Accessibility Statement for Gardeners Bow Services
This accessibility statement explains how we make the Gardeners Bow online experience more accessible and inclusive for people who live, work, or garden in the Bow area. We are committed to providing a website and digital services that can be used by as many people as possible, including disabled people and those using assistive technologies.
Our commitment to accessibility
We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA. These guidelines are an internationally recognised standard for making web content more accessible. They cover a wide range of accessibility needs, including visual, auditory, motor and cognitive requirements. Our goal is for people in Bow, and visitors to the area, to be able to access information about gardening services, support and local resources without unnecessary barriers.
Accessibility is an ongoing effort. We review our content, design and code regularly and work to improve the experience for everyone, including people using assistive technologies or alternative input methods.
Using the site with screen readers
The Gardeners Bow website is designed to be compatible with modern screen readers. Pages are structured using headings, paragraphs and lists in a logical order so that screen reader users can navigate efficiently between sections. Images that convey important information are given descriptive alternative text to help users understand their purpose.
We avoid relying solely on colour or images to communicate key information about gardening services, pricing or availability. Where possible, we use clear text labels and descriptions so screen reader users and people with low vision in the Bow area can access the same information as sighted users.
Keyboard navigation and focus
The website is intended to be fully usable with a keyboard. Users should be able to move through menus, forms and content using common keyboard commands, such as the Tab, Shift plus Tab and Enter keys. We provide consistent focus indicators so it is clear which element is currently selected, helping users who do not use a mouse or who rely on alternative input devices.
Interactive components, such as buttons, expandable sections and forms for gardening enquiries in Bow, are designed to be reachable and operable through the keyboard alone. We work to avoid keyboard traps, where a user can enter a component with the keyboard but cannot move out of it.
Text, layout and readability
Content on the Gardeners Bow website is written in clear, straightforward language where possible. We aim for short sentences and well-structured paragraphs so that information about gardening options, local services and seasonal advice is easy to follow. Headings are used in a meaningful hierarchy so that users can scan pages quickly and find the details they need.
The site is designed to work on a range of screen sizes, from mobile phones to larger desktop monitors. Users can zoom in using browser controls without losing access to content or functionality, supporting people with low vision or those who prefer larger text.
Compatibility and technical standards
We aim for the Gardeners Bow website to work with current versions of major web browsers and assistive technologies. While we focus on meeting WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria, some older browsers or devices may not fully support all accessibility features. We encourage users to keep their browser and assistive software up to date where possible.
Ongoing improvements in the Bow area
We are continually working to improve accessibility across our digital presence for gardeners and residents in Bow. When new content or features are added, we review them for accessibility and seek to maintain or improve WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. Where we identify issues that could affect people using assistive technologies, we prioritise fixing them as part of our regular updates.
Contact for accessibility requests and feedback
If you experience any difficulty using the Gardeners Bow website, or if you need information in a different format, you can contact us to request support. For example, you may ask for large print documents, alternative text descriptions of gardening images, or help completing an online form if it is not working correctly with your assistive technology.
When you contact us with an accessibility request, please include details of the page or feature you were trying to use, what went wrong, and which browser or assistive technology you were using. This helps us investigate the issue and work towards a solution. We aim to respond to accessibility enquiries in a timely manner and to make reasonable adjustments so that people in the Gardeners Bow area can access our information and services.
Reporting accessibility problems
We welcome feedback from users in Bow and beyond on how we can improve accessibility. If you notice content that you believe does not meet WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines or have suggestions for making our gardening information easier to use, please let us know. Your feedback supports our ongoing work to create an inclusive, accessible Gardeners Bow experience for everyone.
