Accessible by design

Our Commitment to Web Accessibility.

We are working to make the Pat’s Sapphire Central website easier to access, understand and use for as many people as possible.

Our Commitment to Web Accessibility

Pat’s Sapphire Central is committed to providing a website that is accessible, understandable and usable for as many people as possible, including people who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, screen magnification software, voice input and alternative keyboard devices.

We recognise that digital accessibility is an ongoing responsibility. As our website develops, we continue to review its design, content and functionality to identify and address barriers that may make it difficult for some people to access information or use our online services.

Ongoing Efforts to Improve Accessibility

Pat’s Sapphire Central uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA as the guiding standard for improving the accessibility of our website.

WCAG provides internationally recognised guidance for making websites and digital content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities and access needs.

As we add or update pages, forms, images and website functionality, we aim to consider accessibility as part of our design and content process.

We are working toward maintaining alignment with WCAG 2.2 Level AA and regularly review the website for accessibility barriers.

Our accessibility reviews may include automated accessibility checking, colour contrast testing, keyboard-only navigation, responsive testing, readability reviews and manual checks of website content and functionality.

Automated tools are useful for identifying some accessibility issues, but they cannot identify every barrier. For this reason, accessibility also requires manual review and ongoing improvement.

Accessibility Features on Our Website

The following accessibility features and resources are included on our website:

  • Accessibility information to help visitors plan before travelling
  • An Accessibility Guide available to view or download
  • An Access and Inclusion Action Plan available to view or download
  • A Disability Access and Inclusion Action Plan available to view or download
  • Descriptive alternative text for meaningful images where appropriate
  • Logical page headings and content structure
  • Readable text sizing across desktop, tablet and mobile devices
  • Visible keyboard focus indicators
  • Keyboard-accessible links, buttons and interactive elements where possible
  • Accessible labels and instructions for website forms
  • Consideration of colour contrast between text and backgrounds
  • Support for visitors who prefer reduced animation or motion
  • Clear contact information for visitors requiring accessibility assistance

Where We Are Continuing to Improve

Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are continuing to review and improve several areas of the Pat’s Sapphire Central website.

Keyboard accessibility
We are reviewing menus, buttons, links, forms, accordions and other interactive elements so they can be operated without relying on a mouse.

Visible focus states
Keyboard users should be able to clearly identify which link, button or form field currently has focus.

Colour contrast
We continue to review the contrast between our navy, blue, gold, white and other website colours to support readability and accessibility requirements.

Text sizing and readability
We aim to maintain clear font sizes, comfortable line spacing and easy-to-read content across desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

Heading structure
Pages are being reviewed to ensure they use a logical heading hierarchy, beginning with a clear primary heading and appropriately structured subheadings.

Alternative text for images
Meaningful photographs and graphics are being reviewed to ensure they include useful alternative text. Decorative images should not create unnecessary information for screen-reader users.

Accessible forms
Booking and contact forms are being reviewed for clear labels, instructions, validation, keyboard operation and understandable error messages.

Mobile accessibility
Interactive elements should provide sufficient space for touch interaction, content should adapt appropriately to smaller screens, and essential information should remain usable without unnecessary horizontal scrolling.

Website navigation
Menus and dropdown navigation are being reviewed to improve keyboard operation, screen-reader compatibility and consistency across the website.

Skip navigation
We are working to provide appropriate ways for keyboard and assistive-technology users to bypass repeated navigation and move directly to primary page content.

Reduced motion
Where the website contains sliders, transitions or animation, we aim to respect device settings that indicate a preference for reduced motion.

Accessible documents
We are continuing to review downloadable accessibility documents and PDFs to improve their structure and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Visitor accessibility information
We aim to provide practical information about parking, toilets, seating, surfaces, assistance, service animals and other access considerations so visitors can make informed decisions before travelling.

Consistent page design
We are continuing to standardise typography, colours, buttons, page structure and navigation so the website remains predictable and easier to understand.

Third-Party Websites and Services

Some pages on our website may contain links to third-party websites, social-media platforms, booking services, mapping services or other external resources.

While we aim to link to useful and reputable services, Pat’s Sapphire Central does not control the accessibility of external websites and cannot guarantee that third-party content will meet the same accessibility standards as our own website.

Accessibility Is an Ongoing Commitment

Our work on web accessibility forms part of our broader commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience at Pat’s Sapphire Central and Pat’s Gems.

We recognise that accessibility requirements vary from person to person and that website accessibility is an ongoing process. We will continue reviewing our website, listening to feedback and making practical improvements as technology, standards and visitor needs evolve.

Accessibility Support and Feedback

We welcome comments, questions and feedback about the accessibility of the Pat’s Sapphire Central website.

If you use assistive technology, experience difficulty accessing information, encounter an accessibility barrier, or require information in another format, please contact us.

Email: contact@patsgems.com.au
Phone: (07) 4985 4544

When contacting us, it is helpful if you can tell us the page you were using, the problem you encountered and the browser or assistive technology you were using.

We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information you need and investigate accessibility issues brought to our attention.