Accessibility Beyond Boundaries
In a world increasingly driven by digital technology, accessibility often becomes just a checklist—a set of boxes to tick rather than a genuine commitment to true inclusivity. In the rush to meet standards and regulations, most organisations lose sight of the real intent behind them. The heart of accessibility lies not in mere compliance but in a deeper understanding of human diversity— embracing the full range of needs and experiences that define us all. However, this profound insight into human diversity and the true essence of accessibility often gets lost in the relentless race to meet standards. The focus tends to shift towards what’s quantifiable—metrics, standards, and benchmarks—at the expense of what’s meaningful: the human experience.
Accessibility is a fundamental human right. At Humane Mind, we recognise and honour the inherent worth of every human being. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, age, abilities, or circumstances, deserves equal access to information, services, and opportunities in the digital realm.
While some organisations focus on removing conventional barriers in technology, design, and user experience with traditional thinking, we aim to go beyond that—challenging the societal, cultural, and psychological boundaries that often go unaddressed and restrict true accessibility. We embrace our moral responsibility to reimagine a digital world where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered—without limitations.
We understand that human needs are diverse and ever-evolving, and we shape our efforts with empathy, innovation, and foresight. Our drive goes beyond simply meeting the needs of those who are already well-served; it’s about elevating the experience for everyone, including those who might be overlooked or marginalised in the digital world. We innovate to redefine digital engagement, where accessibility is seamlessly integrated into every interaction, every product, and every service we offer—so that no one is left behind.
It’s our mission, our passion, and our promise to create a future where boundaries are not just crossed but erased, where the tools and platforms we build serve as bridges—not just between people and technology, but between people and their potential.
Accessibility in Action: Our Website
Accessibility begins with our online home—our website. It isn’t just a platform—it’s a gateway to connection, knowledge, and empowerment. We’ve taken deliberate and thoughtful steps to make it not just easy to navigate, but also a joy to use for all—no matter their background, age, abilities, or circumstances. It’s a place where everyone belongs, fully able to engage and make the most of it—just as easily as anyone else.
1. Inclusive Design from the Ground Up
From the outset, our website has been designed following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. We’ve created web content that is not just accessible, but also welcoming for everyone, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments. Every element, from the layout to the smallest details, is crafted to feel natural and empowering to all.
A. Perceivable
Everyone, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities, can easily access and engage with our content.
a. Text Alternatives: Every visual or non-text element is thoughtfully tagged with descriptive text alternatives, creating a seamless experience for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to access information.
b. Time-Based Media: Captions and transcripts are provided for all pre-recorded and live video content, opening the door for users with hearing impairments to engage meaningfully with our multimedia offerings.
c. Adaptability: Our design embraces flexibility, allowing users to resize text without losing any content or functionality. Whether adjusting for larger or smaller text, every visitor can navigate our website with ease. We’ve also integrated high contrast settings to make text and images stand out, helping those with low vision to see and engage clearly.
B. Operable
Our website is designed to be fully operable for all users, including those with motor and dexterity impairments, so that interacting with our content feels seamless and empowering.
a. Keyboard Navigation: We’ve made it possible to navigate our entire website using just a keyboard. This allows users who cannot use a mouse to engage fully with our content, moving through it with ease and confidence.
b. Timing Adjustment: We’ve integrated features that let users control time limits on content. This means that anyone who needs extra time to interact with our site can do so comfortably, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
c. Seizure and Physical Reaction Prevention: Our content is carefully crafted to avoid elements that could trigger seizures or cause physical discomfort, such as flashing lights or rapid animations. We’ve prioritised safety and comfort in every aspect of our design.
C. Understandable
We prioritise making our website’s content and interface intuitive and easy to grasp for all users, including those with cognitive or learning disabilities.
a. Clear Language: We use simple, straightforward language throughout the website, providing explanations for any complex terms or concepts. This approach makes our content accessible and welcoming, allowing everyone to understand and connect with the information.
b. Predictable Navigation: Our navigation menus and page layouts are consistently designed across the website. This consistency helps users intuitively know where they can find the information they need, making their experience smoother and more confident.
c. Error Assistance: When errors occur, we offer clear and supportive messages along with helpful suggestions for corrections. This guidance empowers users to recover from mistakes effortlessly, making their interaction with our site more seamless and less frustrating.
D. Robust and Reliable
Our website is built to function seamlessly with both current and emerging technologies, allowing everyone to rely on our digital resources no matter how technology evolves, now and in the future.
a. Assistive Technology Compatibility: We’ve designed our site to work smoothly with screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive devices, providing a consistent and dependable experience for users with disabilities.
b. Future-Ready: Our code and content are built to adapt, keeping our website accessible as new technologies and standards emerge. This forward-thinking approach ensures our digital space continues to welcome all users, regardless of technological advancements.
2. Continuous Improvement
Technology and human needs never stand still, and neither do we. For us, accessibility isn’t just a checkpoint on our journey; it’s the path we walk every day. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for new ways to refine and elevate every aspect of our website. We work diligently to maintain uniform accessibility across all areas, moving closer with every step towards making our digital space open to all, without boundaries.
3. Feedback
Your experience matters deeply to us, and we genuinely value your insights on how accessible our website is. If you encounter any barriers while navigating our website or have suggestions on how we can do better, we’re here to listen and act. Please send us an email at [email protected] and include “Website Accessibility” in the subject line. We aim to address your feedback promptly and make the necessary changes, so everyone can continue to enjoy a seamless and inclusive experience.
4. Formal Complaints
If you feel that your feedback hasn’t been fully addressed, we encourage you to contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) to report your concerns. Your voice is important, and we make sure all your issues are resolved thoroughly.