Customise this site
You can make this site easier to use
Here's some suggestions for changing the way you can use this site.
Use the Accessibility Navbar
When you select the tab key on your keyboard you should find a selection of four 'quick links' which are aimed to provide quick access to parts of the site. These links are collectively known as the Accessibility Navbar. Here's an explanation of each link:
- customise this site - this is the link to this page; where you can adjust settings and make changes to the website to suit your own needs
- site map - if you're lost and need to find a page, try the site map
- jump to content - this is an internal link which moves the cursor (or point of focus) to the main content by jumping past the first list of navigational links
Change text size
You can adjust the size of the text throughout any accessible site by using your browser or keyboard and mouse. For example if you use the Firefox or Internet Explorer browsers, you can adjust text size by going to View > Text Size and making your desired choice. Alternatively, if you have a mouse with a scroll-wheel you can press your control key (Ctrl) and move the scroll-wheel back-and-forth to change the text size.
Switch style sheets
This style sheet switcher sets a cookie on your machine in order to remember which style you choose each time you visit the site.
Small screen style sheet
This option simplifies the way the page is displayed and therefore makes it most suitable for the small screens of handheld devices like mobile telephones and PDAs.
Works with devices that recognise the 'handheld' style sheet.
You can view the simplified version with most desktop browsers though... go ahead and try!
Default style sheet
This is the default styling of the page. So, if you're using one of the most common desktop browsers you will automatically be shown the 'Default' style sheet option.
Set your Keyboard shortcuts
This site uses the accesskey attribute. Most browsers support jumping to specific links by typing keys defined on the web site. On Windows, you can press ALT + an access key; on Macintosh, you can press Control + an access key.
Unfortunately, access keys often clash with keys set aside for use with other UAs (i.e. assistive technology). For this reason, we have decided to not set default access keys, but rather let you set your own (for specific elements) through our Access Key Preferences form.
Note: Internet Explorer requires you to press ALT + an access key + Enter to access linked documents.
Learn how to maximise the in-built functionality of your browser
Most modern browsers provide a great wealth of functionality built-in to help you view web pages. The main browsers in use today are listed below; follow the links for infomation on how to harness more power from your browser.
Some further reading
Find out more about web accessibility and why web accessibility is important. Read about web browsers and assistive technologies like screen readers to see how they enhance the experience of surfing the web for those with a disability. Check out this accessibility software:
- JAWS, a screen reader for Windows. A time-limited, downloadable demo is available.
- Home Page Reader, a screen reader for Windows. A downloadable demo is available.
- Lynx, a free text-only web browser for blind users with refreshable Braille displays.
- Links, a free text-only web browser for visual users with low bandwidth.
- Opera, a visual browser with many accessibility-related features, including text zooming, user stylesheets, image toggle. A free downloadable version is available. Compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and several other operating systems.
And finally, below are some platform specific links that show you how to modify a website further:
