Accessibility

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of disability, as stated in the Equal Opportunities Policy, and is committed to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001.

Web accessibility

As a minimum, we aim for WCAG Level A approval, while adhering to HTML5 and CSS 2.1 compliance.

Page content has been structured with appropriate headings, and visual media, such as images, has alternative text where appropriate. Where possible, tables are used only to display tabular data (with summary attribute).

The BBC's My Web My Way explains the many ways you can change your browser, computer, keyboard and mouse settings to make the web more accessible to you.

Access keys

Access keys are used to allow keyboard navigation and are based on the UK Government's recommendation:

  • s – Skip navigation to content
  • 1 – Home page
  • 2 – Latest news
  • 3 – Site map
  • 4 – Search
  • 8 – Terms and conditions
  • 9 – Contact us
  • 0 – Access key details (this page)

In addition, the letter 'n' jumps to the main navigation.

Please note that shortcuts for access keys vary between browsers.

Built-in browser accessibility

Some of the most popular web browsers also have their own built-in accessibility features that you can use to improve your online experience:

Google Chrome

Find out how to use the accessibility features in Google Chrome:

Internet Explorer

Find out about Internet Explorer accessibility options

Safari

Find out how to use the accessibility features in Safari.

Firefox

Find out how to use the accessibility features in Firefox.

Physical accessibility

Heriot-Watt University works with DisabledGo to have our Edinburgh Campus audited and advertised on the DisabledGo website. DisabledGo are an organisation that highlight facilities for disabled people by providing in depth information on buildings, facilities and access. During 2009, our links with DisabledGo were further developed with the DisabledGo link enabling disabled students, staff and visitors to find out about access at our University via our website.