. To do this, using Internet Explorer select the 'View' menu in the menu bar and choose the Text Size from 'Smallest' to 'Largest'. While using Netscape select ‘View’ from the menu bar, then ‘Text Size’ and select from ‘Smaller’, ‘Larger’, ‘% values’ or ‘Other’.

Colour blind users
The combination of the site colours assures that the different colour blindness conditions are able to use the site with no loss of functionality or lowered ease of use.

It is possible to change the style sheet to incorporate your own text colours, for guidelines on this please observe the instructions further down the page.

Keyboard only users
Keyboard operation can be used to control the entire site and has been tested to work. When navigating and using the forms or controls for the tools, the key combinations are:

To select from drop down boxes, use the Up and Down Arrow keys.

To select/unselect a check box, use the Space bar.

To move forward between links, use the Tab key.

To move back between links, use the Shift + Tab keys.

To initiate an action button, use the Enter key when the action button is selected.

Guidance on font sizes
Your browser can be used to change the font size. Users can change the font size through the browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, select ‘View’, then ‘Text Size’ and then your preferred size. In Netscape select ‘View’,then ‘Text Zoom’ and then the size.

Guidance on style sheets
Users may import their own style sheet into the website. In Internet Explorer, select ‘Tools’, then ‘Internet Options’ and then ‘Accessibility’. Next click on any or all of three checkboxes to ignore colours, font styles or font sizes. In the same window, you can change the style sheet by clicking the checkboxthat says 'Format document using my style sheet', then simply browse to your preferred style sheet and click OK. In Netscape, select ‘Edit’,then ‘Preferences’ and then ‘Appearance’. You will then be given a choice of colours and fonts.

Questions and feedback
If you have any questions or feedback with regards to the accessibility of this site, please contact:

info@sigplc.co.uk