Accessibility Statement
Accessibility
FIRST DRAFT is an inclusive programme and we are committed to ensuring that our opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships), ethnicity or cultural background, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, geographical remoteness or socio-economic status.
FIRST DRAFT can provide access and communication support based on your specific needs. Please do get in touch if you require any assistance using the FIRST DRAFT CONTACT FORM
Support we are able to provide includes, but is not limited to:
- Live captions
- Translation
- BSL interpretation
We will ensure all venues in which our workshops take place are fully wheelchair accessible, but do let us know if you have any additional requirements we can cater for.
Website
The FIRST DRAFT website is designed to be accessible to all and follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
- Making content logical and navigable using only a keyboard
- Using alternative (Alt) text for images
- Using descriptive links
- Using sufficient colour contrast between text and background
- Providing captions for embedded videos
Google Translate will allow you to access the website in other languages.
Applying to FIRST DRAFT
If you require any of our application forms in an alternative format, contact us using the FIRST DRAFT CONTACT FORM to discuss your requirements.
We offer support to D/deaf and disabled applicants, tailored to individual requests. This support can include Sign Language interpreters for meeting with us prior to submitting an application and scribing support for dyslexic applicants.
Application Processes
If you are unable to submit to us via an online application form on our website, we can accept applications in other formats, including:
- Written application
- BSL video or other language format
- Application recorded verbally by phone or on camera
We support the Social Model of Disability and recognise it is society that puts the barriers in place preventing Disabled people from taking part. If you identify as a disabled person or as someone with a hidden disability, we strongly recommend that you disclose your status to us and list any specific access requirements at the point of application.
If selected for interview applicants will receive the questions in advance and we will accommodate any identified access requirements to participate.
Access Support Costs
We are able to make a financial contribution towards access support for selected FIRST DRAFT writers.
If you and/or your co-writer have personal access needs that will incur a cost during the shortlisting process or programme, you can discuss these with the FIRST DRAFT team and we will assess the most appropriate support option. This funding is granted in addition to any development funding awarded.
We define such needs as specific support required to address barriers to participation that will result in an actual financial cost during the application process or programme.
Access costs in this context can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Childcare costs, where applicants are unlikely to be able to undertake the planned activity without this support. Please note that childcare costs are classed as a taxable benefit, so whilst we will reimburse these costs, you will be responsible for reporting this to HMRC.
- Personal assistance support
- Transport
- An advocate
- Accommodation
- Equipment, including adaptations
- Communication support such as a BSL interpreter, note-taker, speech-to-text reporter or lip-speaker; translation of documents into another language; conversion of documents into Easy Read or other formats such as large print or audio; or translation support if English is not your first language
- Communication support provided remotely, or software and equipment required to deliver communication support
All access support and associated costs must be discussed and agreed with the FIRST DRAFT team in advance.