Accessibility Statement

Creta Restaurant is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities. We strive to provide an inclusive online experience that allows everyone to access our services with ease and dignity.

This Accessibility Statement applies to our website, mobile applications, and online ordering system, which are powered by ApeTables™ (operated by Ape Vibe Ltd). We work continuously with our technology partner to improve accessibility across all digital touchpoints.

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our services and are committed to making ongoing improvements to serve all our customers better.

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

At Creta Restaurant, we believe that accessibility is a fundamental right, not a feature. We are committed to:

• Inclusive Design: Creating digital experiences that work for users of all abilities
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly testing and enhancing our accessibility features
• User Feedback: Listening to our customers and incorporating their accessibility needs
• Staff Training: Ensuring our team understands and supports accessibility requirements
• Compliance: Meeting or exceeding relevant accessibility standards and legal requirements

This commitment extends beyond our digital presence to encompass the full customer experience, both online and in our physical restaurant space.

2. Accessibility Standards

WCAG 2.1 Compliance

Our website aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

UK Legal Requirements

We work to comply with the UK's accessibility regulations, including:

• The Equality Act 2010
• The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018
• European Accessibility Act requirements

Technical Standards

Our accessibility implementation focuses on the four main principles of WCAG:

3. Current Accessibility Features

Navigation & Structure

• Semantic HTML: Proper heading structure and landmark navigation
• Skip Links: Allow users to jump to main content areas
• Consistent Navigation: Predictable layout and navigation patterns
• Focus Indicators: Clear visual focus indicators for keyboard navigation
• Breadcrumbs: Clear path indication for complex pages

Visual & Design

• Colour Contrast: High contrast ratios meeting WCAG AA standards
• Responsive Design: Content adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels
• Alternative Text: Descriptive alt text for all meaningful images
• Scalable Text: Text can be enlarged up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Colour Independence: Information is not conveyed by colour alone

Interactive Elements

• Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements are accessible via keyboard
• Form Labels: Clear, descriptive labels for all form fields
• Error Handling: Clear error messages and guidance for form validation
• Button Descriptions: Descriptive text for all clickable elements
• Time Limits: Sufficient time for users to complete actions

Content & Language

• Plain Language: Clear, concise language throughout the site
• Page Titles: Descriptive titles for all pages
• Language Declaration: Proper language attributes for screen readers
• Consistent Terminology: Consistent use of terms and concepts

4. Known Limitations

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge some current limitations that we are actively working to address:

Third-Party Content

• Payment Processing: Some payment gateway interfaces may have limited accessibility features
• Map Integration: Interactive maps may not be fully accessible to all screen readers
• Social Media Widgets: Embedded social media content may have accessibility limitations

Complex Interactions

• Menu Customization: Some complex menu item customization features may need keyboard navigation improvements
• Real-time Updates: Live order tracking updates may not always announce properly to screen readers
• Image Galleries: Some image carousel controls may need enhanced keyboard support

Mobile Experience

• Touch Targets: Some mobile interface elements may be smaller than optimal touch target sizes
• Gesture Navigation: Some gestures may not have keyboard alternatives

We are actively working with our technology partner, ApeTables™, to address these limitations in future updates.

5. Ongoing Efforts

Regular Testing

We conduct regular accessibility testing using:

• Automated Testing Tools: Regular scans using accessibility testing software
• Manual Testing: Human testing of navigation and functionality
• Screen Reader Testing: Testing with popular screen reading software
• Keyboard-Only Navigation: Regular testing of all functionality without a mouse

User Testing

We actively seek feedback from users with disabilities and incorporate their insights into our improvement process.

Technology Updates

We work closely with ApeTables™ to ensure that platform updates include accessibility improvements and that new features are designed with accessibility in mind from the start.

Staff Training

Our team receives regular training on:

• Digital accessibility best practices
• How to assist customers with disabilities
• Using accessibility testing tools
• Understanding diverse user needs

6. Assistive Technologies

Our website is designed to work with a wide range of assistive technologies, including:

Browser Compatibility

Our website is tested and optimized for accessibility across major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, with their built-in accessibility features enabled.

7. Accessibility in Our Restaurant

Our commitment to accessibility extends to our physical restaurant space:

Physical Accessibility

• Wheelchair Access: Accessible entrance and seating areas
• Accessible Restrooms: Fully accessible toilet facilities
• Clear Pathways: Wide, unobstructed routes throughout the restaurant
• Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces where available

Service Accessibility

• Menu Formats: Large print menus and digital menu options available
• Staff Training: Team trained to assist customers with disabilities
• Dietary Accommodations: Clear allergen information and dietary modification options
• Communication Support: Multiple ways to communicate orders and preferences

Sensory Considerations

• Lighting: Adequate lighting levels for menu reading
• Noise Levels: Awareness of acoustic environment for hearing aid users
• Service Animals: Welcome policy for guide dogs and service animals

8. Feedback & Complaints

We Want to Hear From You

Your feedback is essential to helping us improve our accessibility. We welcome:

• Accessibility Issues: Reports of barriers you encounter on our website or in our restaurant
• Suggestions: Ideas for accessibility improvements
• Positive Feedback: What's working well for you
• Feature Requests: Accessibility features you'd like to see

How We Handle Feedback

When you contact us about accessibility:

• We aim to respond within 2 business days
• We'll work with you to understand the issue and find solutions
• We'll keep you informed of progress on addressing your feedback
• We'll use your input to improve our services for all customers

Formal Complaints Process

If you're not satisfied with our response to accessibility concerns, you can:

• Request to speak with our management team
• Submit a formal written complaint
• Contact relevant regulatory bodies if needed

9. Alternative Formats

We can provide information about our services in alternative formats upon request:

Requesting Alternative Formats

To request information in an alternative format:

• Contact us using the details provided below
• Specify the format you need
• Allow 3-5 business days for preparation
• Let us know if you need the information urgently

There is no charge for providing information in alternative formats.

10. Contact Us About Accessibility

We're here to help with any accessibility questions or concerns. You can reach us through multiple channels:

What to Include in Your Message

To help us assist you effectively, please include:

• Specific Issue: Describe the accessibility barrier you encountered
• Location: Where on the website or in the restaurant the issue occurred
• Device/Browser: What device and browser you were using (for website issues)
• Assistive Technology: Any assistive technology you were using
• Preferred Contact: How you'd like us to respond to you

Response Times

• Urgent Issues: Same day response for barriers preventing service access
• General Inquiries: 2 business days for most accessibility questions
• Complex Issues: Up to 5 business days for technical problems requiring investigation