Accessible Information Standard

The Accessible Information Standard came into force from 31st July 2016 and updated in August 2017 across health and social care in England.

The purpose of the Standard is to ensure all patients have access to information that they can understand and are provided with any support they need.

Statement of Commitment

Surrey Heath Community Providers Ltd is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all patients and service users who have specific communication needs relating to disability, impairment or sensory loss. This also applies to carers, parents and guardians who are responsible for sharing information with the people they care for. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

Purpose

All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the standard. This policy outlines our commitment to making our website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We aim to ensure that everyone can access the information and services we provide.

Scope

This policy applies to all digital content on our website, including text, images, videos, and interactive elements.

Accessibility Standards

We strive to adhere to the following accessibility standards:

  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1: We aim to meet or exceed the AA level of these guidelines.
  • Section 508: We comply with the accessibility standards set forth by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Web Development Team: Responsible for implementing and maintaining accessibility features.
  • Content Creators: Ensure that all new content is accessible and follows best practices.
  • Accessibility Coordinator: Oversees accessibility efforts and addresses any issues that arise.

Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Users can navigate the site using a keyboard.
  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Our site is compatible with screen readers.
  • Text Resizing: Users can adjust text size for better readability.
  • Alt Text for Images: All images have descriptive alt text.

Feedback and Support

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us:

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuous improvement in our accessibility efforts. We regularly review and update our accessibility practices to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this accessibility policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons.