Accessibility Statement - Knowledge Hub
This website (knowledgehub.daera-ni.gov.uk) 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:
- zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
- 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:
- some users may not be able to identify areas on the project details as the labels are not associated with the text areas. These scrollable text areas are also not accessible to keyboard-only users
- the multiple select dropdowns on the search/filter functionality are problematic for screenreaders
- datepickers do not receive focus, so keyboard users are only able to enter the date manually
- a new feedback window opens without pre-warning users
- the text of some headings and buttons could be made more descriptive
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 AffairsClare House
303 Airport Road West
Belfast BT3 9ED
DAERA Headquarters map location
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
- Datepickers are not keyboard tabbable but a date can be entered manually (2.1.1 Keyboard)
- On initial choosing to view details of a project, a RateIt window is opened and receives focus without warning the user. This is considered a change of context (3.2.2 On Input)
- Multiple select dropdowns on the search/filter functionality are problematic for screenreaders. There is no label read out for these inputs, so a screenreader user would not hear what has been selected (3.3.2 Labels or Instructions)
- Various ARIA issues on Project details page (4.1.2: Name, Role, Value)
- Icon buttons for viewing project details have generic 'View' aria-label - purpose can be inferred by the row they are located in, but making this more explicit would be better (2.4.4 Link Purpose In Context)
- Size of 'View' icon button is just over minimum touch target size - consider increasing or add text alongside (2.5.8 Target Size Minimum)
Issues with text
- Text areas on project details page do not have associated labels (1.1.1 Non-text Content, 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions)
- Text area on project details page cannot be scrolled using keyboard alone (2.1.1 Keyboard)
- Heading of 'Project Details' page could be more descriptive of actual project chosen (2.4.6 Headings and Labels)
Issues with PDFs and other documents
- No known issues.
Issues with images, video and audio
- No known issues.
Issues with interactive tools and transactions
- No known issues
How we tested this website
This website was last tested on 14 June 2024. The test was carried out by DAERA Digital Services Division.
We chose to sample those pages which were most commonly used, and most representative of the general functionality and layout of the web application. The sample pages were tested for code compliance using the Axe testing tool and WAVE (Web Accessiblity Evaluation Tool). The pages also underwent manual testing to ensure they adhered to the four Accessibility principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust).
We tested:
- Homepage
- Search & Search details
- Project details
- FAQs
- Contact us
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 carry out user research to ascertain user requirements and conduct usability workshopping before launching new applications.
This statement was prepared on 21 May 2021. It was last updated on 14 June 2024.