Our Commitment
Grace Suite, including Grace Companion, Grace Notes and Grace Care Facilities, is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities, cognitive impairments and older users who may face technology challenges. We continually improve the user experience for everyone and apply relevant accessibility standards.
We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and comply with the UK's Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Voice-First Design
Recognising that many elders and individuals with cognitive impairments struggle with traditional interfaces, Grace Companion is built voice-first:
- Natural language conversation without complex menus
- Speech-to-text for hands-free interaction
- Text-to-speech for all responses and reminders
- Voice cloning for familiar, comforting reminders
- Minimal visual complexity with single-screen flows
Visual Accessibility
Our visual design includes:
- High contrast: WCAG AA compliant colour ratios throughout
- Large text: Base font size of 16px with generous line spacing
- Clear typography: Easy-to-read fonts without decorative elements
- Focus indicators: Clear keyboard focus states on all interactive elements
- Scalable interface: Works with browser zoom up to 200%
- No colour dependency: Information conveyed beyond colour alone
- Consistent layout: Predictable navigation and structure
Audio & Hearing
For users with hearing impairments:
- All audio content has visual text equivalents
- Transcripts provided for all voice interactions
- Visual alerts and notifications available
- Volume controls with clear indicators
- No audio-only critical information
Keyboard & Motor Accessibility
Navigation and interaction support:
- Full keyboard navigation support
- Logical tab order throughout the interface
- Skip navigation links for main content
- Large, touch-friendly interactive elements (minimum 44x44px)
- No time-limited interactions requiring fast responses
- Generous spacing between clickable elements
- Compatible with assistive technologies (switch controls, voice control)
Screen Reader Compatibility
Grace Companion is designed to work with popular screen readers including:
- JAWS (Windows)
- NVDA (Windows)
- VoiceOver (macOS, iOS)
- TalkBack (Android)
Screen reader features:
- Semantic HTML with proper heading structure
- ARIA labels for all interactive elements
- Descriptive link text and button labels
- Alternative text for all images and icons
- Status updates announced dynamically
- Form fields with clear labels and error messages
Cognitive Accessibility
For users with cognitive impairments, memory issues, or dementia:
- Simple, conversational language without jargon
- One task per screen to reduce cognitive load
- Clear, descriptive headings and labels
- Consistent navigation and interaction patterns
- Gentle reminders without pressure or urgency
- Patient AI that repeats information when needed
- No complex multi-step processes
- Visual confirmation of actions taken
- Ability to undo or correct mistakes easily
Mobile Accessibility
The mobile experience is optimised for accessibility:
- Responsive design that works on all screen sizes
- Touch targets sized appropriately for limited dexterity
- Works in both portrait and landscape orientations
- Compatible with mobile screen readers
- Minimal scrolling required
- Progressive web app for easy access without app store
Known Limitations
We are continuously improving, but some limitations currently exist:
- Voice recognition accuracy depends on accent, pronunciation, and background noise
- Some third-party components may have accessibility gaps
- AI-generated responses may occasionally be unclear or confusing
- Internet connection required for full functionality
We are actively working to address these limitations in future updates.
Testing & Compliance
Grace Companion has been tested with:
- Automated accessibility testing tools (Axe, WAVE)
- Manual keyboard navigation testing
- Screen reader testing (VoiceOver, NVDA)
- Colour contrast verification
- User testing with elders and individuals with disabilities
Assistive Technologies
Grace Companion is designed to be compatible with:
- Screen readers
- Screen magnification software
- Speech recognition software
- Alternative input devices (trackball, joystick, switch)
- Operating system accessibility features
Feedback & Support
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of Grace Companion. If you encounter any barriers or have suggestions:
Accessibility Team
Email: accessibility@grace-companion.com
Phone: 0203 6573367 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm GMT)
Post: Grace Companion, Accessibility Team, [Address]
We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 working days and will work with you to provide the information or functionality you need in an accessible format.
Continuous Improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing priority. We regularly:
- Conduct accessibility audits
- Test with real users who have disabilities
- Update content and features based on feedback
- Train our team on accessibility best practices
- Monitor emerging accessibility guidelines and technologies
Formal Complaints
If you're not satisfied with our response to accessibility concerns, you may contact:
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
equalityhumanrights.com
Helpline: 0808 800 0082
This accessibility statement was created on 6 December 2025 and is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy.