Close
This accessibility statement applies to the Digital Architecture Library.
This website is run by The Essential Project. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this application, which means that you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts
- zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate the website using just a keyboard
- navigate the website using speech recognition software
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader
There are a number of customisation options for your browser and device that could help you use this application and other applications more effectively. AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
Feedback and contact information
Please contact us if you have an accessibility query including:
- If you are experiencing issues with accessing information or using the application
- If you find an accessibility problem not listed on this statement
- If you have positive feedback on the accessibility considerations made.
When you contact the Digital Architecture Library team, there is a process in place to acknowledge your contact, you will receive an email stating who is dealing with your query. This response should also outline potential timescales by which you can expect a reply.
We aim to respond to all contacts within 3-5 working days.
Reporting accessibility problems with this application
We formally test the accessibility of key user journeys that represent the breadth of content across our website on a regular basis against WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.2 AA standards.
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of this application. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us.
Read tips on contacting organisation about inaccessible websites.
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Technical information about this application's accessibility
University College London is committed to making this application accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
This application is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.
Non-accessible content
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
The images in use do not provide adequate ALT text information, which does not meet the requirements. This fails WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A).
Several fields on the viewer lack appropriate labels, which makes it difficult for screen reader users to identify them. This fails WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A).
While navigating the site using the keyboard only, users are unable to:
- Interact with the ‘Share’ menu once it is opened
- Create a new thread in the ‘Comments’ menu
- Close the menus using the X icon (menus can be closed by selecting the corresponding navigation bar option again)
- Open the ‘Language/Logout’ options menu
The issues above all fail WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard (A).
There is currently no option to bypass block elements, which would allow users to avoid at least 11 tab stops before reaching the first reporting view. This fails WCAG 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (A).
The icons along the navigation bar are not recognised by screen readers, resulting in them not being announced to end users. This fails WCAG 2.5.3 Label in Name (A) and WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (A).
The page does not have its language specified in the HTML, which fails WCAG 3.1.1 Language of Page (A).
Disproportionate burden
At this time, we have not made any disproportionate burden claims.
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
This section covers issues that we do not need to fix right now. The law calls these exemptions.
Third-party content
Our websites may contain third-party content. We do not have control over and are not responsible for the accessibility of this content, but we make best endeavours to work with the third-party to improve its accessibility. This may include:
- links to non-UCL websites
- content/functionality on our website
- content hosted on other websites, such as social media sites.
To help accessibility compliance across the sector, University College London supports searchBOX, a centralised, independent directory of third-party accessibility information.
searchBOX catalogues the contact information and accessibility statements of third-party suppliers, enables the sharing of community-generated accessibility statements, and allows users to map their supplier ecosystem.
Users can access third-party accessibility statements using the free searchBOX Finder service.
University College London encourages all our partners and suppliers to support this effort by ensuring that their accessibility information is included in the searchBOX directory.
Our testing processes
We tested this web application using a combination of manual and automated checks. If you find an issue we have not yet identified, you can report it to us. We’ll pass this information to the web app owner who will review the issue, make sure it is included in our plan to fix issues and add it to the accessibility statement when it is next updated.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 21 January 2025. It was last reviewed on 21 January 2025. This application was last tested on 21 January 2025. The test was carried out by the UCL.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
University College London (UCL) are working to fix or provide alternatives for all issues that we are made aware of and as identified by our periodic internal testing and auditing processes.