At the Guernsey Bereavement Service, we are committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our visitors, volunteers, and those seeking our support.

Our Accessibility Policy outlines the rules and principles we adhere to in order to achieve our accessibility goals. It’s a formal document that guides our efforts to prevent and remove barriers, ensuring that our services and resources are accessible to everyone. Here are some key points about accessibility policies:

Purpose:

The policy sets the tone for our commitment to accessibility. It emphasises our dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all users, regardless of visible or non-visible disabilities.

Scope:

Our policy applies to all aspects of our organisation, including digital platforms, physical spaces, and communication channels.

Legal Compliance:

We align our policy with relevant laws and regulations

Our Commitment:

- We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA**.

- We regularly test and audit our website to identify and address any accessibility barriers.

Accessible Features:

- Alternative text for images and non-text content

- Captions and transcripts for videos and audio content

- Keyboard-accessible navigation and functionality

- Clear and consistent headings, labels, and instructions

- Sufficient colour contrast and text resizing options

Feedback and Support:

- If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at manager@gbs.org.gg.

- We welcome feedback from individuals with disabilities and those who use assistive technologies.

- Our volunteer listeners and counsellors are trained to provide support and accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Continuous Improvement:

- We are committed to continuously enhancing the accessibility of our website and services.

- We regularly review and update our accessibility policy to ensure it aligns with current guidelines and best practices.

- We stay informed about advancements in accessibility technologies and implement them as appropriate.

This policy applies to all content and functionality on our website, https://www.guernseybereavementservice.com/.

If you have any questions or concerns about our accessibility policy, please contact manager@gbs.org.gg

Last updated: 8th April 2024

** Re the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, this is relevant to Guernsey's accessibility laws and regulations.

Although Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are not explicitly mentioned in the Guernsey Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2020-2025, the strategy emphasises aligning with international standards and best practices for accessibility.

The States of Guernsey's "Website Accessibility Policy" specifically requires conformance to WCAG 2.1, Level AA, setting a precedent for other organisations in Guernsey to follow. Including a commitment to WCAG 2.1 in your accessibility policy demonstrates alignment with Guernsey's accessibility laws and best practices, showing that your organisation takes web accessibility seriously.

WCAG 2.1, Level AA explained:

1. Your website should be perceivable:

- Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., images, videos)

- Offer captions and other alternatives for multimedia

- Make content adaptable and available to assistive technologies

2. Your website should be operable:

- Make all functionality available from a keyboard

- Give users enough time to read and use content

- Avoid content that causes seizures or physical reactions

- Help users navigate and find content

3. Your website should be understandable:

- Make text readable and understandable

- Make content appear and operate in predictable ways

- Help users avoid and correct mistakes

4. Your website should be robust:

- Maximise compatibility with current and future user tools