Using the DBS Website

Our aim is to provide a website that is accessible to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. With this in mind we have followed the guidelines set down by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and the Royal National Institute for the Blind(RNIB).

Site Navigation

A hidden menu has been placed at the beginning of each page to allow screen reader users to link to the main areas of the page.

The following Access keys have been provided to enable navigation to each of the main section pages:

• A for Accessibility
• C for Contact Information
• B for About Us
• N for News & Public Relations
• M for Mortgage Pages
• S for Savings Pages
• H for Home

Each page follows a logigal tab order for link accessibility

Appearance

We have made use of HTML heading tags on all of our pages to provide structure to the text used on our website. H1 tags are used for main titles, H2 tags for subtitles etc.

We have endeavoured to ensure that the font and background colour combinations contrast to aid readability. We have used cascading style sheets to ensure consistency of colour and text throughout the site. If you wish to override the site's colours, you can do this by changing your browser settings. In Microsoft Internet Explorer select Tool then Internet Options. If you click on the Options button you can choose to ignore colours, font styles and font sizes specified on this web site. You can also attach your own style sheet if required.

All data tables are laid out in a simple, readable way with header cells. Tables used for layout purposes contain no descriptive attributes to ensure they are not confused with data.

All links on our site contain descriptive title attributes. and all images contain descriptive alt tag attributes. Where an image has no use other than being decorative the alt tag is set to a null value.

Services available to people with disabilities

Since 2003, the Dudley Building Society branch network has been refurbished to meet with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act in order to meet the needs of all members.

Our branches now feature at least one of the following features:

• Counter position with hearing induction loop installed;
• Counter position at a lower level;
• Ground floor interview room accessible to wheelchair users.
• Branch layouts and signage have been considered, making use of contrasting colours to help partially sighted members find their way.
• We also provide internal ramps at branches which feature split levels.
• Hearing induction loops are provided in all our branches, for the benefit of members with hearing impairments. The majority of our branches have loops installed at the counter or at the enquiries desk.

We can also provide:

• Large print statements;
• Braille statements;
• A correspondence service that allows us to send letters in Braille or large print.
• Large print leaflets and audio tape leaflets are also available - please contact your branch for further details. Our staff will be happy to talk through the leaflets with you.
  

You can also use the fax to contact your branch. Some instructions may not be acceptable by fax however and may require you to contact your branch in writing.

Have we missed something?

If you have any suggestions for improving our service to you please contact us as follows:

Website suggestions: it@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk

Service suggestions: keith.robinson@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk