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DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY

Purpose

This page sets out the standards organisations must follow to ensure that digital environments — including websites, platforms, documents, systems, and online services — are fully accessible to disabled people. Its purpose is to remove digital barriers, support independent navigation, and ensure that all users can access information and services with clarity, ease, and dignity.

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Principles

  • Inclusive by Design: Digital systems must be built to include disabled users from the outset, not retrofitted later.

  • Clarity and Simplicity: Information must be easy to read, understand, and navigate.

  • Compatibility: Digital content must work with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice input, and alternative navigation tools.

  • Consistency: Layouts, menus, and structures must follow predictable patterns to support ease of use.

  • Perceivability: Content must be presented in ways that all users can perceive, regardless of sensory or cognitive differences.

  • Operability: Users must be able to navigate and interact with digital content without barriers.

  • Robustness: Digital systems must function reliably across devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.

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What NWAF™ Expects

  • Digital content meets recognised accessibility standards and aligns with NWAF™ requirements.

  • Websites, portals, and internal systems are designed to support independent use by disabled people.

  • Documents are provided in accessible formats as standard practice.

  • Navigation structures are clear, predictable, and consistent across all digital environments.

  • Organisations maintain accessible communication channels, including email, forms, and online services.

  • Accessibility is considered at every stage of digital development and procurement.

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What Organisations Must Do

  • Ensure all digital content meets accessibility standards, including headings, alt text, contrast, and keyboard navigation.

  • Provide accessible versions of documents, including PDFs, Word files, and online forms.

  • Test digital systems with assistive technologies and disabled users.

  • Maintain clear, consistent navigation menus and page structures.

  • Use plain language and avoid unnecessary complexity.

  • Ensure videos include captions and transcripts.

  • Provide alternative contact methods for users who cannot access digital channels.

  • Regularly review and update digital accessibility as systems evolve.

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What Disabled Users Can Expect

  • Websites and digital services that are easy to navigate and understand.

  • Content that works with screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive tools.

  • Clear headings, labels, and instructions.

  • Accessible documents and forms without needing to request them.

  • Consistent layouts that support independent use.

  • Multiple ways to access information and communicate with organisations.

  • A commitment to continuous improvement in digital accessibility.

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Why This Matters

Digital accessibility is essential for equal participation in modern life. When digital systems are inaccessible, disabled people face unnecessary barriers that limit independence, opportunity, and inclusion. By embedding accessibility into all digital environments, organisations uphold their legal duties, strengthen user trust, and create systems that work for everyone.

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Version Information

  • Version: 1.0

  • Status: Published

  • Approved by: Founder

  • Last Updated: 19 February 2026

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