Accessibility Statement
This accessibility statement applies to the mobile application (app) Explore Maeshowe on Apple (iOS) and Android.
This app is developed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
Using this app
We want as many people as possible to be able to use the app and discover Maeshowe’s rich history and carvings. You will be able to:
- enlarge and read text in a neutral contrast format
- navigate most of the app using the Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver
- listen to all text within the app using Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver
- enlarge and examine images up to 300%
- pause, rewind and replay video content
We’ve also made the text within the app as simple as possible to understand.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible the Explore Maeshowe app is
While we work hard to make our platforms and content accessible, we know some parts of the Explore Maeshowe app aren’t fully accessible yet.
Here is a brief list of content that is not currently accessible, including:
- the 3D environments cannot be fully navigated using Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver
- special points of interest within 3D environments cannot be directly accessed using Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver
- content restricts its view and operation to landscape orientation only
A full, technical list of currently inaccessible content and areas of the app can be found in the section of this accessibility statement titled ‘Non accessible content’.
What to do if you can’t access parts of this app
If you need information on this app in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording, or braille:
- email equality@hes.scot
- call us on 0131 668 8600
We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 5 working days, or if your request is more complex, please allow us up to 20 working days for a full reply.
When contacting us please make sure you provide:
- the service area, document name and/or the name of the app the content is on
- a description of the format you need. For example, audio CD, braille, BSL or large print
Find out more about our customer services in our service standards.
Reporting accessibility problems with this app
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this app. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact the Digital Documentation team:
- email digital.documentation@hes.scot
- call us on 01786 234800
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person
You can also visit us in person for more resources. Find us at:
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
For directions, please call 0131 668 8600 or view our location on Google Maps.
Our Access Guide is also available for visitors to the historic places in our care.
Let us know about any requirements you have in advance of your visit and we will endeavour to accommodate you:
- email equality@hes.scot
- call us on 0131 668 8600
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 submit a complaint and you’re not happy with how we respond, contact the EHRC.
Technical information about this app’s accessibility
HES is committed to making this app accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
This 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.
Noncompliance with the accessibility regulations
3D Environments and Spatial points of interest
3D environments and spatial points of interest within these 3D environments are not fully accessible and cannot be fully navigated using Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver as it is beyond the current capability of the technology used in this app.
This does not meet WCAG 2.1 A-level success criteria 1.1.1 (Non-text content), 1.3.1 and (Info and Relationships).
Text alternatives to audio and video
The app doesn’t currently offer text equivalents of every piece of audio or video, or of the 3D environments. While embedded video does make use of open captions, we don’t offer alternative media of audio descriptions or text transcripts to describe the content.
This does not meet WCAG 2.1 A-level success criteria 1.1.1 (Non-text content: Time-Based Media), 1.2.1 (Audio-only and video-only (Prerecorded)) and 1.2.3 (Audio description or media alternative (Prerecorded)).
Navigation and Orientation
The 3D environments within the app also cannot be fully navigated or accessed using Android Talkback or Apple VoiceOver as it is beyond the current capability of the technology used in this app.
This does not meet WCAG 2.1 A-level success criteria 1.1.1 (Non-text content: Controls and Sensory).
Additionally, you can only view the app in landscape orientation. This does not meet WCAG 2.1 AA-level success criterion 1.3.4 (Orientation).
Disproportionate Burden
We are committed to improving accessibility and undertook a significant rebuild of the app to increase its digital accessibility in 2020.
Due to the build and design of the app, it is not possible to change the device orientation from horizontal to vertical.
At present, the development and implementation of technology capable of providing in-app access to 3D environments and spatial points within these 3D environments far exceeds the budget available.
Due to this, we believe further improvements at this time would be a disproportionate burden within the meaning of the accessibility regulations.
We will make another assessment of this when we review this app in May 2022.
How we tested this app
This app was last tested on 1 June 2021. The test was carried out manually by HES and developers Grizzle and Tan.
Last updated
This statement was prepared on 1 June 2021. It was last reviewed on 21 June 2021.