Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

Building It Better NI is committed to making our services accessible to as many people as reasonably possible.

This includes our website, online booking process, customer communications and practical training activities.

We recognise that disabled people may experience barriers when accessing websites, venues, information or practical activities, and we aim to identify and reduce those barriers where reasonably possible.

Website Accessibility

We aim to make the Building It Better NI website clear, understandable and reasonably accessible across commonly used devices and browsers.

Our website is designed to support features such as:

• clear headings and page structure;
• readable text and colour contrast;
• keyboard-accessible navigation where possible;
• descriptive link wording;
• responsive layouts for phones and tablets;
• alternative text for meaningful images where appropriate;
• clear forms and booking instructions; and
• consistent navigation across the rebuilt website.

Online Booking

Our course booking system is provided through third-party website software.

We aim to make information about courses, dates, locations and payments clear and understandable.

If you cannot complete a booking because of an accessibility problem or difficulty using the online booking system, please contact Building It Better NI.

Practical Course Accessibility

Building It Better NI courses involve practical activities and may include standing, moving around a workspace and using tools, equipment or materials.

This does not mean that a disability or additional need automatically prevents someone from attending.

We encourage participants to tell us about any accessibility requirement or additional support they may need so that we can consider suitable arrangements.

Reasonable Adjustments

Where appropriate, Building It Better NI will consider reasonable adjustments to help disabled participants access our services or take part in training.

Depending on the circumstances, an adjustment could include:

• providing information in a different format;
• allowing additional time for an activity;
• adjusting the way an activity is demonstrated;
• considering seating or positioning within the training area;
• providing additional explanation or support;
• considering access arrangements at the venue;
• allowing an appropriate support person where reasonably possible; or
• another practical adjustment suited to the individual circumstances.

Adjustments will be considered individually because what is reasonable and effective will depend on the person’s needs, the course activity and the venue.

Venue Accessibility

Building It Better NI delivers courses at different venues across Northern Ireland.

Accessibility arrangements may therefore vary between locations.

If you require step-free access, accessible toilet facilities, particular parking arrangements or another venue-related adjustment, please contact us before booking or attending wherever possible.

We can then check the arrangements for the specific venue and advise you accordingly.

Communication Needs

If you need information presented or explained in a different way, please let us know.

We will consider reasonable requests relating to communication, including situations where someone has difficulty accessing standard written or online information.

We aim to use clear language and provide practical information about our courses before attendance.

Images, Video and Embedded Content

Our website may include photographs, videos, reviews or content supplied through third-party services.

We aim to provide appropriate alternative text or context for meaningful visual content where reasonably possible.

Some externally supplied or embedded content may have accessibility limitations outside our direct control.

Third-Party Systems

Parts of the Building It Better NI website rely on third-party systems for functions such as booking, payments, forms, reviews or other services.

These systems may have their own accessibility features and limitations.

If a third-party system prevents you from accessing a Building It Better NI service, please contact us so that we can consider an alternative way of helping you.

Reporting an Accessibility Problem

If you find an accessibility problem on our website or experience a barrier when using our services, please tell us.

It is helpful if you can explain:

• what you were trying to do;
• which page, form or service caused the problem;
• what difficulty you experienced; and
• what would help you access the information or service.

Complaints

If you believe Building It Better NI has not dealt appropriately with an accessibility request or you believe you have been treated unfairly because of a disability, you can raise a formal complaint.

Complaints will be handled in accordance with our Complaints Procedure.

Equality and Accessibility

Accessibility forms part of Building It Better NI’s wider commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy explains our approach to fair treatment, discrimination and reasonable adjustments more broadly.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-off task.

As Building It Better NI develops its website and services, we will continue to consider accessibility when designing pages, forms, booking processes and practical training.

Feedback from people who experience accessibility barriers is particularly valuable and may be used to guide future improvements.

Contact Us About Accessibility

If you would like to discuss an accessibility requirement before attending a course or need help using our website or booking system, please contact Building It Better NI.

Review of This Statement

Building It Better NI will review this Accessibility Statement periodically and when there are significant changes to our website, services, training activities or relevant accessibility requirements.