Accessibility Statement - CHED Operator Portal (CHOP)
This application is run by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- tab through forms and menus in a logical order
- view content in a meaningful order
- zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen
- clearly understand the content and instructions of the website.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible this website is
We know some parts of this website aren't fully accessible:
- Missing alternative text may make it difficult for some users to understand the contents of images
- Low contrast may make it difficult for some users to read some of the text
- Skipped heading levels cab make it harder for screenreader users to follow the structure of the page
- Missing form labels
- Buttons which do not have accessible text are still announced by some screenreading software without indicating their purpose
- Empty table headers can interfere with how columns are identified to screenreaders
- Redundant links, i.e. multiple links which go to the same location in close proximity
What to do if you can't access parts of this website
If you need further information or assistance in using parts of this website, you can contact a DAERA Direct Regional Office.
- email DAERA Direct Regional Offices
- call 0300 200 7840
A DAERA member of staff will be able to help you with your request.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren't listed on this page or think we're not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact the DAERA customer helpline on 0300 200 7852 or email daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.
If you are unhappy with the quality of service received, in the first instance, you can make a complaint to DAERA.
Enforcement procedure
If you remain dissatisfied with the Department’s final response to your complaint, you can refer your case to the Equalities Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) , which is responsible for enforcing accessibility regulations.
You can contact them.
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
Belfast BT4 3SB
Call DAERA customer helpline on 0300 200 7852 or email daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.
If you have a hearing difficulty you can contact the Department via Text Relay using the Next Generation Text Service (NGTS).
- Making a call from a textphone dial 18001 + number.
- Making a call from a telephone dial 18002 + number.
There are also various Text to Speech applications available to use.
Technical information about this website's accessibility
DAERA is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Issues with technology
- When tabbing through menu buttons aren't read out while using a screenreader. (2.1.1 Keyboard)
- Horizontal scrolling required for table when text resized (1.4.10 Reflow) - tables are exempt from this requirement, but alternate treatment for small resolutions is helpful.
- Missing form labels identified, ensure all form inputs have an associated label. (2.5.3 Label in name)
- Empty button on the quick search function, buttons must have discernible text. (2.5.3 Label in name)
- ARIA hidden element musts not be focusable. (4.1.2 Name, Role and Value)
- Broken ARIA reference - An aria-labelledby or aria-describedby reference exists, but the target for the reference does not exist. (4.1.2 Name, Role and Value)
Issues with text
- Skipped heading level and empty table headers identified. (2.4.6 Headings and labels)
- Suspicious link text used, consider changing the wording and avoid using action words. (2.4.4 Link purpose)
- Redundant links have been identified. (2.4.4 Link purpose)
- Contrast issues identified throughout the application, hyperlinks and datepicker. (1.4.3 Contrast (minimum)
- Empty table headers identified. (2.4.6 Headings and labels)
Issues with PDFs and other documents
- Document
- Page content
- Alternate text
- Tables
- Lists
- Headings
Issues with images, video and audio
- Missing alternative text identified on image (Fish docs tab), this prevents users who require the use of a screen reader from understanding all of the content present within the application. (1.1.1 Non-text content)
Issues with interactive tools and transactions
- No known issues
How we tested this website
This website was last tested on 07/02/2024. The test was carried out by DAERA Digital Services Division.
The pages were tested for code compliance using the Axe and WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) Chrome extensions and NVDA screen reader. The pages also underwent manual testing to ensure they adhered to the four Accessibility principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust).
We tested the following sample pages. The accessibility evaluation report (HPRM ref) can be made available on request.
- Home
- Dashboard
- Details
What we're doing to improve accessibility
The Department is actively engaged in improving the accessibility of its applications. As part of our 'UX Checklist', we require developers to design software with accessibility compliance built in. In those circumstances where compliance cannot be met, reasons for this should be documented, along with steps for addressing issues. We also recommend that teams conduct user research to ascertain user requirements before developing new applications.
This statement was prepared on 07 February 2024.