Introduction
We do our best to fulfil the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) guidelines for accessibility. We consider this as an ongoing process of reassessment and we are continually working to make our site more accessible for individuals with disabilities as the technology and standards allow.
Text Reader
We have provided a link at the top of each page to allow site users to access our website content in a simplified text reader only format via the W3C.
Access Keys
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommends the use of access keys through their Web Accessibility Initiative. Access keys are specifically defined keys that are assigned to hyperlinks or other elements withiin a web page. For example a hyperlink may have a letter or number associated with it, which when used targets that specified link, this removing the need to use a mouse to navigate.
We have defined access keys to all areas of our site and they are illustrated by a bold character in the menu text, for example:
- Access key 'a' - Accessibility Page Information (this page)
- Access key 'h' - The Main Blackbird Solutions Home Page
- Access key 'b' - Information About Us
- Access key 'c' - Contacting Blackbird Solutions, etc.
How To Use Access Keys
The table below shows which key combinations to use for different browsers. Not every browser or version supports access keys (notably Netscape version 6 or earlier). In addition, behaviour differs from browser to browser; IE in later versions requires use of the Enter key after using an Alt key.
Access Key Combinations
Browser Type |
O/S |
Access Key Combinations |
Firefox, Mozilla |
PC |
Hold down the ALT key and press the letter of the access key |
Firefox, Mozilla |
Mac |
Hold down the CTRL key and press the letter of the access key |
| Firefox, Mozilla |
Linux |
Hold down the ALT key and press the letter of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 5+ |
PC |
Hold down the ALT key and press the letter of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER |
| Internet Explorer 4 |
PC |
Hold down the ALT key and press the letter of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 5+ |
Mac |
Hold down the CTRL key and press the letter of the access key |
| Internet Explorer 4.5 |
Mac |
Access keys not supported |
| Opera |
All |
Hold down the Shift key and press Escape, release both keys,then press the letter of the access key |
| Konqueror |
Linux |
Hold down the CTRL key and press the letter of the access key |
| Safari and Omniweb |
Mac |
Hold down the CTRL key and press the letter of the access key |
| Netscape 6 and earlier |
PC/Mac |
Access keys not supported |
| Netscape 7 |
PC |
Hold down the ALT key and press the letter of the access key |
Links
We try to ensure that all links are describe logically rather than 'click here'. Where possible links are given a TITLE attribute to help fully explain the purpose of the link.
Your Help
If you have any suggestions on how we can improve on our accessibility, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact us page with your ideas or suggestions. |
