We have developed our website following international web standards and accessibility guidelines. The web pages comply with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) XHTML 1.0 standard for HTML web pages, and we strive to comply with WCAG 2.0 AA standard for accessibility.
You can read through this page, or go directly to the sections you want to read by clicking on the links below:
Access keys
Most browsers support jumping to specific links by typing keys defined on the website. We have set up the following access keys on our website to make it easier for users to navigate around the site.
ALT + 0 + Enter Access key details
ALT + 1 + Enter Homepage
ALT + 2 + Enter Site map
ALT + 3 + Enter News list
ALT + 4 + Enter Search
ALT + 5 + Enter Contact us
ALT + 6 + Enter About us
ALT + 7 + Enter Complaints procedures
ALT + 8 + Enter Terms and conditions
Users of the Firefox browser should apply the follow key combination to use our access keys - SHIFT + ALT + "key choice".
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Text size
The text size is set in a way that makes it resizable in any browser, should you find it too small to read comfortably.
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Mobile responsive
The site will detect and respond to any mobile device or tablet, resizing images and layout to fit correctly
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Headings
Headings are used on each page on the website. They make it easier to read pages by providing visual structure and help people using screen readers and other assistive technologies navigate the site.
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Links
Links have been written to make sense when read out in isolation. This helps visitors who may use a list of links to move around the site.
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Contrast
The website is designed to provide default contrast ratio for AA standard.
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Plain English Campaign Internet Crystal Mark
We are committed to using plain English throughout our website and to making our content as readable by as many people as possible.
Our website has been approved by the Plain English Campaign which allows us to display the Internet Crystal Mark.
This means the Plain English Campaign have checked that our site is clearly written in plain English and easy to use. Where "out of the ordinary" words are necessary we have a jargon buster to explain their meanings.
If there is anything on our site that you feel could be explained more clearly, please let us know by using our Contact Us form.
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Asking about gender
We strive for Turn2us services to be accessible to everyone regardless of their sex or gender identity.
In some circumstances when we ask about gender, we only include ‘male’ and ‘female’ as possible answers.
This is because we are restricted by external factors:
- When using the Benefits Calculator, we need to ask what your legal gender is to calculate what benefits you are entitled to. UK law only recognises two genders: male and female.
- When using the Grants Search, we only offer ‘male’, ‘female’ or ‘prefer not to say’. Most grant-giving organisations support people of any gender. However, some grant-giving organisations give grants to only men, or only women. Some of these organisations require this to be your legal gender, while others consider applications based on gender identity. Please contact these organisations specifically to find out their criteria.
- Some forms on our website only offer ‘male’, ‘female’ or ‘prefer not to say’. This is because the options are connected to the Grants Search ones.
We understand that the way we ask about gender may not make everyone feel comfortable. We will be reviewing and trying to improve this in 2021.
If the format of these questions is preventing you from using Turn2us services, please contact us at dshelp@turn2us.org.uk. We are keen to hear suggestions on how to make our services more inclusive.
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Exceptions
Benefits Calculator saving as a PDF
Although the results of the Benefits Calculator are accessible when viewed on a web browser, if you save or email the results as a PDF the format of the PDF is not accessible. If you wish to go back to the results there is a link you can save that will take you back to the web page.
Downloadable documents
Occasionally Turn2us will upload documents, usually in a PDF format, created by a third party. Turn2us is not responsible for the compliance of external documents with accessibility but will forward any issues to that organisation.
If you download any Turn2us documents and have problems accessing them please email dshelp@turn2us.org.uk to request it in an alternative format.
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Turn2us helpline
If you have a disability and need help to access the services on this website, our helpline staff can support you further by:
- Helping you if you have a query about using the Turn2us website
- Checking your entitlement for welfare benefits using the Turn2us Benefits Calculator and providing information on how to apply for benefits
- Using the Turn2us Grants Search to look for any grants and other support you may be eligible for from charitable funds
- Making an enquiry or an application to a charity.
Call us on: 0808 802 2000 (9 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday, except bank holidays)
Calls are free from landlines and from the major mobile network providers (including 'pay as you go' phones) - Orange, 3, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Virgin and O2 - charges may apply for other network users. Check with your supplier first. If your network does charge for the call and you are worried about the cost, our helpline can call you back.
The Relay UK Service (previously Next Generation Text Service) is available for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
For more information on our helpline, see the Turn2us helpline information page.
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Useful resources
AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology. They have a My Computer, My Way section which gives information on ways to make using your computer easier if you have disabilities. They also have an advice and information service.
Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB)
RNIB, which supports people with visual impairments, has many resources on technology, including a technology section on its website; blogs and bulletins to keep you up to date; and a technology support squad made up of volunteers who can help by phone or with a home visit. See the RNIB website for more information.
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) Better Web Browsing Guide
The W3C Better Web Browsing Guide provides references to resources, including detailed documentation and step-by-step guides, to help you customise your particular web browser and computer setup.
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Questions about accessibility and the Turn2us website
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the accessibility of this site, please contact us.
Last updated: November 2019
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