Back on the map

Accessibility Policy

Accessibility Statement

Effective Date: 11 June 2026

Website: https://backonthemap.org/

1. Our Commitment

Back on the Map is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities. We are actively working to improve the accessibility and usability of our website and to follow best practice and relevant accessibility standards.

In developing this website, we worked with digital accessibility specialists, Phonetic Digital, who built our site with accessibility and usability in mind.

2. Accessibility Standards

We aim to meet the following standards where possible:

  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Level AA
  • UK Equality Act 2010 requirements for digital accessibility
  • Compatibility with modern assistive technologies, including screen readers and keyboard-only navigation

3. Features That Support Accessibility

To support accessibility, our website includes:

  • Clear, consistent navigation and layout
  • Alt text for meaningful images
  • Semantic HTML markup, including headings, landmarks, and lists
  • Keyboard-accessible menus and forms
  • Resize-friendly text and responsive layouts
  • Descriptive form labels and error messages where forms are used

4. Known Accessibility Issues

We are aware that some areas of the website may currently have colour contrast issues. This means that some text, buttons, links, or visual elements may not always meet the recommended WCAG contrast requirements for all users.

We acknowledge this issue and are working to review and improve colour contrast across the website as part of our ongoing accessibility improvements.

5. Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We regularly review and test our site to improve accessibility and maintain progress towards WCAG 2.2 AA compliance. This includes:

  • Manual and automated testing of key user journeys
  • Reviewing content, layout, and colour contrast
  • Considering feedback from users, including people using assistive technologies
  • Maintaining accessibility awareness within our team

We are also committed to maintaining accessibility as our content and services evolve over time. We work with digital accessibility specialists, Phonetic Digital, in the upkeep and maintenance of the website.

6. Third-Party Content

While we aim to ensure third-party content or embedded tools, such as maps, videos, or forms, are accessible, we cannot guarantee full compliance on external platforms. We encourage users to report any accessibility concerns with third-party services used on our website.

7. Feedback and Support

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website.

If you experience any issues or require information in an alternative format, such as a plain text version of a PDF, please contact us:

Back on the Map
Carnegie Community Corner
Hendon
Sunderland
SR2 8JG

Phone: 0191 514 7844
Email: enquiries@backonthemap.org

We aim to respond within 5 working days.

8. Enforcement and Compliance

This statement is in line with the UK Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, where applicable, and with the Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments for disabled users.

9. Review

This statement is reviewed annually or in response to significant changes to the website.