1. Introduction
This Accessibility Statement outlines the commitments, standards, and measures implemented by Plan Checker, a trading name of Elegance Engineering Ltd. ("Plan Checker," "we," "us," or "our"), to ensure that our website, mobile application, and related services (collectively, the "Platform") are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Plan Checker is committed to providing a digital platform that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We aim to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA and to meet our obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
2. Our Commitment to Accessibility
2.1 Accessibility Principles
Plan Checker is committed to the following accessibility principles:
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable by all users.
- Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
2.2 Accessibility Standards
We aim to conform to the following standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA
- Accessibility requirements compatible with the Equality Act 2010
- Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (as a model of good practice, though we are not legally bound by these regulations as a private organization)
3. Accessible Features of Our Platform
3.1 Navigation and Structure
- Consistent navigation structure throughout the platform
- Skip to content links
- Logical heading structure
- Keyboard-accessible navigation
- Breadcrumb trails for complex processes
- Multiple navigation pathways to content
3.2 Visual Design
- High contrast mode option
- Resizable text without loss of functionality
- No content that flashes more than three times per second
- Text spacing and line height appropriate for readability
- Color is not used as the only means of conveying information
- Focus indicators for keyboard navigation
3.3 Content Accessibility
- Alternative text for all informative images
- Captions for video content
- Transcripts for audio content
- Descriptive link text (no "click here" links)
- Tables with proper headers and structure
- Forms with clear labels and error messages
- No time-limited content (where possible)
3.4 Technical Implementation
- Semantic HTML structure
- ARIA landmarks and roles where appropriate
- Screen reader compatible elements
- Functional with various input methods (keyboard, mouse, touch, voice)
- Support for browser text resizing and zooming
- Support for screen reader software
4. Accessibility Compliance Status
4.1 Current Compliance Level
As of the effective date of this statement, the Plan Checker platform has been evaluated against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Our platform:
- Fully complies with X out of Y success criteria
- Partially complies with Z success criteria
- Is working toward compliance with the remaining criteria
4.2 Known Limitations
We acknowledge the following accessibility limitations, which we are actively working to address:
- [Specific Feature]: [Description of limitation and estimated fix timeline]
- [Specific Feature]: [Description of limitation and estimated fix timeline]
- [Specific Feature]: [Description of limitation and estimated fix timeline]
4.3 Third-Party Content
Some content on our platform is provided by third parties and may not fully meet our accessibility standards. We are working with our partners to improve the accessibility of this content, but some limitations may remain.
5. Accessibility Evaluation Methods
We assess the accessibility of the Plan Checker platform through:
5.1 Automated Testing
- Regular automated scanning using [specific tools]
- Code reviews with accessibility linting tools
- Continuous integration testing for new features
5.2 Manual Testing
- Keyboard navigation testing
- Screen reader compatibility testing
- Color contrast analysis
- Usability testing with diverse users
- Expert accessibility audits
5.3 User Feedback
- Accessibility feedback from platform users
- Beta testing with users who have disabilities
- Consultation with accessibility experts
6. Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
6.1 Supported Assistive Technologies
The Plan Checker platform has been tested with and supports the following assistive technologies:
- Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
- Screen magnification software
- Speech recognition software
- Alternative input devices
- Browser accessibility extensions
6.2 Supported Browsers
We test accessibility features across major browsers, including:
- Google Chrome (latest two versions)
- Mozilla Firefox (latest two versions)
- Apple Safari (latest two versions)
- Microsoft Edge (latest two versions)
6.3 Mobile Accessibility
Our mobile application and responsive website are designed to be accessible on iOS and Android devices, supporting built-in accessibility features of these platforms.
7. User Support for Accessibility
7.1 Accessibility Help
For assistance with accessibility features:
- Email: accessibility@planchecker.co.uk
- Phone: [Insert accessibility support phone number when available]
- Response time: Within 2 business days
7.2 Alternative Formats
Upon request, we can provide:
- Text alternatives to complex visual information
- Simplified versions of complex interactive processes
- Direct assistance with completing tasks on the platform
7.3 Training and Guidance
We provide:
- User guides on how to use platform accessibility features
- Training for customer support staff on assisting users with disabilities
- Documentation in accessible formats
8. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
8.1 Reporting Accessibility Issues
If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using the Plan Checker platform, please:
- Email us at accessibility@planchecker.co.uk
- Provide detailed information about the issue, including:
- The page or feature where you encountered the problem
- The device and browser you were using
- The assistive technology you were using (if applicable)
- A description of the problem
- Any error messages you received
8.2 Improvement Process
Our accessibility improvement process includes:
- Prioritizing fixes based on impact and user needs
- Regular accessibility reviews of new features
- Quarterly platform-wide accessibility assessments
- Ongoing staff training on accessibility best practices
- Consultation with disability advocacy organizations
8.3 Accessibility Roadmap
Our ongoing accessibility improvements include:
- [Specific planned improvement and timeline]
- [Specific planned improvement and timeline]
- [Specific planned improvement and timeline]
9. Compliance Statement
While we strive for full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, we acknowledge that parts of the platform may not yet meet all standards. We are committed to:
- Addressing known issues in order of priority
- Ensuring new development meets accessibility requirements
- Responding promptly to accessibility feedback
- Providing reasonable accommodations where technical solutions are not immediately available
This statement represents our best effort to accurately report our current accessibility status and our commitment to improving accessibility for all users.
10. Changes to this Statement
We will update this Accessibility Statement as we improve our platform's accessibility features and address known limitations. Changes will be effective upon posting on the Platform with an updated "Effective Date."
11. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Accessibility Statement or for assistance with accessibility issues, please contact:
Plan Checker (Trading Name of Elegance Engineering Ltd.)
Email: info@planchecker.co.uk
Accessibility Email: accessibility@planchecker.co.uk
Company Registration No: 15900115
Registered in England and Wales