Accessibility Statement

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Heaton Road Pharmacy is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all people, including those with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to access our pharmacy information, services, and health resources online.

As a community pharmacy, we understand the importance of accessible healthcare. Our commitment extends beyond the digital space — we strive to make both our website and our physical pharmacy premises welcoming and accessible to all.

2. Conformance Status

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA. WCAG is the internationally recognised standard for web accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Level AA conformance means our website meets the following principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components are presented in ways all users can perceive (text alternatives, captions, colour contrast).
• Operable: User interface components and navigation are operable by all users (keyboard accessible, no time limits, no seizure-inducing content).
• Understandable: Information and operation of the user interface are understandable (readable, predictable, input assistance).
• Robust: Content is robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

3. Accessibility Features of This Website

Our website incorporates the following accessibility features:

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies:

• Screen readers: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), TalkBack (Android).
• Speech recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Voice Access, Apple Voice Control.
• Screen magnification: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, macOS Zoom, browser zoom up to 200%.
• Alternative input devices: Switch access, eye-tracking systems, and alternative keyboards.
• Browser accessibility features: Reader mode, high contrast mode, and custom stylesheets.

5. In-Pharmacy Accessibility

Our commitment to accessibility extends to our physical pharmacy premises:

• Step-free access: Our pharmacy has level access at the entrance for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.
• Hearing loop: An induction loop system is available at the counter for hearing aid users.
• Large print: We can provide medication labels and patient information leaflets in large print on request.
• Easy-read formats: Simplified information leaflets are available for patients who need them.
• Private consultation room: An accessible consultation room is available for confidential discussions.
• Language support: We can arrange interpreter services for patients who need them.

6. Testing Methods

We regularly test our website's accessibility using a combination of methods:

• Automated testing: Google Lighthouse, axe DevTools, and WAVE accessibility checker.
• Manual testing: Keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing (NVDA, VoiceOver), and colour contrast analysis.
• Browser testing: Testing across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on desktop and mobile devices.
• Content review: Regular review of new content for heading structure, alt text, and plain language.

7. Known Limitations

Despite our best efforts, some parts of this website may not be fully accessible. We are aware of the following limitations and are actively working to resolve them:

8. Feedback & Contact

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of the Heaton Road Pharmacy website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know:

9. Enforcement

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility feedback, you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS):

• Website: equalityadvisoryservice.com
• Phone: 0808 800 0082
• Textphone: 0808 800 0084

The EASS provides information and advice on discrimination and human rights issues across England, Scotland, and Wales. They can advise you on your rights under the Equality Act 2010.