Accessibility statement
We have made every effort to make DirectgovKids accessible and easy to use for everyone, no matter what browser you choose to use, and whether or not you have any disabilities.
To deliver the high levels of interaction necessary to engage the target age group of 5-11 year olds, extensive use has been made of Adobe Flash in DirectgovKids. Flash is a commonly used way of adding animations and interactivity to websites.
A separate HTML version covering all of the information on the site is available here.
The Flash version of DirectgovKids takes into account users who are blind or visually impaired. All text is read out aloud, and the majority of areas, including the world, the building interiors, slideshows and animations, are fully compatible with recent versions of screen reading software.
In addition, the entire site is equipped with a built-in screen magnifier, and the buildings, animations and slideshows allow customisation of how text is presented to further assist those with visual impairment or conditions such as dyslexia. Users can control the size and colour contrast of the text, as well as if areas of text are automatically read out.
If you have difficulties using a mouse, these areas can also be navigated using only a keyboard.
Full details of how to use the accessibility features described above can be found in the DirectgovKids Accessibility Area.
Some of the activities accessed through the buildings include significant interaction to deliver the high levels of engagement required by the target audience. The above accessibility features have therefore not yet been implemented in these activities. All of the information contained within these activities is available via the separate HTML version of the site.
It is a priority for us to make these activities conform to the highest possible levels of accessibility without compromising the overall user experience. We are working with the leading UK accessibility specialists, Nomensa, who have audited the site against a set of 24 checkpoints devised for the express purpose of reviewing Flash content (incorporating the the Worldwide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 and 2.0, and Adobe's own guidelines). We are in the process of implementing their recommendations.
Maintaining an accessible site is an ongoing process and we are continually working to offer a user friendly experience. However, if you have any problems using this web site please contact us by e-mail.
Accessible Technology
Directgov has information about making computers easier to use and the types of software available for disabled users.
Accessible technology: disabled people section (opens new window)Software to open documents
This website links to documents and files in PDF and Microsoft Word formats. You may need special software to read these files. The links below enable you to download free software to allow you to open these files.