Accessibility Statement - Waste Authorisations
This statement applies to the DAERA Apply for Authorisation Portal.
This website 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
- view content in a meaningful order
- 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:
- required fields may not be identified to users of screenreading software
- it's not possible to click a link to skip the main menu
- after a period of inactivity, the user will be required to sign in again
- map drawing functionality is not fully accessible, but an alternative document upload facility has been included
- the selection of EWC codes is problematic as it requires the users to tab through all checkbox options
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
Clare 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 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Issues with technology
- A “Skip to main content” link is not present (2.4.1 Bypass blocks)
- In the Simple Waste Exemption application, keyboard users must tab through all EWC checkbox options before being able to ‘Save and continue’ – a method for bypassing multiple input options would be preferable (2.4.1 Bypass blocks)
- Some mandatory fields are missing the ‘aria-required’ attribute to identify them as required (1.3.1 Info and Relationships)
- There is no observed notice of expiry and no method to extend the session before it times out (2.2.1 Timing Adjustable)
- There are some broken Aria references on the ‘aria-describedby’ attribute which should be fixed (4.1.2 Name, Role, Value)
Issues with text
- No known issues
Issues with PDFs and other documents
- No known issues
Issues with images, video and audio
- No known issues.
Issues with interactive tools and transactions
- The application includes map functionality for users to plot point or polygon locations. This cannot easily be made accessible. However, document upload functionality has been included as an alternative means for users to provide this information.
How we tested this website
This website was last tested on 03/06/2024. 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 pages:
- Apply for Authorisation Portal
- Waste Exemption Guidance
- My Submissions
- My Authorisations
- Applicant Type
- Applicant Details
- Contact Details
- Activity Details
- Site Details
- Map Details
- Waste Quantity Details
- Supporting Documents
- Review
- Declaration and Payment
The accessibility evaluation report can be made available on request.
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 25 May 2021. It was last updated on 07 June 2024.