Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

DBSA strives to ensure that its website conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.

We believe that every person — regardless of ability — should have equal access to information about our development impact, investment opportunities, and public resources.

Accessibility Features

This website includes the following accessibility features:

🔤 Text and Typography

• Adjustable text size controls (A−, A, A+) available via the accessibility toolbar
• Dyslexia-friendly font option (OpenDyslexic) available via accessibility toolbar
• Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text
• High contrast mode toggle for users with low vision
• Text content is structured with proper heading hierarchy (H1–H6)

⌨️ Keyboard Navigation

• All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Visible focus indicators on all focusable elements
• "Skip to main content" link for bypassing navigation
• Logical tab order throughout all pages
• No keyboard traps — users can navigate freely

🔊 Screen Reader Support

• Semantic HTML5 landmark elements (header, nav, main, footer)
• ARIA labels on all interactive elements and controls
• Descriptive alt text on all meaningful images
• ARIA live regions for dynamic content updates
• Proper form labels and error messaging
• Tested with NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver screen readers

🎨 Visual Design

• Colour is never used as the sole means of conveying information
• High contrast mode for users with low vision or colour vision deficiency
• Responsive design adapting to all screen sizes and zoom levels up to 400%
• Reduced motion option — respects prefers-reduced-motion system setting
• Content remains readable and functional at 200% browser zoom

📱 Assistive Technology

• Compatible with popular screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
• Compatible with voice recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
• Compatible with screen magnification software
• Compatible with browser accessibility extensions

Accessibility Toolbar

A floating accessibility toolbar is available on every page of this website (bottom-left corner). It provides:

Standards Compliance

This website has been designed and developed to conform with:

• WCAG 2.1 Level AA — Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
• SANS 10400-S — South African National Standard for accessibility
• Section 9 of the Constitution — Right to equality and non-discrimination
• Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA)
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

Testing and Auditing

Accessibility is validated through a combination of automated and manual testing:

• Automated testing: axe-core, Lighthouse, pa11y integrated into CI/CD pipeline
• Manual testing: Keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
• Quarterly audits: Independent accessibility review as part of SLA
• User testing: Usability testing with participants including persons with disabilities

Feedback

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