Our Commitment 

We aim to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA, across our digital services, as set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). We also work towards compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and EN 301 549 requirements. 

Accessibility is built into our design, content development, and product processes. We recognise that accessibility is an ongoing practice, not a one-off task, and we are committed to making meaningful progress year on year. 

• Help using your computer or mobile device
• Apple accessibility
• Google accessibility
• Microsoft accessibility

Our Accessibility Approach

We have recently refreshed our visual identity and, as part of this process, we have updated our digital properties and design system, components and content guidelines, all with accessibility as a key consideration. This includes reviewing typography, colour, interaction patterns, imagery, and content structure so that our brand is both visually distinctive and inclusive.

Before launch, we carried out an accessibility audit on our staging environment. This highlighted structural, navigational, colour and assistive-technology considerations, which we have been addressing as part of the rollout process.

Now the website is live, we will use the ReciteMe WCAG checker to support regular automated monitoring. Automated testing helps us identify potential issues quickly but does not replace manual testing. We therefore combine: 

• automated scans
• manual component and page reviews
• assistive-technology testing (screen readers, keyboard navigation, magnification)
• feedback from users

We do acknowledge that our approach is not perfect, and that there is still work to do. Some improvements require phased delivery, and others will be prioritised based on user impact.

Accessibility remains a continuous improvement priority throughout 2025 - 26, with updates planned across the year. 

Compliance Status 

Our website is working towards WCAG 2.2 AA. 

This means that many parts of our site meet accessibility standards, but some areas do need further work. 

To remain transparent, we list known issues below. 

Non-Accessible Content 

Issues We Are Actively Reviewing

• Some legacy PDFs are not yet fully tagged or accessible. 
• Consistency across ALT tags is a work in progress. 
• A small number of pages may contain incorrect heading levels or missing landmarks. 
• Some form labels and error messages may not be fully accessible to screen readers. 
• A small number of interactive components require further work to meet WCAG 2.2 AA, including:
  • Focus appearance and order 
  • Accessible authentication requirements 
  • Drag-and-drop alternatives 
  • Target size for touch inputs 
• Video content created before 2023 may not include audio descriptions. 

We are committed to doing the very best we can with the capacity and budget that’s available. However, providing audio descriptions for all historic video content would take a disproportionate amount of resource. We will continue to prioritise new or frequently accessed content and regularly update content as part of our commitment to regular reviews. 

Testing Accessibility

We use multiple testing approaches to ensure accessibility: 

• Manual audits carried out by trained accessibility reviewers
• Automated scans using recognised WCAG checking tools (including accessiBE & ReciteMe once live)
• Assistive technology testing across:
  • Readspeaker
  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Screen magnification
  • Mobile accessibility
• Cross-browser and cross-device testing
• Feedback from users, staff and partners 

Our last staging audit was completed earlier in 2025, and a follow-up audit is planned for Q1 in 2026. 

Accessibility Features We Support 

By using web standards and conforming to accessibility best practices, we’re working to provide experiences that cater for all our community and people whose situation may change over time, or in different situations. 

Clear Structure and Layout 

• Semantic HTML ensures compatibility with screen readers.
• Consistent use of headings, landmarks, and navigation patterns. 

Text and Content 

• We aim to write clearly and avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Text can be resized using browser tools without loss of functionality. 

Images 

• Alternative text is provided for meaningful images. 

Navigation 

• Consistent global navigation.
• Skip links available on many pages.
• Keyboard-accessible menus and interactive elements.
• Site search and content shortcuts. 

Downloads 

• All new and updated PDFs are provided in accessible formats.
• Work is ongoing to update legacy documents or provide accessible alternatives where possible. 

Third-Party Tools (accessiBe & ReadSpeaker) 

We provide optional support tools such as accessiBe (interface adjustments) and ReadSpeaker (text-to-speech). These tools are intended to enhance personal preference but do not replace accessible design or WCAG compliance.

Our goal is that all core functionality should remain accessible with or without these tools enabled.
 
We are set to review these tools, to ensure they continue to provide us, and our audience, the right support in 2026. 

Feedback and Contact Information 

If you need information in a different format, find a barrier, or have suggestions for improvement, please do contact us: 

Call: 01727 830038

Email: info@crohnssandcolitis.org.uk

Postal Address: Crohn's & Colitis UK, 1 Bishops Square (Helios Court), Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, AL10 9NE

If you submit feedback, please review our privacy policy to see how we handle your data.

We aim to respond within 10 working days. 

Preparation of This Accessibility Statement 

This statement was prepared in 2025 and updated for 2026. 

It will next be reviewed during the first half of 2026.