Accessibility Statement

Last updated: 4 September 2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Rent Collection Toolkit is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

We believe that everyone should be able to access and use our housing management software effectively, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

2. Accessibility Standards

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including:

  • Visual impairments and blindness
  • Hearing impairments and deafness
  • Motor disabilities
  • Cognitive disabilities

3. Accessibility Features

Our service includes the following accessibility features:

3.1 Keyboard Navigation

  • Full keyboard navigation support
  • Logical tab order through all interactive elements
  • Skip links to main content areas
  • Keyboard shortcuts for common actions

3.2 Visual Design

  • High contrast color schemes
  • Scalable text up to 200% without loss of functionality
  • Clear visual hierarchy with proper heading structure
  • Consistent navigation and layout patterns
  • Focus indicators for interactive elements

3.3 Screen Reader Support

  • Semantic HTML structure
  • Alt text for all meaningful images
  • Descriptive labels for form controls
  • ARIA labels and descriptions where needed
  • Status announcements for dynamic content

3.4 Forms and Data Entry

  • Clear error messages and validation feedback
  • Required field indicators
  • Help text and instructions for complex inputs
  • Logical grouping of related form fields

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our service has been tested with the following assistive technologies:

  • Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
  • Voice control software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
  • Magnification software (ZoomText)
  • Switch navigation devices

5. Browser and Platform Support

Our accessible features work with:

5.1 Web Browsers

  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari (latest version)
  • Microsoft Edge (latest version)

5.2 Operating Systems

  • Windows 10/11 with built-in accessibility features
  • macOS with VoiceOver and other accessibility tools
  • iOS/iPadOS with accessibility features enabled
  • Android with TalkBack and accessibility services

6. Known Accessibility Issues

We are actively working to address the following known issues:

  • Some complex data tables may require additional navigation assistance
  • Chart and graph data may need text alternatives
  • PDF export features are being enhanced for better screen reader support

We are committed to resolving these issues in future updates.

7. Accessibility Testing

We conduct regular accessibility testing through:

  • Automated testing tools integrated into our development process
  • Manual testing with assistive technologies
  • User testing with people who have disabilities
  • Third-party accessibility audits
  • Ongoing monitoring and improvement

8. Training and Awareness

Our development team receives regular training on:

  • Accessibility best practices and standards
  • Assistive technology usage
  • Inclusive design principles
  • WCAG 2.1 guidelines and compliance

9. Getting Help

If you need assistance using our service or have suggestions for improvement:

9.1 Documentation and Support

  • Comprehensive user guides with accessibility considerations
  • Video tutorials with captions and transcripts
  • Email support with accessibility specialists
  • Phone support during business hours

9.2 Alternative Formats

We can provide information in alternative formats upon request:

  • Large print documentation
  • Audio descriptions of visual content
  • Plain language summaries
  • Structured data exports

10. Feedback and Reporting Issues

Your feedback helps us improve accessibility. Please contact us if you:

  • Encounter accessibility barriers
  • Have suggestions for improvement
  • Need assistance with any feature
  • Require content in an alternative format

When reporting accessibility issues, please include:

  • Description of the issue
  • Your operating system and browser
  • Assistive technology being used (if applicable)
  • Steps to reproduce the issue

11. Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuous improvement of accessibility:

  • Regular accessibility reviews and updates
  • User feedback integration into development cycles
  • Staying current with accessibility standards and best practices
  • Proactive identification and resolution of barriers

12. Legal Compliance

We strive to comply with relevant accessibility legislation:

  • Equality Act 2010 (UK)
  • Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018
  • European Accessibility Act
  • Section 508 (US Federal)