Accessibility Statement - Regional Operations Unit Application

For example, that means you should be able to:

• change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings
• zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen
• navigate most of the website using a keyboard or speech recognition software
• listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

How accessible this website is

We know some parts of this website aren't fully accessible:

• not all icons and images have appropriate accessible text
• not all checkboxes and inputs have labels which can be read by screenreaders
• the map functionality contains areas of colour which may be difficult for some users to differentiate
• some map layer toggle text does not pass minimum contrast requirements
• the focus indicator, showing where the user has tabbed to on the page, is quite indistinct and of low contrast with the green background
• overall, navigating the map functionality may prove difficult for keyboard-only users
• there is some clipping or hiding of information when viewed on mobile devices, and it may not be possible to resize text on mobile devices. Also, draggable panels may obscure visibility of the map when the screen is zoomed

Feedback and contact information

If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the DAERA Helpline who will direct you towards the correct branch or division.

• email daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk
• call 0300 200 7852

You can also contact the DAERA Helpline if you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille.

If you have a hearing difficulty you can contact DAERA via Text Relay using the Next Generation Text Service (NGTS). Making a call from a textphone dial 18001 + number. Making a call from a telephone dial 18002 + number.

There are also various Text to Speech applications available to use

If you cannot view the map on our contact us page, call or email us for directions.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

DAERA is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status

The website has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

• Buttons must have discernable text – Empty buttons (the collapse side panel toggle, arrow buttons on Attribute table tabs) (1.1.1: Non-Text Content, 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context))
• Form elements should have visible label – ‘Find address or place input’ field (1.1.1: Non-Text Content)
• Ensure svg elements with an img, graphics-document or graphics-symbol role have an accessible text (symbols on the Legend panel) (1.1.1: Non-Text Content)
• No heading structure used throughout (1.3.1: Info and Relationships, 2.4.6: Headings And Labels)
• Broken ARIA references on Legend: An aria-labelledby or aria-describedby reference exists, but the target for the reference does not exist. (1.3.1: Info and Relationships, 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value)
• Various colours (with some shading) are used to distinguish between features, and to identify zones on map. The contrasts and colours may prove difficult for some sight-impaired users, however it's possible to change the basemap which helps somewhat. (1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics, 1.4.1 Use of Colour, 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast)
• On mobile device simulation, map only displays in landscape at some resolutions (iPhone 12). Empty on portrait (1.3.4 Orientation)
• Low contrast on Map Layers (these layers are togglable, so even when hidden, the text should be readable by users so they can turn them back on) (1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum))
• user-scalable=no on tag disables zooming on mobile device (1.4.4: Resize Text)
• There is clipping of some of the information panels, and two-dimensional scrolling on some tabular information (e.g. attributes panel) (1.4.10 Reflow)
• Legend panel - Scrollable regions must have keyboard access (should have focusable content and elements should be focusable) (2.1.1 Keyboard)
• No 'Skip to' options are present at top of page to bypass the icon menu, so the user must interact with the icons before tabbing into the map. (2.4.1 Bypass Blocks)
• The application title is not especially descriptive of topic or purpose and assumes an understanding of the abbreviation, 'ROU' - 'ROU Project Application'. (2.4.2 Page Titled)
• When a link or icon receives focus, a dark green-coloured border is observed around the user interface element. The contrast of the border should be improved as it is difficult to distinguish against the green header menu (2.4.7: Focus Visible)
• Missing form labels – X, Y coordinate fields - A form control does not have a corresponding label. (1.1.1, 1.3.1, 2.4.6, 3.2.2 ) (3.3.2 Labels or Instructions)
• Ensure all page content is contained by landmarks (1.3.1: Info and Relationships, 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value)
• Redundant title text throughout – this is title text which duplicates the visible label.

Disproportionate burden

• Not applicable

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

This application uses mapping functionality and imagery extensively. Maps are one of the items which are excepted from the accessibility legislation, provided essential information is provided in other ways. However, we will attempt to make the functionality of map viewers as accessible as possible within these limitations.

PDFs and other documents

• Not applicable

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

DAERA is actively engaged in improving the accessibility of its applications. As part of our 'UX Checklist', we require developers to design software with accessibility compliance built in. In those circumstances where compliance cannot be met, reasons for this should be documented, along with steps for addressing issues. We also endeavour to carry out user research to ascertain user requirements and conduct usability workshopping before launching new applications.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 19 May 2025. It was last reviewed on 19 May 2025.

This website was last tested on 19 May 2025 against the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.

The test was carried out by DAERA Digital Services Division.

We tested the following pages:

• Regional Operations Unit Application
  (Map Layers panel, Legend, Coordinate Finder, Information)

We chose to test those pages which were most commonly used, and most representative of the general functionality and layout of the web application. Sample pages were tested for code compliance using the Axe and WAVE testing tools. The pages also underwent manual testing to ensure they adhered to the four Accessibility principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust). We also test using NVDA screenreader, and Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker (where applicable).

The full accessibility test report can be made available on request.