Accessibility

We believe our site should be as accessible as possible. That’s partly because it would be inconsiderate to ignore the needs of disabled users, and partly because accessible design makes the site better for everyone.

Our site is built to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level AA, and in all cases meets at least level A. WCAG is an internationally recognised standard that helps make websites easier to use for a wide range of people, including those with disabilities.

The accessibility of this website

Built-in Access Features

This site includes a range of accessibility features designed to support users as they browse. You can also use your web browser’s built-in settings to make the site easier to read:

High contrast and dark mode:
Many browsers and operating systems include contrast themes or dark mode options, which can make text easier to read.

Change text size quickly:
Most browsers let you zoom in or out using:

Ctrl and + (Windows) or Cmd and + (Mac) to make text larger

Ctrl and - (Windows) or Cmd and - (Mac) to make text smaller

Ctrl and 0 (Windows) or Cmd and 0 (Mac) to reset to the default size

Set your own colours and fonts:
In browser settings, you can choose your preferred font style, size, and colours (for text and backgrounds). You can also tell the browser to override website styles with your own defaults.

GENERAL ACCESS KEYS

Windows Accessibility Shortcuts

Windows includes a range of accessibility features you can turn on directly from the keyboard:

  • Right Shift (hold for 8 seconds): Turns on Filter Keys – slows down the keyboard repeat rate and ignores brief or repeated keystrokes.
  • Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen: Toggles Contrast Themes (previously called High Contrast).
  • Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock: Turns on Mouse Keys – lets you control the mouse pointer with the numeric keypad (use 5 to “click”).
  • Shift (press 5 times): Turns on Sticky Keys – lets you use keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Windows logo key) by pressing them one at a time instead of holding them down.
  • Num Lock (hold for 5 seconds): Turns on Toggle Keys – plays a sound whenever you press Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock.

Chrome

Internet Explorer is the most commonly used browser, so we have provided some of the shortcut keys here

  • Alt+Left-arrow: Back
  • Alt+Right-arrow: Forward
  • Alt+D: Address bar
  • Alt+F: File Menu
  • Ctrl+F: Find on Page
  • Alt+H: Help Menu

STRUCTURE

The site is structured so that it’s easy to get around. Headings are marked as such, links make sense when read out of context. The main content of the page is placed early in the code (the contact information, for example, actually appears at the end of each page, and is then positioned to the top-right hand corner). This makes the site more straightforward for users who prefer the keyboard to the mouse, and to users with screen readers.

We have had reports from a couple of schools having difficulty accessing the live chats on the sites.

If you’re having an issue, it is likely that your school is blocking it on your school networks.

A simple work around would be to add these URLs to your school network allow list. If your school has an IT technician, please ask for this list of URLs to be added to the school’s allow list:

*.imascientist.org.uk
*.imascientist.ie
*.imanengineer.org.uk
*.imanengineer.ie
*.imamathematician.uk
*.imamathematician.ie
*.imacomputerscientist.uk
*.imageographer.uk
*.googleapis.com
*.gserviceaccount.com
gstatic.com
firebaseapp.com
firebaseio.com
*.firebaseio.com

Accessibility is not only about assistance — it’s about avoiding obstacles

Here are some things you won’t find on our sites:

  • Pop-up windows: These can be confusing for screen-reader users and disruptive for keyboard navigation. Many people also use browsers or extensions that block pop-ups, so we avoid relying on them for important content.
  • Reliance on JavaScript, Flash, or cookies: While we use JavaScript and cookies where helpful, our sites remain functional without them. We never rely on outdated technologies like Flash.
  • Fixed widths or font sizes: Pages are designed to be responsive and flexible. Whether you resize your window, zoom in, or adjust text size, our content should adapt smoothly.

If you have any questions regarding the accessibility of this site, please contact us.