Digital Accessibility

The Critical Loop has not yet undergone an independent, comprehensive accessibility audit, so we do not currently describe it as fully conformant with WCAG 2.2.

Our assessment is based on internal review and testing of representative pages, templates and functionality. Because websites, browsers, assistive technologies, publishing platforms and content change over time, accessibility can regress. We therefore treat it as an ongoing responsibility for publishing and quality assurance.

We have designed and tested The Critical Loop to support the following activities, although individual experiences may vary depending on the device, browser, settings and assistive technology being used:

• navigating the website using a keyboard;
• accessing content with commonly used screen readers and other assistive technologies supported by modern browsers and operating systems;
• zooming and resizing text without losing essential content or functionality;
• using the website on desktop and mobile devices in portrait or landscape orientation;
• distinguishing text and essential interactive elements through sufficient colour contrast;
• identifying the purpose of links, buttons and other interactive controls;
• accessing text alternatives for editorial images where those images communicate relevant information; and
• using the website with dark or light colour preferences where supported by the device and browser.

We use semantic structure so that headings, links, lists and other elements can be identified and navigated by assistive technologies.

Interactive controls are intended to have meaningful, accessible names. Images are provided with alternative text where they convey information, while decorative images are excluded from the accessibility tree where appropriate.

Where an image is already adequately described in the article or its caption, we may avoid repeating the same information unnecessarily in its alternative text.

Compatibility can vary across browsers, operating systems, and assistive technology versions. We cannot guarantee identical behaviour across every possible combination.

The Critical Loop is designed to be operable without a mouse. Standard browser keyboard commands include:

• Tab: move to the next interactive element;
• Shift + Tab: move to the previous interactive element;
• Enter: activate links and relevant controls;
• Space: activate buttons and some other controls; and
• Arrow keys: navigate or scroll where supported by the browser or component.

Keyboard focus has been enhanced to remain visible while navigating the website in both light and dark display modes. Keyboard behaviour can vary between browsers and operating systems.

The Critical Loop is designed to work with browser and operating-system accessibility settings. Content should remain readable and usable when enlarged with browser zoom, although behaviour may vary depending on the browser, device, and content being displayed.Common browser shortcuts include:

• macOS: press Command and + to zoom in, Command and − to zoom out, and Command and 0 to return to the default zoom level.
• Windows: press Ctrl and + to zoom in, Ctrl and − to zoom out, and Ctrl and 0 to return to the default zoom level.

The Critical Loop is designed to adapt to desktop, tablet and mobile screens and to work in both portrait and landscape orientations. Some appearance and behaviour may vary depending on the device, browser, text size, and zoom level used.

Text and essential user interface elements are designed towards meeting the applicable WCAG 2.2 Level AA contrast requirements.

The contrast criteria do not apply in the same way to photography, artwork, illustrations, logos or incidental text contained within images. We do not artificially alter editorial works solely to change their visual composition.

Where visual content communicates information needed to understand an article, we aim to provide an appropriate text alternative, caption or explanation.

The website supports light and dark presentation based on the functionality available through the website, browser, or operating system. We review both modes when making relevant visual changes. However, we cannot guarantee an optimal experience for readers using personalised colours, contrast settings and fonts.

The Critical Loop does not make assumptions about its readers’ literacy, language proficiency, education or prior knowledge. We aim to write clearly, but accessibility does not require us to talk down to readers or remove the substance from complex ideas. Artificially simplifying every subject can be patronising and may restrict, rather than expand, a reader’s journey towards knowledge and different ideas.

Where specialist terms are necessary, we aim to provide sufficient explanation and context while preserving the depth, precision and distinctive voice of the author. Many of our articles are long-form pieces that explore complex subjects in detail. Reading preferences and comprehension needs vary, and the same person may prefer different forms of support at different times.

Readers may find it helpful to use reading and accessibility tools provided by their device or browser. Depending on the technology being used, these tools can simplify the page, reduce visual distractions, enlarge or restyle text, read an article aloud, highlight words as they are spoken, or change the pace of narration. Using these tools is a personal choice and does not imply anything about a reader’s ability or level of understanding.


Reading support on a Mac:

To have selected text read aloud:

1. Open Apple menu → System Settings → Accessibility → Read & Speak.
2. Turn on Speak selection.
3. Select the text you want to hear and press Option–Escape, the default shortcut.
4. Use the onscreen controller to pause, adjust the speaking rate, or move backwards and forwards.

In Safari, select View → Show Reader when Reader is available. Reader removes many visual distractions and lets you adjust the font, text size, and background.Read Apple’s current guidance on having your Mac speak onscreen text.

Reading support on Windows

Microsoft Edge includes Reading mode and Read Aloud:

1. Open the article in Microsoft Edge.
2. Press F9 or select the Reading mode icon in the address bar when available.
3. Use the Reading mode toolbar to change the font, text size, column width or colour theme.
4. Select Read aloud to hear the article and follow the highlighting on the screen.
5. Adjust the voice and reading speed using the available controls.

You can also start or stop Read Aloud directly by pressing Ctrl–Shift–U.Windows includes Narrator, which can be started or stopped using Windows key–Ctrl–Enter.

Magnifier can enlarge the screen and read text aloud.Read Microsoft’s current guidance on Reading mode in Edge and Magnifier reading.

Reading support on an iPhone or iPad In Safari:

1. Open the article.
2. Tap the Page Menu button in the address bar.
3. Select Show Reader to simplify the page and adjust its appearance.
4. On supported pages, select Listen to Page to hear the article read aloud.
5. Use the listening controls to pause or resume the reading.

On supported webpages, you may also be able to ask Siri to “Read this” or “Listen to this page.”For additional spoken-text options, open Settings → Accessibility → Read & Speak and enable the features that suit you.

Read Apple’s current guidance on using Siri to listen to a webpage.

Reading support on an Android phone

Google’s Reading mode can change the font, text size, spacing, contrast and colour of long-form content and can read content aloud:

1. Find and install Google’s Reading mode through the Google Play Store if it is not already available.
2. Follow its setup instructions or open Settings → Accessibility → Reading mode.
3. Turn on the Reading mode shortcut.
4. While viewing an article, use the shortcut or Accessibility button to open Reading mode.
5. Select Play to hear the article, or open Settings to change its appearance, reading voice or speed.

On compatible devices, you may also be able to select a passage and choose More → Read aloud.Android menus and feature availability differ between manufacturers, devices and operating-system versions.

Read Google’s current guidance on Android Reading mode and Select to Speak.T

he names, locations and availability of all the reading features described above may change between devices, regions and software versions.

The linked instructions are maintained by the relevant technology providers.

Some parts of The Critical Loop depend on third-party platforms and services, including Ghost.io for publishing and memberships, Stripe for payment processing, and services for displaying embedded media.

We consider accessibility when selecting and configuring third-party services, but we do not control every part of their interface or every change they make. Their accessibility and compatibility with assistive technologies may therefore vary.

Editorial articles may also include photography, artwork, illustrations, logos, quotations or embedded material supplied by contributors or third parties.

We aim to provide accessible context or alternatives where these are necessary to understand the article.