Accessibility
The Ministry of Defence is committed to making its websites
accessible to all sections of the public, in line with the Equality Act
2010 (c. 15).
The site aspires to the following web standards:
• W3C WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to the standard of AA
• Valid W3C XHTML 1.0 Transitional
• Valid W3C CSS 3.0
We aim to meet 'Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, level
double A' conformance wherever possible, and the site has been
hand-validated. There are instances where the use
of HTML5 mark-up may conflict with the standard but provide a more
accessible result.
In addition, we do not have access to some of the source code for the
proprietary applications used on this site, elements of which are not
accessible. But we have provided accessible alternatives wherever
possible. For instance, the image preview/zoom tool is provided by a
non-accessible embedded Flash object and we have provided alternative,
accessible image preview links in the left-hand menu.
We are working to ensure that all existing content produced by
authorised publishers, and new, updated, and existing content provided
for our site by third-party developers, conforms to WCAG 1.0 Conformance
Level Double A, in line with Cabinet Office recommendations for
government websites.
All users should be able to:
• Find out how to contact us via telephone, email or letter
• Navigate the site easily to find the information they require
• Use the Search and Advanced Search features to find relevant information
• Access the Freedom of Information home page, Publication scheme and Disclosure log
• Access 'Help' pages
• Access 'Accessibility' information
• Access 'Privacy' information
• Access images, video and sound content through text equivalents
We operate within a devolved publishing environment and thus cannot
check if all site content is fully accessible. We can only be certain
that the core site design meets access needs where we have had feedback
from a wide range of users.
We would therefore be interested to hear from site users who have
special access needs, and their experience of using this site. Please Contact us via email, phone or by post.
Software to open documents
This website provides links to documents in portable document format
(PDF). You may need special software to read these files. The link "Tips on using PDFs" on the right will enable you to download free software to allow you to open these files.
Text to Speech
This website is speech enabled and has been tested with screen readers.
Users of Apple's Safari browser should use the built in Text to Speech function.
Adapting your screen
Resizing text
You can enlarge the text on this site:
Using Internet Explorer:
• Click on the 'View' drop down menu
• Click on 'Text size'
• Choose your preferred text size from the list
If the text is still not big enough:
• Click on the 'Tools drop down menu
• Click on 'Internet options'
• In the 'General' tab click on 'Accessibility'
• Select 'Ignore font sizes on web pages'
• Click 'OK', then 'OK'
• You should now be able to enlarge the text further using the method above
Firefox:
• Click on the 'View' drop down menu
• Click on 'Text size'
• Choose your preferred text size from the list
Adapting your computer
This site gives detailed information on how to adapt your computer to
your own preferences: My computer, my way. There's good information on
this BBC site too.
We have worked hard to make this site accessible to a wide audience,
and to ensure a better experience for all users and all technologies.
Browsers
This site supports the following browsers: Internet Explorer Version 6+
(version 8 or better recommended), recent versions of Firefox, Safari,
Opera and Chrome.
Mobile devices
The site has not been heavily optimised for multi-device use, but has
been tested using Apple iDevices, and should also work well on Android.
Screen resolution
The minimum screen resolution needed for this website is 800 pixels
(width), but 1024 (width) will give a better user experience.
JavaScript
JavaScript is required to use this website; it is used to enhance functionality and to provide a better user experience.
How to enable JavaScript
Enabling JavaScript is required for many search features to work. See
below to get specific instructions on enabling JavaScript in your
browser. If your browser isn't listed, please consult its help
resources.
Google Chrome
Learn how to enable JavaScript in the Google Chrome Help Centre.
Firefox 3.6+
1. Click the Tools menu.
2. Select Options.
3. Click the Content tab.
4. Select the 'Enable JavaScript' checkbox.
5. Click the OK button.
Safari
1. Click the Safari menu.
2. Select Preferences.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Select the 'Enable JavaScript' checkbox.