Accessible Gardener Manor Park - Commitment and Standards

Gardener Manor Park is committed to making the Gardener Manor Park area welcoming and usable for everyone. This accessibility statement explains our ongoing work to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA and to provide inclusive access across the grounds, facilities, events and digital information. We recognize accessibility as an ongoing responsibility and publish this statement to describe current measures, planned improvements and how visitors can request specific support.

We support multiple assistive technologies, including screen readers and keyboard-only navigation. Our digital and onsite signage is designed with clear structure and semantics to aid screen-reader support, and printed materials are available in alternative formats on request. We test interactive elements for predictable focus order, visible focus indicators and ARIA attributes where necessary, to ensure the site and services in the park are operable without a mouse.

Paths, entrances and public amenities in the Gardener Manor Park grounds are evaluated against accessibility best practices. Where possible we provide level access, contrasting surface markers and tactile cues to assist wayfinding for visitors with low vision. Our team applies a policy of continuous improvement, conducting regular accessibility reviews and repairs to mitigate barriers and ensure that public facilities remain accessible to people of differing needs.

Key accessibility features and commitments include:

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for our digital content and information kiosks, aligning content structure, color contrast and navigable interfaces with recognized standards.
• Screen-reader friendly content: images and maps include descriptive alt text when published, headings follow a logical hierarchy, and interactive controls provide accessible labels.
• Comprehensive keyboard navigation support on interactive terminals and booking points so essential functions are reachable without touch or pointer devices.

Onsite services and accessible facilities

Our staff receive regular accessibility training to assist visitors and to operate inclusive practices across the Gardener Manor Park area. This includes guidance for welcoming visitors with sensory, mobility, cognitive and hidden disabilities, and procedures to provide reasonable adjustments during programs, tours and events. Where specific assistance is needed, our team will coordinate reasonable accommodations to support attendance and participation.

We provide information in multiple formats on request, such as large print or simplified documents, and maintain high contrast directional signage across primary routes. Seating, rest areas and accessible toilets are positioned to reduce travel distances, and tactile information is used where appropriate to aid orientation within the park.

How to request accessibility support and adjustments: we maintain a designated process for accessibility requests and reasonable adjustments. Please note we do not publish direct contact details in this statement; instead, visitors can make a request through the park's visitor information points or the accessibility contact channel detailed at reception. Our team aims to acknowledge requests promptly and to implement feasible accommodations in a timely manner.

Alternative formats and communications: we will provide documents and information in alternative formats wherever feasible, including large print, electronic text and audio summaries. Meetings, guided walks and presentations can be adapted to include live captioning, verbal descriptions or quiet spaces for sensory-sensitive visitors when requested in advance.

Monitoring and continuous improvement: Gardener Manor Park conducts regular audits against WCAG 2.1 AA and practical accessibility checklists for the park environment. Improvements are prioritized based on impact and feasibility, and we welcome suggestions for enhancements. Our goal is to reduce barriers across the Gardener Manor Park precinct and ensure a positive experience for all visitors.

Limitations and planned work: while we strive for broad accessibility, some historic features and terrain within the park present challenges that require careful, sensitive adaptation. We maintain a published improvement plan and schedule upgrades to circulation routes, information points and assistive services to better serve the community.

Legal compliance: this statement reflects our aspiration to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards and to support equitable access under applicable accessibility regulations. Where features fall short, we document mitigations and timelines for remediation.

Thank you for your interest in accessibility at Gardener Manor Park. If you require specific assistance during your visit or have suggestions about accessibility in the Gardener Manor Park area, please contact the park team via the visitor centre or the accessibility request channel available on site. We are committed to listening, learning and making continuous improvements to ensure enjoyment for everyone.