Accessibility Statement
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1. Our Commitment
Douglas Estates and Properties Limited is committed to ensuring that our website and digital services are accessible, inclusive and usable by as many people as reasonably possible, regardless of age, ability, disability, technology or individual circumstances.
We believe that everyone should be able to access information about our services with dignity, independence and confidence. Accessibility is an important part of our commitment to delivering a professional, respectful and inclusive experience for every visitor.
We continually seek to improve the accessibility, usability and overall quality of our website through ongoing monitoring, review and development.
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2. Our Approach
Accessibility is considered throughout the design, development and maintenance of our website.
We aim to create a website that is:
• easy to navigate;
• simple to understand;
• compatible with commonly used technologies;
• usable across a wide range of devices;
• accessible to users with differing needs and abilities.
Where improvements are identified, we aim to implement them as part of our programme of continuous website development.
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3. Accessibility Standards
We aim to develop and maintain our website with reference to recognised accessibility good practice, including the principles set out within the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Level AA, wherever reasonably practicable.
These internationally recognised guidelines are designed to make digital content more accessible for people with visual, hearing, motor, cognitive, neurological and other disabilities.
Accessibility is viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise.
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4. Accessibility Features
Where reasonably practicable, our website is designed to include features that support accessibility, including:
• clear page layouts;
• logical navigation;
• consistent page structure;
• meaningful headings;
• descriptive page titles;
• readable typography;
• sufficient spacing between elements;
• responsive design for mobile and tablet devices;
• keyboard-accessible navigation where possible;
• descriptive alternative text for appropriate images;
• accessible form labels;
• meaningful link descriptions;
• consistent colour usage;
• scalable text through browser settings;
• compatibility with common accessibility technologies.
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5. Visual Accessibility
We recognise that visitors may experience a wide range of visual impairments.
Accordingly, we seek to ensure that:
• text is presented clearly;
• font sizes remain legible;
• page layouts remain uncluttered;
• colour is not relied upon as the sole means of conveying information;
• sufficient contrast exists between text and backgrounds wherever reasonably practicable;
• users may enlarge text using browser functionality without significant loss of content or functionality.
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6. Keyboard Navigation
Where reasonably practicable, our website is designed so that visitors can navigate using a keyboard without requiring a mouse or touch input.
This includes access to menus, navigation controls and interactive content wherever possible.
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7. Screen Reader Compatibility
We seek to structure our website so that commonly used screen readers can interpret content effectively.
This includes, where appropriate:
• structured headings;
• logical reading order;
• descriptive links;
• meaningful page titles;
• accessible form labels;
• alternative text for relevant images.
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8. Images and Alternative Text
Where images convey important information, we aim to provide appropriate alternative text descriptions to assist visitors using screen readers.
Decorative images may intentionally contain empty alternative text so they can be ignored by assistive technologies, reducing unnecessary distraction.
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9. Documents
Where downloadable documents are made available, we aim to ensure they are presented in formats that are as accessible as reasonably practicable.
Some older documents or third-party documents may not fully meet current accessibility expectations.
Where this occurs, we will endeavour to provide information in an alternative format upon request where reasonably possible.
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10. Forms
We seek to ensure that website forms are designed with accessibility in mind.
This may include:
• clearly labelled fields;
• logical completion order;
• accessible error messages;
• clear instructions;
• sufficient time for completion where appropriate.
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11. Mobile Accessibility
Our website is designed to function across a range of devices, including:
• desktop computers;
• laptops;
• tablets;
• smartphones.
Layouts are intended to adapt automatically to different screen sizes to improve readability and usability.
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12. Browser Compatibility
We endeavour to support current versions of widely used web browsers.
Visitors using significantly older browsers or unsupported software may experience reduced functionality.
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13. Assistive Technologies
Where reasonably practicable, we seek to maintain compatibility with commonly used assistive technologies, including:
• screen readers;
• screen magnifiers;
• speech recognition software;
• keyboard navigation software;
• browser accessibility settings;
• operating system accessibility features.
Compatibility may vary depending upon the technology being used.
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14. Plain Language
We aim to write website content in language that is clear, professional and understandable.
Whilst certain legal and regulatory information necessarily contains technical terminology, we endeavour to explain information as clearly as reasonably possible.
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15. Multimedia Content
Where multimedia content is published, we will seek to make it as accessible as reasonably practicable.
This may include captions, transcripts or other accessible alternatives where appropriate and proportionate.
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16. Third-Party Content
Our website may contain content, software or services provided by third parties.
Examples may include:
• interactive maps;
• property search services;
• virtual tours;
• embedded videos;
• social media content.
Whilst we endeavour to work with reputable providers, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of third-party services that are outside our direct control.
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17. Ongoing Improvements
Accessibility is reviewed as part of the continuing development of our website.
We regularly consider:
• user feedback;
• technological developments;
• browser compatibility;
• accessibility guidance;
• changes in recognised standards;
• website functionality;
• emerging best practice.
Where improvements are identified, we seek to implement them within future website updates where reasonably practicable.
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18. Feedback
We welcome feedback regarding the accessibility of our website.
If you encounter any difficulty accessing information, experience technical barriers or believe any part of our website could be improved, we encourage you to contact us.
Your feedback assists us in improving accessibility for all users.
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19. Alternative Formats
Where reasonably practicable, we will seek to provide information in an alternative format upon request.
This may include:
• larger text;
• alternative digital formats;
• additional assistance in accessing information.
Requests will be considered on an individual basis.
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20. Reporting Accessibility Issues
If you experience an accessibility issue, please provide as much detail as possible, including:
• the webpage involved;
• the nature of the issue;
• the device used;
• browser information;
• any assistive technology being used.
Providing this information enables us to investigate more effectively and improve the experience for future visitors.
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21. Continuous Review
This Accessibility Statement is reviewed periodically to reflect developments in accessibility standards, legislation, technology and our website.
Accessibility remains an ongoing commitment rather than a single project, and we will continue to assess opportunities to improve the inclusiveness of our digital services.
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22. Contact Us
If you require assistance accessing any information on our website, wish to request information in an alternative format or would like to provide accessibility feedback, please contact:
Douglas Estates and Properties Limited
Unit 3
Wilden Lane
Wilden Industrial Estate
Stourport-on-Severn
Worcestershire
DY13 9JY
Email: enquiries@douglasestatesandproperties.com
Telephone: 01299 575719