Accessibility Statement
Hand in Hand Interpreting Agency is fully committed to digital accessibility because we know firsthand how vital clear communication is for Deaf and disabled people. As the child of two Deaf parents, making our website usable for everyone is a core part of our mission. This statement explains our current accessibility features, known limitations, and our ongoing plans to improve.
What we've already implemented
- BSL-friendly contact: Send enquiries via WhatsApp video message or email—no phone calls required.
- Clear, simple language: Short sentences, plain English, and consistent structure so information is easy to scan and understand.
- High contrast design: Text stands out clearly against backgrounds (aiming for WCAG 2.1 AA contrast ratios).
- Mobile-first layout: Works well on phones and tablets, with touch-friendly buttons and readable font sizes.
- Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed using just a keyboard—no mouse needed.
- Logical heading structure: Pages use proper H1, H2, H3 tags so screen readers can navigate easily.
Known limitations (and fixes in progress)
We’re a small agency building our first website, so some areas aren’t fully accessible yet. Here’s what’s missing and our timeline:
| Feature | Current Status | Planned Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Image alt text | Partial (logo and key images done) | Complete by end of February 2026 |
| Video transcripts/captions | No videos yet | Add transcripts when client testimonial videos go live |
| Screen reader testing | Not fully tested | User testing with NVDA/JAWS in March 2026 |
| Colour-only links | Links use underlines + colour | Already fixed in current design |
| Complex forms (Join the Team) | Basic labels only | Add ARIA labels and error handling by mid-March 2026 |
| PDF downloads (if any) | None currently | Will be tagged for screen readers if added |
How we test and improve
- Internal testing: Our team (including Deaf members) reviews every page before launch using browser tools, keyboard-only navigation, and high-contrast mode.
- User feedback: We'll add a simple "Report an accessibility issue" link in the footer so anyone can flag problems directly.
- External audits: Planning a full WCAG 2.1 AA audit by an accessibility specialist within 6 months.
Your rights and how to get help
If you can’t access part of our site:
- Contact us directly: Email [your email] or WhatsApp [your number]. We'll send the information in your preferred format (BSL video reply, plain text email, audio, etc.) within 2 working days.
- Alternative access: For urgent bookings, we can handle everything via WhatsApp video, email, or even in-person consultation.
- Enforcement: This site aims to meet UK Equality Act 2010 standards for service providers. If you believe we've failed in our duty, you can raise a complaint with us first, then contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Standards we follow
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA (global standard for web accessibility)
- UK Equality Act 2010 (reasonable adjustments for disabled users)
- Public Sector Accessibility Regulations (best practice, even as a private provider)
We’re building this site iteratively and genuinely welcome feedback from Deaf users, screen reader users, and anyone with accessibility needs. Every suggestion helps us serve our community better.
Contact for accessibility feedback
Last updated: February 2026
Next review: August 2026