top of page

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Last updated: 27th June 2026

1. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

MIDLE is committed to making its website, publications, submission routes and public communications accessible to as many people as reasonably possible.

​

MIDLE exists to support students, graduates and emerging creatives who may experience barriers around confidence, visibility, communication and access to professional opportunities. Accessibility is therefore part of MIDLE’s wider purpose, rather than an optional addition.

​

This statement applies to:

  • the MIDLE website at www.midle.co;

  • online submission and contact forms;

  • digital publications produced by MIDLE;

  • downloadable documents;

  • audio, video and photographic content published directly by MIDLE;

  • information relating to orders, events and contributor opportunities.

​

MIDLE aims to work towards the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2, Level AA.

The website has not yet received a complete independent accessibility audit. MIDLE therefore does not currently claim full compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA.

​

Accessibility will continue to be reviewed as the website, publication archive, submission system and organisation develop.

​

MIDLE aims to make it possible for visitors to:

  • navigate the website using a keyboard;

  • enlarge text and zoom pages without losing essential information;

  • use browser and device accessibility settings;

  • move through pages using a clear heading structure;

  • understand links and buttons from their labels;

  • read text with appropriate contrast;

  • complete forms using clear labels and instructions;

  • access descriptions of important images;

  • avoid unnecessary movement or flashing content;

  • request information in an alternative format.

​

MIDLE also aims to make its processes approachable for people who may need:

  • additional time;

  • alternative communication methods;

  • support preparing a submission;

  • information in a simpler structure;

  • captions or transcripts;

  • a different document format;

  • or adjustments when attending an event, interview or photoshoot.

You do not need to provide medical evidence or formally disclose a disability when requesting a reasonable accessibility adjustment.

2. HOW MIDLE SUPPORTS ACCESSIBILITY

MIDLE is working to make its website and content easier to perceive, understand, navigate and use.

​

Current and planned accessibility measures include:

  • using a clear and logical heading structure;

  • writing in plain, direct language where possible;

  • keeping paragraphs and instructions reasonably short;

  • using readable type sizes and spacing;

  • avoiding text that is unnecessarily small;

  • maintaining appropriate colour contrast;

  • avoiding reliance on colour alone to communicate meaning;

  • ensuring links and buttons have meaningful labels;

  • avoiding repeated labels such as “click here” where a more descriptive label is possible;

  • providing visible keyboard focus states;

  • checking whether important content can be reached without a mouse;

  • adding alt text to meaningful website images;

  • using empty alt text for decorative images where appropriate;

  • providing captions and credits for visual material;

  • providing captions or transcripts for audio and video where possible;

  • avoiding autoplaying sound;

  • avoiding unnecessary flashing, rapid movement or animated content;

  • providing content warnings where visual or audio material could affect some users;

  • ensuring forms include labels, instructions and useful error messages;

  • allowing users to request an alternative way to submit work;

  • reviewing new pages and forms before publication.

​

Website forms

​

MIDLE aims to make contact, order and submission forms clear and manageable.

Forms should include:

  • visible field labels;

  • explanations of required information;

  • clear distinctions between required and optional questions;

  • understandable error messages;

  • enough time to complete the form;

  • confirmation that the form has been submitted;

  • links to relevant privacy information.

​

Where someone cannot use the standard submission form, MIDLE may offer an alternative route through email or another agreed format.

​

Images and creative work

​

MIDLE publishes highly visual creative work, and not every visual detail can be fully represented through a short description.

Where possible, MIDLE will provide:

  • alt text for meaningful images;

  • captions explaining the purpose or context of work;

  • longer image descriptions where needed;

  • written explanations of projects;

  • credits for creators and collaborators.

Alt text may focus on the information needed to understand the image within the page, rather than describing every visual detail.

​

Audio and moving image

​

Where MIDLE publishes audio or video content, it will aim to provide:

  • captions;

  • transcripts;

  • written summaries;

  • clear playback controls;

  • warnings for flashing imagery, sudden sound or potentially distressing material.

Where a transcript or captioned version is not immediately available, users may contact MIDLE to request an alternative.

​

Events, interviews and photoshoots

​

MIDLE aims to consider accessibility when organising in-person and online activities.

Where relevant, information may include:

  • venue access;

  • step-free routes;

  • lifts;

  • accessible toilets;

  • seating;

  • lighting and sound conditions;

  • expected duration;

  • breaks;

  • photography or recording arrangements;

  • online access information;

  • a named contact for accessibility questions.

​

Participants are encouraged to share any adjustments that would help them take part.

Reasonable adjustments may include:

  • an alternative meeting format;

  • additional breaks;

  • written questions in advance;

  • extra response time;

  • bringing a support person;

  • avoiding photography;

  • receiving materials before the activity;

  • using written communication instead of a call.

3. KNOWN LIMITATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

MIDLE is an emerging independent project, and some content may not yet meet the intended accessibility standard.

​

Known or possible limitations include the following.

​

Issue Zero digital PDF

​

MIDLE Issue Zero was originally designed primarily as a visual print publication.

The current digital PDF may not yet include:

  • complete document tagging;

  • a fully verified reading order;

  • alt text for every image;

  • accessible heading structure within the PDF;

  • appropriate bookmarks;

  • fully accessible links;

  • reliable reflow on smaller screens;

  • sufficient contrast in every editorial composition;

  • text alternatives for every visual element.

