Accessibility help

What this guide is about

We want everyone to be able to use the Online Community in a way that feels comfortable and straightforward. This guide shows simple ways to make the site easier to see, read, or listen to, depending on what works best for you.

This guide will show you how to:

Find accessibility options in your account settings to customise your experience.
Use helpful tools already available in your web browser.
Accessibility tools on your device (PC, mobile, tablet).

1. Change settings in your account

You can change how the Online Community looks to suit your preferences.

Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the homepage.

Then, click on the grey person icon.

This will bring up another menu, click on Preferences

Then click on Interface

Here you can:

Pick a light or dark theme
Change the text size on the website
Choose your preferred language
Choose how the homepage looks, for example, you can choose to see:
- Latest: Most recently active conversations
- New: Brand-new topics you haven’t viewed
- Unread: Topics you’ve opened before that now have new replies
- Top: The most popular or active topics over a chosen time period
- Categories: All discussion areas, grouped by topic
Open all external links in a new tab: When you click a link to another website, it opens in a new tab so you don’t lose your place.
Quote reply for highlighted text: If you highlight someone’s words, you can reply to just that part.
Smart lists when typing: Helps you make bullet points automatically.
Mark topics as unread: Lets you mark something as “not read yet” so you can come back to it later.
Unpin topics when finished: When you reach the end of a pinned topic, it will unpin itself.
Show counts on browser icon: Shows a small number on your browser tab when you have something new to see.
Use simple, fixed-width writing font: Changes the writing area to a very plain, easy-to-read font.
Background tab shows number of: Choose what number shows on your browser tab (new posts, new messages, etc.).
After bookmark reminder is sent: Choose what happens to your bookmark after you get a reminder.
Skip new user tips: Turns off the helpful tips shown to beginners.
Show user tips again: Turns the beginner tips back on.

After you have made changes to your settings, make sure to always click the blue Save Changes button at the very bottom of the page.

2. Accessibility tools in your web browser

Every web browser has its own accessibility settings and tools.
You can find easy guides on their official websites here:

Google Chrome: Google Accessibility or Chrome support page
Apple Safari: Apple Safari Accessibility features
Microsoft Edge: Microsfot Edge Accessibility features

If you use another browser, just search online for:

“Accessibility settings in [insert browser name]”

3. Accessibility tools on your device (PC, tablet, mobile)

Your phone, tablet, and computer have built-in accessibility tools that can help. You can use these with the Online Community and with other apps.

Windows PC

Using the accessibility tools on your Windows PC or laptop, you can:

Make text bigger, change colours, use high contrast.
Turn on Narrator (reads the screen).
Use Magnifier to zoom in.
Use Speech to type by voice.
To find out more, please visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/discover-windows-accessibility-features-8b1068e6-d3b8-4ba8-b027-133dd8911df9#windowsversion=windows_10

Mac (macOS)

Make text bigger, change display and colour filters.
Turn on VoiceOver (reads the screen).
Use Zoom to magnify.
Dictate to type by voice.
Official help: https://www.apple.com/uk/accessibility/mac/

iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

VoiceOver (reads the screen) and Speak Screen (reads a page).
Make text bigger (Display & Text Size).
Magnifier to zoom in on things around you.
Dictation to speak instead of typing.
Official help: https://www.apple.com/uk/accessibility/iphone/

Android phones and tablets

TalkBack (reads the screen).
Make text bigger and bold; adjust colours/contrast.
Magnification to zoom.
Voice typing in the keyboard.
Official help: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006564?hl=en-GB

4. Helpful tips and resources

Keep your web browser up to date.
Try different browsers, one might work better for you than another.
Tell us if something is hard to use. We want to make the community easier for everyone. Please submit a feedback form to team.

If you need more help using your computer, phone, or accessibility tools, these organisations offer free advice and support:

AbilityNet

Website: http://www.abilitynet.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 048 7642
AbilityNet gives free, expert advice on technology and accessibility. They can help you set up your device, adjust settings, and choose tools that work for you.

Action on Hearing Loss / RNID

Website: https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/technology-and-products/
Help and guidance for people with hearing loss, including using devices with accessibility features.

Good Things Foundation (UK-wide)

Website: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org
Runs free digital skills programmes through local community centres. Helps people get online, learn tech basics, and use devices confidently.

Learn My Way (UK-wide)

Website: https://www.learnmyway.com
Free online training for absolute beginners. Covers using computers, smartphones, the internet, email, video calls, and basic digital skills.

Have a question?

If you’re not sure about something, you need more help, or if you’d like to share your feedback, please contact us through the Service Desk.