Accessibility Statement - Waste Authorisations
This statement applies to the DAERA Apply for Authorisation Portal.
This website is run by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. 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:
- it's not possible to click a link to skip the main menu
- after a period of inactivity, the user will be required to sign in again
- map drawing functionality is not fully accessible, but mapping information can be provided in other ways
- the selection of EWC codes is problematic as it requires the users to tab through all checkbox options
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
- A “Skip to main content” link is not present (2.4.1 Bypass blocks)
- In the Simple Waste Exemption application, keyboard users must tab through all EWC checkbox options before being able to ‘Save and continue’ – a method for bypassing multiple input options would be preferable (2.4.1 Bypass blocks)
- Some mandatory fields are missing the ‘aria-required’ attribute to identify them as required (1.3.1 Info and Relationships)
- There is no observed notice of expiry and no method to extend the session before it times out (2.2.1 Timing Adjustable)
- There are some broken Aria references on the ‘aria-describedby’ attribute (4.1.2 Name, Role, Value)
- The Map Guide PDF contains images without alternate text (1.1.1 Non-Text Content)
Disproportionate burden
- Not applicable
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
PDFs and other documents
The accessibility regulations do not require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential to providing our services.
Maps
The accessibility regulations include maps in the list of things that might not need to be fixed.
This application includes map functionality for users to plot point or polygon locations. This cannot easily be made accessible. However, document upload functionality has been included as an alternative means for users to provide this information.
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 25 May 2021. It was last reviewed on 31 October 2024.
This website was last tested on 30 October 2024 against the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.
The test was carried out by DAERA Digital Services Division.
We tested the following pages:
- Apply for Authorisation Portal
- Waste Exemption Guidance
- My Submissions
- My Authorisations
- Applicant Type
- Applicant Details
- Contact Details
- Activity Details
- Site Details
- Map Details
- Waste Quantity Details
- Supporting Documents
- Review
- Declaration and Payment
- EMFG Map Guide (PDF document)
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.