Stockport Council website launches new accessibility tool

Stockport Council has improved accessibility on its website to make it easier for residents to use regardless of disability or digital skills.

The Stockport Council website has deployed the ‘Recite Me’ accessibility tool. It allows users to have text read out to them and change fonts and colours to tailor the reading and styling experience to the user’s needs. Also included is a translation tool, allowing speakers of over 100 languages to access information from the council in their preferred language.

The tool is available to all users using the Accessibility link at the top of every page on the Stockport Council website.

The addition of the ‘Recite Me’ tool is part of a council transformation programme focussed on improving customer experience and modernising the way residents access services. The council website stockport.gov.uk had over twenty million page-views last year.

Cllr David Sedgwick, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement at Stockport Council commented:

“We’ve been looking at ways to make it easier for people to use our website and online tools and removing the barriers that some face accessing online content. By adding this accessibility tool to our website we’re making sure that everyone has equal access to online information and services, regardless of their ability or disability. It also ensures everyone has a better experience. For example, many people prefer to increase the font size on our laptop, mobile or tablet when our eyesight worsens with age.”

To further help users access information online, Stockport Council also have deployed a chatbot ‘Ami‘ to help direct resident the right web page for advice and services: find Ami in the pink circle on the bottom right of the screen on any device.

Stockport Council are also working with a network of community ‘DigiKnow’ partners to help more people to get online and improve their digital skills and aim for Stockport to be a 100% digital borough where everyone is digitally included.