Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Lionheart Clinic is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to ensure equal access to mental health services.

We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing effort and welcome feedback on how we can improve accessibility for all users.

Accessibility Standards

Our platform aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities.

We also strive to meet the accessibility requirements of:

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Australia)
• Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy (Australian Government)
• Australian Human Rights Commission accessibility recommendations

Accessibility Features

Visual Accessibility

• High contrast text: All text meets WCAG AA contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
• Resizable text: Text can be enlarged up to 200% without loss of functionality or content
• Readable fonts: Clean, sans-serif fonts optimized for legibility
• Consistent layout: Predictable navigation and page structure throughout the platform
• Focus indicators: Visible keyboard focus indicators for all interactive elements

Screen Reader Support

• Semantic HTML: Proper heading hierarchy and semantic markup
• Alt text: Descriptive alternative text for all images and icons
• ARIA labels: Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) labels for complex interactive components
• Form labels: All form fields have associated labels
• Skip links: "Skip to main content" links for screen reader users

Keyboard Navigation

• Full keyboard access: All features accessible via keyboard (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys)
• Logical tab order: Tab navigation follows a logical reading order
• No keyboard traps: Users can navigate to and from all page elements
• Shortcut keys: No conflicting keyboard shortcuts

Cognitive Accessibility

• Clear language: Plain English used throughout (no unnecessary jargon)
• Consistent navigation: Navigation menus and buttons appear in the same location across pages
• Error prevention: Form validation with clear error messages and recovery suggestions
• Progress indicators: Multi-step forms show current step and total steps
• Auto-save: Booking forms auto-save every 30 seconds to prevent data loss

Motor/Physical Accessibility

• Large click targets: Buttons and links are at least 44x44 pixels (WCAG 2.1 AAA)
• Generous spacing: Adequate spacing between interactive elements to prevent mis-clicks
• No time limits: No session timeouts during form completion (except for security on login)
• Pause/cancel: Users can pause, stop, or adjust timing of any time-based content

Compatible Assistive Technologies

Our platform has been tested with the following assistive technologies:

Screen Readers

• JAWS (Windows)
• NVDA (Windows, free)
• VoiceOver (macOS, iOS)
• TalkBack (Android)

Browser Extensions

• Read & Write (text-to-speech, word prediction)
• Natural Reader (text-to-speech)
• High Contrast Browser Extensions
• Browser zoom (up to 200%)

Operating System Features

• Windows Magnifier
• macOS Zoom and VoiceOver
• iOS Accessibility Shortcuts
• Android Accessibility Suite

Known Accessibility Limitations

Despite our best efforts, we acknowledge the following known limitations:

Telehealth Accessibility

Our mental health services are delivered via telehealth (video consultations), which offers several accessibility benefits:

Benefits for People with Disabilities

• No physical barriers: No need to navigate inaccessible buildings, stairs, or public transport
• Home environment: Appointments from the comfort of your accessible home setup
• Assistive technology: Use your own assistive devices during consultations
• Reduced sensory overload: Control lighting, sound, and environment
• Support person present: Family member or carer can easily join the consultation

Accessible Telehealth Options

• Captioning available: Real-time captions can be enabled on most video platforms (please request in advance)
• Sign language interpreters: Can be arranged for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients (request 48 hours in advance)
• Audio-only option: Phone consultations available if video is not accessible
• Large text chat: Written communication option during sessions

To request accessibility accommodations for your telehealth appointment, email bookings@lionheartclinic.com.au at least 48 hours in advance.

Accessibility Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Lionheart Clinic's platform. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please let us know:

Response Timeline

• Acknowledgment: Within 3 business days
• Assessment: Within 7 business days
• Resolution or update: Within 15 business days

For urgent accessibility barriers preventing you from accessing care, please call us at (02) 8552 7393 and we will work to provide an immediate alternative solution.

Accessibility Testing & Compliance

Ongoing Testing

We conduct regular accessibility testing using:

• Automated testing tools: axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse accessibility audits
• Manual testing: Keyboard navigation, screen reader testing, color contrast checks
• User testing: Feedback from users with disabilities
• Third-party audits: Periodic independent accessibility audits

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is not a one-time project—it's an ongoing commitment. We:

• Review accessibility with every new feature release
• Conduct quarterly accessibility audits
• Provide accessibility training to all developers and designers
• Monitor accessibility issue reports and prioritize fixes
• Update this Accessibility Statement annually

Alternative Formats

If you require information from our website in an alternative format, we can provide:

• Large print: Documents printed in 16pt+ font
• Audio format: Text-to-speech MP3 files
• Plain language summaries: Simplified versions of complex policies
• Braille: Arranged through third-party services (may take 5-7 business days)
• Email or phone support: Information provided verbally over phone or via email

Request alternative formats by emailing accessibility@lionheartclinic.com.au or calling (02) 8552 7393.

Technical Specifications

Supported Browsers

Our platform is designed to work with the following assistive-technology-friendly browsers:

• Google Chrome (latest version)
• Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
• Safari (latest version, macOS and iOS)
• Microsoft Edge (latest version)

Mobile Accessibility

• Responsive design: Platform adapts to all screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop)
• Touch targets: Minimum 44x44 pixel touch targets on mobile
• Pinch-to-zoom enabled: No restrictions on zooming
• Mobile screen reader support: TalkBack (Android) and VoiceOver (iOS)

Formal Accessibility Complaints

If you believe Lionheart Clinic has discriminated against you on the basis of disability, you may lodge a formal complaint with:

We encourage you to contact us first so we can work to resolve the issue directly, but you have the right to lodge a complaint with the AHRC at any time.

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