Making your service accessible
Test your service with users
When you are doing research, you need to include users who have disabilities or use assistive technologies. The GOV.UK Service Manual has guidance on running research sessions with people with disabilities.
Carry out automated and manual testing
We test the website regularly with automated and manual testing. We use a tool called Silktide here at Knowsley.
Write an accessibility statement
Once you’ve finished researching and testing your service, you need to write an accessibility statement. This is an important step as it’s part of the requirements of the accessibility regulations.
Test regularly
Once your service is live, it’s important to carry on testing and researching.
You need to:
- check any new features you add meet accessibility regulations
- continue testing the service with users with disabilities
Review your accessibility statement at least once a year and update it if there are any changes that affect the accessibility of your site.
Offline services
Think about other ways users will interact with your service.
Users who are deaf or have a speech impairment should have an alternative way to contact you. This could be by text, email or visiting in person.
If you send letters out, write them in plain English and provide these in alternative accessible formats such as large print or Braille.