How to use this site

We are committed to providing accessible and usable information and services via our website.

PDF Files

The PDF file format is a common internet file format (PDF stands for Portable Document Format).

It's used for electronic distribution because it faithfully preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colours, images, and layout. It also can be used across many different types of computers and browsers. It is commonly used for government publications, leaflets and forms.

Opening PDF files

To open a PDF Files file you have two options. You can download a program called Acrobat Reader and install it onto your computer. The program is available free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat site. Because the download is large – typically between 8MB and 16MB – you may find easier to find a copy of the program on one of the CDs distributed by computer magazines.

The second option is to use an online PDF conversion tool. You can visit the Adobe Acrobat website, type in the address of a PDF file and get it to translate the file into a more readable format while you wait. Or you can email the address of the file (or the file itself) to Adobe, and they will email a translation back. These translations of the files may not be as clearly formatted as the original PDF file.

• Follow this link to download Adobe Reader: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
• Follow this link to convert a PDF file online: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_simple_form.html

PDF files and browsers

You can configure your web browser to open PDF files either within the browser window or in a separate Adobe Acrobat window. There are detailed instructions on the Acrobat website on how to do so for different browsers.

• Follow this link for instructions how to configure your browser for Acrobat: www.adobe.com/support/products/acrreader.html

Are PDF files accessible?

PDF Files file standards have improved over the years and have become more accessible through technologies like screen readers, navigation through the keyboard and enhanced screen viewing. The Adobe site provides information on how best to use these features. You may come across earlier versions of PDF files which are not so accessible.

Follow this link to read 'Adobe Acrobat 7 and Accessibility' [PDF Files] (182 kb).

Free viewer for Microsoft Word

This website links to documents and files in Plain Text and Rich Text File formats. If you do not have a word processor such as Microsoft Word on you computer, you may need to download the free Microsoft Word Viewer.

• Follow this link to download the free Microsoft Word Viewer: office.microsoft.com/en-gb/officeupdate/CD011197531033.aspx.

Accesskeys

The site's layout takes into account users who are blind or visually impaired. It is fully compatible with popular screen reading software. If you have difficulties using a mouse, the site can be navigated using only a keyboard.

• For further information about accesskeys, please follow this link: www.kctmo.org.uk/accesskeys.

Further assistance

For further information about this site in relation to accessibility, please follow this link: www.kctmo.org.uk/accessibility.

If you require assistance using this website, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us: email: webmaster@kctmo.org.uk.