Gardening Southwark Accessibility Commitments

Gardening Southwark is committed to making our online and community gardening information accessible to as many people as possible. This statement explains our accessibility standards, what we have implemented, and how we support people with different needs. We aim to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level and continually improve our site and communications to meet that standard.

We design our pages and resources so they are readable and navigable for people using assistive technologies. Our approach includes clear structure, consistent headings, and descriptive link text. Where possible we provide alternative formats such as printed summaries for community events and easy-read versions of seasonal advice for community gardeners across Southwark.

Our site and service pages aim for robust screen-reader support. We use semantic HTML, ARIA landmarks where appropriate, and logical reading order so screen readers deliver meaningful content. Headings and lists are ordered to reflect content hierarchy, and image descriptions are provided for key illustrations to support understanding for users who cannot see the images.

We prioritise keyboard navigation so people who cannot use a mouse can access our content and features. All interactive elements are focusable and operable by keyboard alone. Forms, menus, and dialogs are designed so focus order is predictable and clearly visible. If a temporary focus trap is required (for example, in a modal dialog), we ensure an accessible exit method is present.

Accessibility testing combines automated checks with manual review and user testing in community settings. We test colour contrast, text resizing, and responsive layouts so information remains accessible whether accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Southwark gardening resources are reviewed periodically, and adjustments are made based on evolving standards and reports from users.

Content creators across our gardening projects receive guidance on accessible writing: concise headings, short paragraphs, and descriptive captions for diagrams. We provide lists for complex steps; for example, simple planting instructions use

• plain language
• clear sequencing
• visual and text alternatives

so instructions are easier to follow for everyone.

Technical standards and limitations

We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for both new and updated pages. Where older archived materials do not yet meet these standards, we document exceptions and make alternative formats available on request. Our technical statement explains known issues, the priority for fixes, and timelines for remediation. We also use techniques that aid readability, such as adjustable text size and spacing, and avoid content that flashes or moves unexpectedly.

How to request accessibility assistance

If you need information in a different format, or require assistance to access gardening content, please contact our Accessibility Officer. We do not publish direct contact details in this statement; instead, you can request assistance through local community centres, printed notices at project sites, or during in-person sessions where staff can connect you with the appropriate channels. We will respond and aim to provide requested formats or support in a timely manner.

Continuous improvement: Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We review feedback, testing results, and new guidance to update our practices. If you encounter a barrier, describe the page or service, the device and browser you used, and the nature of the difficulty when you get in touch. We log and prioritise issues and strive to resolve them promptly to improve access for all participants in community gardening in Southwark.

Thank you for engaging with our accessibility statement. Our aim is to support inclusive participation in all Gardening Southwark activities through clear communication, accessible tools, and responsive support. We welcome reports of accessibility problems and suggestions for improvement so that everyone in Southwark can enjoy community gardening opportunities.