​

MIDLE is working towards providing either:

  • an improved accessible PDF;

  • a plain-text version;

  • individual web-based articles;

  • or supporting descriptions and transcripts.

​

Text contained within images

Contributor projects may include:

  • typography;

  • handwritten text;

  • posters;

  • editorial spreads;

  • packaging;

  • screenshots;

  • film stills;

  • diagrams

  • experimental lettering.

​

Text displayed only inside an image may not be available to screen-reading software.

Where possible, MIDLE will provide the essential text in:

  • a caption;

  • project description;

  • alt text;

  • transcript;

  • or accompanying accessible document.

​

Creative layouts

Some editorial pages may use expressive typography, unusual reading order, overlapping elements or low-contrast visual effects as part of the creative work.

​

MIDLE will aim to balance the integrity of the original design with the need to provide an accessible alternative.

​

Third-party services

Some parts of the website may be provided by external services, including:

  • Wix;

  • payment providers;

  • cookie-management tools;

  • embedded video or audio platforms;

  • social-media platforms;

  • external forms;

  • maps;

  • portfolio links.

​

MIDLE will select and configure these services with accessibility in mind where possible, but cannot control every part of an external interface.

External websites

MIDLE may link to:

  • contributor portfolios;

  • universities and colleges;

  • creative organisations;

  • social-media platforms;

  • delivery providers;

  • payment providers;

  • partner websites.

​

The accessibility of those websites is the responsibility of their respective owners.

​

Older or archived material

​

Content created before the current accessibility approach may not meet the same standard as newer content.

​

MIDLE will prioritise improvements according to:

  • how frequently the content is used;

  • whether it prevents someone from submitting, purchasing or contacting MIDLE;

  • whether an alternative version already exists;

  • the resources required to make the improvement.

​

Requesting an alternative format

You can contact MIDLE to request:

  • a plain-text version of a page;

  • a larger-text document;

  • an accessible PDF;

  • an editable document;

  • image descriptions;

  • captions;

  • a transcript;

  • a written summary of audio or video;

  • information presented in a simpler structure;

  • an alternative way to complete a form;

  • an alternative way to submit creative work.

​

Please contact:

Email: hello@midle.co

When contacting MIDLE, it may help to include:

  • the page, document or content you need;

  • the format that would work best for you;

  • any deadline involved;

  • any specific problem you encountered.

​

Providing this additional information is optional.

MIDLE aims to acknowledge accessibility requests within five working days.

Where reasonably possible, MIDLE aims to provide the requested information, an alternative or a proposed solution within ten working days.

​

More time may be required where:

  • the publication is particularly complex;

  • new captions or transcripts must be created;

  • permission from a contributor is required;

  • the request involves a large amount of archived material.

Where more time is needed, MIDLE will explain this and provide an estimated response date.

4. REPORTING PROBLEMS, TESTING AND UPDATES

MIDLE welcomes feedback about the accessibility of its website, publications and activities.

​

Please contact MIDLE if you:

  • cannot access part of the website;

  • cannot complete a form;

  • encounter a keyboard-navigation problem;

  • find a link or button that is unclear;

  • cannot read text because of its size or contrast;

  • find missing or unhelpful alt text;

  • require captions or a transcript;

  • cannot use a document with assistive technology;

  • need information in another format;

  • experience an accessibility barrier at an event;

  • identify an issue not covered in this statement.

  • ​

Contact:

Email: hello@midle.co
Location: York, United Kingdom

​

Where possible, include:

  • the page or document involved;

  • what you were trying to do;

  • what went wrong;

  • the browser or device used;

  • any assistive technology used;

  • what change or alternative would help.

This information is optional but may help MIDLE investigate and resolve the issue.

​

How accessibility is reviewed

​

MIDLE’s accessibility review may include:

  • Wix accessibility checks;

  • manual keyboard navigation;

  • browser zoom and text-resizing tests;

  • colour-contrast checks;

  • desktop and mobile review;

  • checking headings and page structure;

  • checking links and button labels;

  • reviewing image alt text;

  • reviewing form labels and error messages;

  • checking audio and video alternatives;

  • checking downloadable documents;

  • testing important user journeys such as submitting work, contacting MIDLE or placing an order;

  • feedback from contributors, customers and website visitors.

​

A formal independent accessibility audit may be considered as MIDLE grows and resources allow.

Review schedule

​

Accessibility will be reviewed:

  • when a new core page is created;

  • when the submission process changes;

  • when checkout or payment systems change;

  • when a new digital publication is released;

  • when new audio or video content is introduced;

  • when significant accessibility feedback is received;

  • and at least every six months.

​

Issues will be prioritised according to how strongly they affect someone’s ability to:

  • access important information;

  • submit creative work;

  • place an order;

  • contact MIDLE;

  • participate in an event;

  • or understand published content.

​

Changes to this statement

​

This statement may be updated when:

  • the website changes;

  • accessibility testing is completed;

  • known issues are resolved;

  • new limitations are identified;

  • service providers change;

  • MIDLE’s legal structure changes;

  • accessibility standards or guidance develop.

​

The date at the top of this page will show when the statement was most recently updated.

MIDLE is committed to improving accessibility over time and welcomes constructive feedback from anyone using the platform.

bottom of page