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Bookbug app accessibility statement

Introduction

This statement relates to the accessibility of the Bookbug app which is run by Scottish Book Trust as part of its wider Bookbug programme.

Scottish Book Trust is an independent national charity with a mission to ensure people living in Scotland have equal access to books. Everyone should have the opportunity to improve their life chances through books and the fundamental skills of reading and writing.

We are committed to making our digital products accessible to as many people as possible. We want as many people as possible to be able to use the Bookbug app and are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of the app.

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

How accessible the Bookbug app is

Our aim is to make the Bookbug app as accessible as possible however we know that some parts of the Bookbug app are not fully accessible. For example:

Feedback and contact information

We're always looking to improve the accessibility of the Bookbug app. If you find any problems not listed on this page or have any questions in relation to the accessibility of the app, contact us at [email protected] or by calling 0131 524 0160.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) 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 the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Contacting us by phone or visiting our office

Unfortunately, our office at Sandeman House is not wheelchair accessible at this time. However, there may be something we can do to accommodate persons with certain mobility impairments. Please note, Sandeman House does not currently have an induction loop. If you have any questions regarding access to the building or gardens, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Meg Elphee on 0131 524 0173 or email [email protected].

Technical information about the Bookbug app's accessibility

Scottish Book Trust is committed to making its website and digital products accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. This Bookbug app is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 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

The visual presentation of text and non-text interface components do not always have a strong enough contrast ratio. This means that some users may find it difficult to read text on the app and navigate around the app. This fails WCAG 1.4 success criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) and 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast. We are currently making upgrades to the app to improve contrast levels across text and non-text interface components.

Readability of the text and ability to resize the text needs improvement. This means that some users may find the content on the app difficult to read or to navigate. This fails WCAG 1.4 success criterion 1.4.4 Resize Text and 1.4.12 Text Spacing. We are in the process of improving the design to make text more readable and to ensure text can be resized without loss of content or functionality.

The purpose of links and a user’s location within the app are not as clear as they could be. This means a user might find it difficult to navigate through to app. This fails WCAG 2.4 success criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context), 2.4.8 Location and 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) and WCAG 4.1 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value. We are currently in the process of improving the app design to improve the clarity of link purposes and location within the app.

The app does not always use headings and labels to describe the page purpose. This means that the purpose of the screen or screen contents may be unclear to users. This fails WCAG 2.4 success criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels and 2.4.10 Section Headings. We are currently in the process of improving the app design which will include the use of heading and labels for content throughout the app.

Touch target size and spacing does not always meet the necessary standards. This means some users may find it difficult to operate the app functions. This fails WCAG Mobile Guidelines Principle 2 success criterion 2.2 Touch Target Size and Spacing. We are in the process of looking at improvements to the touch target size and spacing on the app.

Disproportionate burden

Our pre-recorded videos do not provide audio description. The absence of audio description prevents those who are blind or visually impaired access to the visual information in our videos. This fails WCAG 1.2 success criterion 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded). Due to current resources, we are unable to provide audio description on all videos at this stage.

Some pre-recorded videos do not have captions. We are in the process of making improvements to the app to allow all pre-recorded videos to be uploaded with captions. The absence of captions prevents deaf and hearing impaired people from accessing video content. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded). Due to current resources, we cannot guarantee all pre-recorded videos on the app will have captions but we will ensure all future content is captioned. We encourage users to get in touch if there is a specific video they need captions for and we will accommodate such requests as quickly as possible.

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

There is currently no content on the app outwith the scope of accessibility regulations.

What we're doing to improve accessibility

We are currently undertaking work to improve the accessibility of the app. Our next review of this statement is planned for Summer 2024.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 06/07/2022. It was last reviewed on 06/07/2022. The app was last tested on 23/08/2021. The test was carried out by our development agency Dubit. All pages, sections and functionality of the app was tested as part of this test. Testing on Android was carried out using OS 11 and TalkBack screen reader. Testing on Apple was carried out using iOS 13 and VoiceOver screen reader.