Accessibility at LightKeep

LightKeep is being designed to reach the people whose lives it records. Many participants will be in their eighties and nineties. Some do not drive, some do not use the internet, and others use digital services only with help. Access therefore has to shape the project from the beginning, not be added at the end.

Access to taking part
Portraits and conversations can take place at home or in another familiar, accessible setting. No one needs to travel to LightKeep or prepare anything formal. Access needs can be discussed privately before a visit and reviewed throughout. People can contact the project by email, phone or post, and taking part does not depend on owning or using a digital device.

Access to the work
The online archive is only one part of LightKeep. Portraits and written records will also exist as physical prints. The exhibition is intended to be free, locally accessible and supported by seating, assistance and large-print information. The project will explore ways to bring the work to care homes, sheltered housing, community groups and schools rather than expecting every audience to reach a single venue.

Digital inclusion
Early conversations with Anna Dolphin, a Digital Inclusion Skills Trainer working across Sussex and Brighton & Hove, have helped LightKeep understand the practical barriers faced by older and disabled people. The project is exploring how personalised digital support could help participants see and share their portrait and story when it goes online.

The website
LightKeep is working towards clear navigation, readable type, meaningful image descriptions, captioned and transcribed films, keyboard access and layouts that remain usable when text is enlarged. Improvements will continue as portraits, films and archive material are added.

Independent accessibility audit
Following a successful grant award, LightKeep intends to commission AbilityNet to undertake a paid, independent accessibility audit of the website. Its findings will be used to prioritise and implement improvements. This statement will be updated to record the audit, the changes made and any known limitations.

Feedback and assistance
If any part of the website or participation process is difficult to use, please tell LightKeep. Information can be supplied in another format and individual arrangements can be discussed.

Email: wmstroud@mac.com
Phone: 07825 770948
Post: 67 Eley Drive, Rottingdean, Brighton BN2 7FG

This draft statement will be reviewed as the project develops and after independent audit.