Accessibility statement for Finance Support application form

This page only contains information about the nidirect Finance Support Service (FSS).

This statement applies to the Finance Support service web based application form which is accessible via the nidirect website.

This application is run by the Department of Communities. It is designed to be used by as many people as possible. The text should be clear and simple to understand.

When accessing the application through the web browser, you should be able to:

• zoom in up to 400 per cent without problems
• navigate most of the application using just a keyboard
• navigate most of the application using speech recognition software
• use most of the application using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)

Some non-standard codes have been used in the development of this form, but these should not affect user experience.

How accessible this website is

Part of this web application is not fully accessible. For example:

• Screen Readers such as TalkBack read every text in the screen that is visible, which means that field labels are being read out, whilst it would be possible to hide the field label, stopping it from being read out, it could be confusing as the text is on the screen and visible

How to request content in an accessible format

If you need information in a different format contact us by calling Finance Support on 0800 587 2750 and advise us of:

• the web address (URL) of the content
• your name and email address
• the format you need, for example, audio CD, braille, BSL or large print, accessible PDF

Reporting accessibility problems

The Finance Support Service is always looking to improve the accessibility of this application. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think FSS is not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the Finance Support on 0800 587 2750 and they will investigate the issue.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’) in Northern Ireland.

If you are not happy with how FSS respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).

Technical information about this web application’s accessibility

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

This web based application form is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliance listed below.

Non-compliance with the accessible regulations

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

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations.        

The content that is not accessible is outlined below with details of:

• the accessibility problem(s)

and

• where it fails the success criteria

Operable

Level A – 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.  TalkBack reads every text in the screen that is visible which means that field labels are being read out. Whilst it would be possible to hide field labels, stopping them from being read out, it could be confusing as the text is on the screen and visible.

FSS have no plans to ‘hide the field labels’ as it is not appropriate for the reasons stipulated.

Disproportionate burden

Not applicable.

Content that’s not within the scope of accessibility regulations

As a web application published after 23 September 2020 FSS is required to comply with the web accessibility regulations.

PDFs and other documents

Not applicable.

How this website was tested

This website was tested for compliance using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 level A and level AA, and Microsoft accessibility guidelines. These tests have been carried out externally and independently.

This web application was last tested between 5 June 2023 and 9 June 2023. The test was carried out by Expleo who used the Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) approach to deciding on a sample of pages to test.

What FSS is doing to improve accessibility

Maintaining an accessible site is an ongoing process and FSS is continually working to offer an accessible and user friendly experience.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 2 August 2021. It was last updated on 7 July 2023.

Cookies

When FSS provide services, they want to make them easy, useful and reliable. Where services are delivered on the internet, this sometimes involves placing small amounts of information on your computer, mobile phone or tablet. These are known as cookies. They cannot be used to identify you personally.

If you have disabled cookies or pop-ups on your browser, you will have to enable them to complete this application form.

Cookies are used to improve services for you by:

• remembering your progress while you are using the online service for security purposes

Cookies used on Finance Support

When you start an application form for Finance Support, they will set cookies to remember your progress while you are using the online service. 

To help you move between screens and only see the information you need, they will set cookies that personalise our service for you. 

These cookies are encrypted and deleted once you have completed the session or when you close the browser.

If you do not accept the FSS cookie policy

If you do not want to accept the FSS cookie policy on your own computer you can:

• use an internet access device in your Jobs & Benefit’s office on which cookies have been accepted
• claim Finance Support over the telephone
• Find out more about how to manage or delete cookies

GOV.UK services

FSS may link to some GOV.UK services which can set additional cookies and have their own cookies policies.