NADSN website accessibility policy


1. Statement of commitment

NADSN is committed to ensuring that all digital services, including websites, mobile applications, and online documents, are accessible to disabled people. We aim to provide an inclusive digital environment in line with the Equality Act 2010 and recognised accessibility best practices. This commitment reflects our responsibility to remove barriers and ensure equal access for all users.

2. Purpose of this policy

The purpose of this policy is to set out NADSN’s approach to digital accessibility and to provide clear internal guidance on how accessibility will be implemented, monitored, and maintained. It outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and standards required to ensure our digital content is accessible and compliant with UK accessibility legislation.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all digital content and platforms managed, commissioned, or funded by NADSN, including:

  • Websites and subdomains

  • Mobile applications

  • Web-based systems and portals

  • Online documents (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

  • Multimedia content (audio, video, images)

  • Third‑party digital tools integrated into our services

This scope ensures clarity on which assets must meet accessibility requirements.

4. Roles and responsibilities

To ensure accountability and effective implementation, volunteers involved in website development, digital content creation, or procurement must help ensure that NADSN’s digital content meets WCAG 2.2 AA.

5. Legal compliance

NADSN seeks to comply with the following UK laws and regulations:

  • Equality Act 2010 – duty to make reasonable adjustments and avoid discrimination

  • Data protection and privacy laws where relevant to accessibility tools

We also recognise international best practice and commit to meeting:

  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA as the minimum technical standard

6. Accessibility standards

All digital content must conform to:

  • WCAG 2.2 AA as the minimum technical standard. This includes requirements for content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, and reflects current accessibility best practice.

7. Procurement

Accessibility must be considered when procuring digital products, services, or platforms. Suppliers must demonstrate:

  • Conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA

  • A documented accessibility evaluation (e.g., VPAT/ACR)

  • No reliance on overlay‑based “quick fix” tools, which are not considered compliant solutions

  • Ability to provide ongoing accessibility support and maintenance


8. Training

All staff and volunteers involved in creating, managing, or commissioning digital content must ensure they have had appropriate accessibility training. NADSN will provide this for members.

Training ensures accessibility is embedded into everyday practice.

9. Accessibility statement

A public accessibility statement will be published on our website, including:

  • Our commitment to accessibility

  • Known issues and planned improvements

  • Contact details for reporting accessibility problems

·       Expected response times

This statement will be reviewed at least annually.

10. Feedback and support

Users can report accessibility issues via:

All feedback will be acknowledged within 48 hours and addressed promptly.


11. Policy review

This policy is a living document and will be reviewed annually or when significant changes occur in legislation, standards, or organisational structure.

12. Public accessibility statement (website version)

NADSN is committed to making its website and digital content accessible to as many people as possible. We want everyone who uses our website to be able to access information, complete key tasks, and request support without unnecessary barriers.

We aim for our website to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA as our minimum standard. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we regularly review our content, design, and functionality to identify and address barriers.

We know that some parts of our website may not yet be fully accessible. Where issues are identified, we will prioritise improvements and provide alternative formats or support where reasonably possible.

If you experience difficulty using our website, need information in a different format, or want to report an accessibility issue, please contact us. When contacting us, it helps if you tell us which page or document you were using, the issue you experienced, and what format or support you need.

Contact details:

We will acknowledge accessibility enquiries as quickly as possible and aim to provide a substantive response within a reasonable timeframe.

This statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated when significant changes are made to the website or our accessibility approach.

13. Volunteers accessibility checklist

Use this checklist when creating or updating web pages, documents, forms, or multimedia content.

  • Headings and structure: Use clear headings in the right order and make sure content follows a logical reading sequence.

  • Plain English: Write clearly, avoid jargon where possible, and explain abbreviations the first time they are used.

  • Links: Use meaningful link text so people understand where a link goes without reading surrounding text.

  • Colour and contrast: Seek advice on NADSN branding from Directors. Do not rely on colour alone to convey meaning, and make sure text is easy to read against the background.

  • Images: Add alternative text to informative images and avoid using images of text where possible.

  • Documents: Use built-in heading styles, real bullet lists, descriptive table headings, and meaningful document titles.

  • Tables: Use tables only for data, keep them simple, and include clear row or column headings.

  • Forms: Make sure every field has a clear label and that instructions and error messages are easy to understand.

  • Video and audio: Provide captions for videos, transcripts for audio, and additional descriptions where visual information is essential.

  • Keyboard access: Check that users can move through interactive content using a keyboard alone.

  • Testing: Review content before publishing and fix obvious accessibility issues promptly.

  • Support: If you are unsure, ask for advice before publishing.

14. Short accessibility clause for contracts and procurement

Suppliers providing websites, software, digital services, documents, or other digital content to NADSN must ensure that deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

On request, suppliers must provide reasonable evidence of accessibility, such as test results, accessibility statements, or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) or equivalent documentation.

Where accessibility issues are identified, suppliers must work with NADSN to agree a proportionate remediation plan and timescale, and must not present overlay-based tools as a substitute for accessible design and development.

Suppliers should notify NADSN of any known accessibility limitations that may affect disabled users and provide accessible alternatives or support where reasonably possible.