Accessibility Statement
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This accessibility statement applies to gaidhlig.scot. This website is run by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings
- zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the website using a keyboard or speech recognition software
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).
Using our Documents
Bòrd na Gàidhlig publishes documents in a range of formats, including:
- PDF forms
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
We want as many people as possible to be able to use these documents. For example, when we produce a document we:
- provide an HTML option where possible
- avoid using tables, except when we’re presenting data
- write in plain English – although some content contains legal or other technical language
- include a text alternative alongside non-decorative images, so people who cannot see them understand what they’re there for
- tag headings and other parts of the document, so screen readers can understand the page structure
- make document titles clear and meaningful
- use descriptive link text so people understand the purpose of each link
- avoid writing instructions that rely on visual cues
If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact our Corporate Team on oifis@gaidhlig.scot.
However, we know that some of our older documents (published before 23 September 2018) are not accessible. For example, some of them:
- are PDFs that are not tagged properly
- are not written in plain English
- are forms that are difficult to navigate using just a keyboard
- contain images with no description
- include complex tables
- are forms that have guidance in a separate PDF to help completion
This mostly applies to these document types:
- corporate reports
- technical guidance
- consultations and their supporting documents
- research and analysis reports
- statutory guidance
- forms
- statistics
These types of documents are exempt from the regulations, so we do not currently have any plans to make them accessible.
But if you need to access information in one of these document types, you can contact us and ask for an alternative format.
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
What to do if you cannot use one of our documents
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 15 working days.
If you cannot view the map on our Contact Us page, call or email us for directions.
Enforcement Procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Technical Website Information
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance Status
The website has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) [2.1 or 2.2] AA standard. This website is partially compliant with the [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard], due to the exemptions listed below.
There are a number of PDF documents on the website which are not fully screen-reader accessible. We have assessed the cost of fixing these issues and believe doing so would be a disproportionate burden within the meaning of the accessibility regulations.
Content that is outside of the scope of accessibility regulations
PDFs and other documents
The accessibility regulations do not require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential to providing our services.
Any new PDFs or Word documents we publish will meet accessibility standards.
Live video
We do not plan to add captions to live video streams because live video is exempt from meeting the accessibility regulations.
Preparation of this Accessibility Statement
This statement was prepared on 23rd February 2024. It was last reviewed on 15th April 2024.
This website was last tested on 6th October 2023 against the WCAG [2.1 or 2.2] AA standard.