Other Access Features

Access-keys

The following access keys can be used to navigate the site. Access key use differs from browser to browser -- if you are using Microsoft's Internet Explorer, hold down Alt (or Command on the Mac) while pressing the access key to focus on the link. Press Enter to select it. (if your browser does not support Access-keys properly, use the TAB key instead)

• 0: Accessibility
• 1: Home Page
• 2: Cycle Through Main Menu Items
• 9: Contact Us
• S: Skip to main content

Don't forget that your browser will have access-keys of its own. In Internet Explorer for Windows, for example, holding down Alt while pressing the left-arrow key will move you back a page, Alt+D will move the cursor to the address bar, Alt+A will open the favourites menu, etc.

Extra information

The best access-features are additive, that is that they do not take away from any other users' experience of the web site. We use titles and alternate text for images, links, glossary items and acronyms that provide more information for users that want it. This might be as tool tips, or through screen reader options. If you are a mouse user, try resting your mouse pointer over any word that has a dashed underline to see it in action. This makes the site easier to use for users who do not or cannot download images, PDA users, and for users of screen-readers.

Structure

The site is structured so that it's easy to get around. Headings are marked as such, links make sense when read out of context. The main content of the page is placed early in the code (the contact information, for example, actually appears at the end of each page, and is then positioned to the top-right hand corner). This makes the site more straightforward for users who prefer the keyboard to the mouse, and to users with screen readers. It also makes the site rank significantly higher with search engines such as Google^TM.

Newer browsers such as Opera 7, the forthcoming Internet Explorer 7, and Mozilla, benefit from relational links for Home, Next and Back

What you won't find

• Tables used for layout. We only use tables for what they are supposed to be for, tabulating data. This makes life a lot easier for users of screen-reading software
• Pop-up windows. These can be confusing for users of screen-readers. Also, many users (perhaps as many as 1 in 5) have software to block pop-ups, meaning that even where they are used, you cannot put anything important in them.
• Reliance on flash javascript or cookies. We might use the technologies, but we don't rely on them. The site works perfectly well with or without them.
• Fixed widths or sizes. No matter how you size your window or size your text, the site will flow elegantly with it. Give it a try!
• Flashing or blinking elements. These are not only distracting, they can be a problem for users with movement-triggered epilepsy

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Contact us

info@communis.co.uk
tel: +44 (0)1373 836476
fax: +44 (0)1239 615238