Accessibility statement for Heiton Steel

Updated:

We want everyone who visits heitonsteel.ie to be able to use our website and find the information they need.

Our commitment

We aim to meet the WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines. In 2025 we focused on keyboard navigation, screen-reader labels, focus visibility, and improvements to our main navigation, mobile menu, and product listings.

Improvements made recently

  • Main navigation: added ARIA wiring (aria-haspopup, aria-controls, aria-expanded) and keyboard support (Enter/Space, Esc, Arrow keys). Hover now works without breaking keyboard use.
  • Focus visibility: clearer outlines on links, buttons, cards, and slider controls.
  • Slider controls: removed redundant aria-label on arrows when visible text exists.
  • Mobile slide-out menu: prevents page behind from scrolling; panel itself scrolls; better focus handling and Esc to close.
  • Product/category tiles: removed duplicate links by converting the secondary “View products” link into a button with the same styling; improves screen-reader experience while keeping the CTA visible.
  • Images on archives: product thumbnails are decorative (alt="") to avoid repeated announcements; product pages keep meaningful alt text where appropriate.
  • LiveChat: configured to stay minimised and not auto-open; monitoring tab order so it appears after page content.

Conformance status

Partially compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA due to the issues listed below.

Known accessibility issues (being addressed)

  • Cookie banner (CookieFirst): some configurations can take focus ahead of page content. We’ve adjusted settings and are working with the vendor to ensure it does not interfere with tab order after consent.
  • LiveChat widget: currently minimised by default; we are monitoring to ensure it remains last in tab order and does not auto-open.
  • PDFs/downloads: some legacy documents may not be fully tagged for accessibility. Accessible formats are available on request.
  • Third-party embeds: some external iframes may not fully meet WCAG; we’re working with providers where possible.

Feedback & contact

If you need information in a different format, or want to report an accessibility problem, contact us and we’ll respond within 5 working days:

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

This site relies on HTML, WAI-ARIA, CSS, and JavaScript. We test with keyboard-only navigation and screen readers (e.g., VoiceOver/NVDA) and use automated tools (e.g., Lighthouse/axe) to support manual testing.

Preparation of this statement

This statement was prepared on following self-evaluation (expert review and assistive-tech spot checks). It will be reviewed at least annually and after significant site updates.