Accessibility

Accessibility Statement

GatherUK is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

Our Commitment

GatherUK is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals.

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, which explains how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Features

We have implemented the following accessibility features on GatherUK:

  • Keyboard Navigation: All functionality is accessible via keyboard without requiring mouse use. Enhanced focus indicators (3px teal outline) make it clear which element has keyboard focus.
  • Screen Reader Support: Content is structured with proper headings, labels, and ARIA attributes. Dynamic content updates (AJAX responses, notifications, RSVP changes) are automatically announced to screen readers using ARIA live regions.
  • Alternative Text: Images include descriptive alternative text to provide context for users who cannot see images.
  • Color Contrast: Text and background colors meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA contrast requirements for readability.
  • Responsive Design: The site is fully responsive and works on all device sizes, from mobile phones to large desktop screens.
  • Clear Navigation: Consistent navigation structure throughout the site with skip links for keyboard users to jump to main content.
  • Form Labels: All form fields have clear, descriptive labels and proper error messaging.
  • Error Messages: Form errors are clearly identified, explained, and announced to screen readers.
  • Dynamic Content Announcements: When content updates without a page refresh (such as RSVP changes, subscription updates, or notifications), screen readers are automatically notified of the changes.
  • Focus Management: Enhanced focus indicators ensure keyboard users can always see which element is currently focused, with a visible 3px outline in the site's teal color.

Third-Party Content

Some content on GatherUK is provided by third parties (such as payment processors, map services, or user-generated content). We cannot guarantee the accessibility of all third-party content, but we work with providers who share our commitment to accessibility.

Known Limitations

We are committed to accessibility, but we acknowledge some current limitations:

  • Some older user-generated images may not include alternative text. We are working to improve this and encourage users to add descriptive alt text when uploading images.
  • Some dynamic map content may not be fully accessible to all assistive technologies. We are working with our mapping providers to improve this.

We are actively working to address these limitations and improve accessibility across the platform.

Compatibility

GatherUK is designed to work with modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For the best accessibility experience, we recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser.

Feedback & Reporting Issues

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of GatherUK. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

When reporting accessibility issues, please include:

  • The URL of the page where you encountered the issue
  • A description of the problem
  • Your device and browser information (if relevant)
  • Any assistive technology you are using

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can escalate your complaint to the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Accessibility Standards

We are committed to meeting the following standards:

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
  • EN 301 549: European standard for digital accessibility
  • Section 508: US federal accessibility requirements (where applicable)
  • Equality Act 2010: UK legislation requiring accessible services

Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing effort. We regularly:

  • Conduct accessibility audits and testing
  • Review and update content for accessibility
  • Train our team on accessibility best practices
  • Monitor feedback and address reported issues
  • Stay informed about accessibility standards and best practices

Testing Methods: We test accessibility using automated tools, manual testing, and assistive technology to ensure our platform meets accessibility standards and provides a good experience for all users.

Assistive Technologies

GatherUK is designed to work with common assistive technologies, including:

  • Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
  • Screen magnification software
  • Voice recognition software
  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Switch control devices

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about accessibility on GatherUK, or if you need assistance accessing any part of our website, please contact us.

Last updated: February 12, 2026