Accessibility statement
A directory of disability services that is itself hard to use would be an embarrassment. Here is what we have done, what we have not, and how to tell us when we have got it wrong.
What we build to
We target WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Specifically, and verifiably in the code:
- Every text and background pair used on this site meets AA contrast. The palette is pinned in one file with measured ratios recorded alongside it, so a future change cannot quietly break it.
- A skip link is the first thing in the tab order on every page.
- Focus is never hidden. Focused elements get a thick, high-contrast outline that is deliberately hard to miss.
- Interactive targets are at least 48 pixels tall, which matters for anyone using a head pointer, a switch, or one hand.
- Every page uses real landmarks and a sensible heading order, so screen reader users can jump rather than wade.
- Colour is never the only way information is conveyed. Cancelled meetings say “Cancelled”; they are not merely greyed out.
- Result counts announce themselves when filters change, rather than updating silently.
- We honour
prefers-reduced-motionandprefers-contrastrather than overriding them. - Forms use real labels, hints tied to their fields, and errors announced as alerts — never colour alone, never placeholder text doing a label’s job.
- Pages work without JavaScript for reading and searching. Filtering and search are ordinary links and form submissions.
How we describe access
We do not let listings say only “wheelchair accessible”. That phrase has meant a step, a locked toilet and a lift that was out more times than any of us can count. Instead we record specific features — step-free entrance, hoist on site, hearing loop, adult changing bench, quiet space — and ask groups to write access notes concrete enough for someone who has never been there.
What is not right yet
Stated plainly, because a statement that claims perfection is useless:
- This has been tested with keyboard navigation, automated contrast checks and structural review. It has not yet been tested end-to-end with NVDA, JAWS or VoiceOver users, and it has not been audited by disabled testers. Until it has, treat these claims as intent backed by care, not as proof.
- We do not yet offer an easy-read version of the site, though we tag listings that provide easy-read material.
- There is no South African Sign Language video content. Some listings offer SASL and are tagged accordingly.
- Provider descriptions are written by providers, so reading level varies and we cannot guarantee plain language throughout.
- Access details are supplied by providers and groups. We check what we can, but buildings change and equipment breaks.
Tell us when we get it wrong
If something on this site is hard to use, or a listing’s access details are wrong, tell us and we will fix it. Access corrections are actioned the same day. You do not need to explain your disability or justify the request.
Message the hub on WhatsApp, or use the report an access problem form.
Reviewing this statement
We review this page whenever the site changes materially, and at minimum every six months. If a claim here stops being true, the claim gets removed rather than quietly left standing.