Accessibility Statement
Last updated: 9 October 2024
Gadihoe is committed to ensuring that its online learning platform is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We continuously work to improve the accessibility of our content and services in accordance with recognised international standards.
Our Commitment
We aim to provide an inclusive digital experience for every learner. Our goal is to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA as a baseline standard. These guidelines explain how to make digital content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.
Scope
This statement applies to all pages and content published on the Gadihoe platform, including lecture pages, course materials, contact forms, and supporting informational pages accessible via gadihoe.info.
Current Accessibility Features
Navigation and Structure
- All pages use semantic HTML to convey structure and meaning
- Heading levels are applied in a logical, hierarchical order
- Navigation landmarks are present to support screen reader users
- Keyboard navigation is supported throughout the platform
- Skip-to-content links are provided to bypass repetitive navigation
Text and Readability
- Text content meets minimum contrast ratio requirements of 7:1 against background colours
- Font sizes are defined in relative units to support browser-level text resizing
- No information is conveyed by colour alone
- Plain language is used throughout to support cognitive accessibility
Multimedia Content
- Audio content is accompanied by text transcripts where available
- Video content includes captions where technically feasible
- Decorative images are marked with empty alternative text so screen readers can ignore them
- Functional images include descriptive alternative text
Forms and Interactive Elements
- All form fields include visible labels associated programmatically with their inputs
- Error messages are descriptive and identify the specific field requiring attention
- Interactive controls are operable via keyboard without requiring a mouse
- Focus states are clearly visible on all interactive elements
Known Limitations
While we strive to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA across the entire platform, some areas may not yet fully conform. Known limitations include:
- Certain third-party embedded content may not fully meet our accessibility standards
- Some older archived lecture materials may lack complete captions or transcripts
- PDF documents linked from the platform may have variable accessibility depending on their source
We are actively working to address these limitations as part of our ongoing improvement programme.
Assistive Technology Compatibility
Our platform is designed to be compatible with the following types of assistive technologies:
- Screen readers, including those commonly used on desktop and mobile operating systems
- Screen magnification software
- Speech recognition and voice input tools
- Switch access and alternative input devices
- Browser-based accessibility extensions
We recommend using an up-to-date browser alongside the latest version of your preferred assistive technology for the best experience.
Standards and Guidelines Referenced
| Standard | Version | Conformance Target |
|---|---|---|
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) | 2.1 | Level AA |
| Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) | 1.2 | Applied where appropriate |
| HTML Living Standard | Current | Semantic markup throughout |
Feedback and Contact
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our platform. If you experience any barriers while using Gadihoe, or if you require content in an alternative format, please contact us. We aim to respond to all accessibility-related enquiries within five business days.
- Email: contact@gadihoe.info
- Phone: +353 599 722 607
- Post: The Quay, Rosbeg, Roman Island, Co. Mayo, F28 KW65, Ireland
When contacting us, please describe the specific page or feature you encountered difficulty with, the assistive technology or browser you were using, and the nature of the barrier you experienced. This information helps us investigate and resolve issues more effectively.
Enforcement and Escalation
If you are not satisfied with our response to an accessibility concern, you may escalate your complaint through your national or regional digital accessibility enforcement body. We are committed to engaging constructively with any formal accessibility complaint process.
Review and Updates
This accessibility statement is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to reflect changes to the platform and progress made against known limitations. Significant updates to our platform are preceded by accessibility testing to maintain and improve conformance over time.
We recognise that accessibility is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task, and we remain committed to continuous improvement in service of all our learners.