Accessibility statement

1. Our commitment

The Obesity Health Centre (“OHC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to making its website, information and online services accessible to as many people as reasonably possible, including people with disabilities.

We believe everyone should be able to access reliable information about obesity, medical weight management, bariatric and metabolic surgery, and the healthcare services available through OHC.

We aim to provide an inclusive online experience for people with different:

• Visual abilities;
• Hearing abilities;
• Physical and mobility needs;
• Cognitive and learning needs;
• Neurological conditions;
• Communication needs; and
• Assistive-technology requirements.

2. Accessibility standard

We are working towards aligning this website with the internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium.

These guidelines are based on four principles requiring online content to be:

• Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can recognise or access.
• Operable: Website functions should be usable through different input methods.
• Understandable: Information and navigation should be clear and predictable.
• Robust: Content should work with current browsers and assistive technologies.

Unless OHC has completed a formal accessibility audit, this statement should not be interpreted as a claim that every page fully conforms to WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

3. Accessibility features

Where reasonably possible, we aim to provide:

• Clear and consistent page headings;
• Simple and understandable language;
• Logical page structure and navigation;
• Descriptive page titles;
• Meaningful link descriptions;
• Alternative text for informative images;
• Sufficient colour contrast between text and backgrounds;
• Text that can be enlarged using browser controls;
• Website functionality that can be accessed using a keyboard;
• Clearly labelled forms and form fields;
• Instructions that do not rely only on colour;
• Captions, transcripts or descriptions for important video and audio content;
• Visible keyboard focus indicators;
• Responsive layouts that work across different screen sizes; and
• Compatibility with commonly used browsers and assistive technologies.

4. Adjusting your device or browser

You may be able to improve your experience by using the accessibility features available through your browser, computer, tablet or mobile device.

Depending on your device, you may be able to:

• Increase or decrease text size;
• Zoom in on a webpage;
• Adjust screen brightness or contrast;
• Use a screen reader;
• Use voice-recognition software;
• Navigate using a keyboard;
• Enable captions;
• Change colour settings;
• Use reading or focus modes; or
• Enable other accessibility tools.

Refer to the accessibility or help settings of your browser, operating system or device for instructions.

5. Keyboard navigation

We aim to make the main areas and functions of the website usable without a mouse.

Keyboard users can generally use:

• The Tab key to move forward between links, buttons and form fields;
• Shift + Tab to move backwards;
• The Enter or Spacebar key to activate a selected item; and
• The Arrow keys to navigate certain menus or controls.

Some functionality supplied by external service providers may operate differently.

6. Images and visual content

We aim to provide alternative text for images that communicate important information.

Images used only for decoration may not contain alternative text so that they do not create unnecessary interruptions for screen-reader users.

Medical diagrams, infographics and before-and-after images may not always communicate every detail through brief alternative text. If you need an accessible description of a particular image or resource, please contact us.

7. Video and audio content

Where reasonably possible, important video or audio content should include:

• Captions;
• A written transcript;
• An accompanying summary; or
• Another suitable alternative.

Older content or material supplied by third parties may not yet have captions or transcripts. You may contact us to request the information in another format.

8. Forms and online enquiries

We aim to make website forms understandable and accessible by providing:

• Clear field labels;
• Instructions where necessary;
• Identifiable required fields;
• Helpful error messages; and
• Logical keyboard navigation.

If you are unable to complete an online form, you may contact OHC by telephone or email for assistance.

Do not use a website form or accessibility contact channel for a medical emergency.

9. Downloadable documents

The website may contain downloadable documents, including PDF or Word files.

We aim to make new documents accessible where reasonably possible. However, some older documents or materials received from third parties may not be fully compatible with screen readers or other assistive technologies.

If you experience difficulty accessing a document, contact us and request:

• A Word version;
• A plain-text version;
• A larger-print version;
• An emailed copy;
• An explanation by telephone; or
• Another reasonably accessible format.

We will consider the request and provide a suitable alternative where reasonably possible.

10. Medical terminology

Some parts of the website may contain medical or technical terminology that cannot reasonably be avoided.

We aim to explain important medical concepts in clear, patient-friendly language. Website information remains general and does not replace an individual consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Please contact OHC if you require assistance understanding information about our services.

11. Known limitations

Although we continue to improve the website, some areas may not yet be fully accessible. Possible limitations may include:

• Older PDF documents;
• Images without complete alternative descriptions;
• Videos without captions or transcripts;
• Complex medical diagrams or infographics;
• Third-party appointment or payment systems;
• Embedded maps, videos or social-media content;
• External links and third-party websites; and
• Older webpages that have not yet been updated.

We aim to address identified accessibility barriers according to their impact, available resources and technical feasibility.

12. Third-party content and services

The website may contain content or functionality supplied by external providers, including:

• Online appointment systems;
• Payment services;
• Maps;
• Videos;
• Social-media platforms;
• Medical-scheme or funding resources; and
• Other healthcare-related websites.

OHC does not control the accessibility of independent third-party platforms. However, we encourage our service providers to make their services accessible.

If a third-party service prevents you from accessing important OHC information or completing a necessary action, please contact us so that we can consider an alternative method.

13. Requesting reasonable assistance

If a disability or accessibility barrier makes it difficult for you to access our website or online information, you may request reasonable assistance or an alternative format.

Depending on the request, assistance may include:

• Providing information by telephone or email;
• Supplying a document in another format;
• Explaining website information;
• Assisting with an appointment enquiry;
• Providing larger-print material; or
• Identifying another suitable way to access the information.

The availability of a particular format may depend on the nature of the content, urgency, available technology and reasonable operational requirements.

14. Accessibility feedback

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of this website.

If you encounter a problem, please tell us:

• The webpage or document you were trying to access;
• The nature of the difficulty;
• The browser, device or assistive technology you were using, if known;
• The format or assistance you require; and
• How we may contact you.

You do not need to disclose detailed medical information when reporting an accessibility issue.

15. Contact details

For accessibility questions, feedback or assistance, contact:

• Obesity Health Centre
• Contact person or department: Hesme Kruger
• Email: bariatrics@obesityhealthcentre.co.za
• Telephone: +27 12 346 5639
• Physical address: Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, 255 Bourke St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181
• Office hours: to be confirmed

We aim to acknowledge accessibility enquiries within 2 business days and to provide feedback or a reasonable alternative as soon as practical.

16. Medical emergencies

This website and the accessibility feedback contact are not emergency services.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe symptoms:

• Contact an emergency medical service immediately;
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency department; or
• Contact the appropriate emergency number in your area.

Do not wait for a response to an email, website form or accessibility enquiry.

17. Legal and human-rights context

OHC’s accessibility efforts are informed by the principles of equality, dignity and protection against unfair discrimination reflected in:

• The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;
• The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000;
• Applicable South African disability-rights principles; and
• Relevant international accessibility guidance.

This statement describes OHC’s commitment and approach to website accessibility. It does not limit any rights or remedies available under applicable law.

18. Ongoing improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing process.

We may review and improve the website by:

• Assessing new content and features;
• Correcting reported accessibility barriers;
• Reviewing colour contrast and text readability;
• Improving keyboard navigation;
• Updating alternative text;
• Adding captions or transcripts;
• Improving the accessibility of downloadable documents; and
• Considering accessibility when selecting service providers.

19. Changes to this statement

We may update this Accessibility Statement when:

• The website changes;
• New services or technologies are introduced;
• Accessibility improvements are completed;
• New barriers are identified; or
• Applicable standards or legal requirements change.

The latest version will be published on this page with an updated revision date.