Help

Ease of use
This site has been designed for use by all members of the community, whether experienced internet users or not. The layout has been created with visually impaired users in mind and is fully compatible with browser-reading software. The site can be navigated using the keyboard alone hopefully making it easier to use for physically disabled people. If you have problems finding the information you require try the keyword search, which you will find at the bottom of each page. You can also visit the sitemap page and locate your information from there.

Please note that unless otherwise stated all links will open within the same browser window.

Accessibility
"Access keys" have been built into the site to assist users with disabilities when navigating their way through the website. These are essentially keyboard shortcuts that gives users quick and easy access to particular web pages. Depending on the type of operating system you use, the access keys will create different results. At present, only Microsoft Internet Explorer supports access keys.

Windows based computers
Pressing "ALT" and the access key will give focus to that specific link on the page. If you press return, you will then be taken to that page.

Macintosh based computers
Pressing "CTRL" and the access key will automatically send you to that specific page.

The three access keys used on the Macclesfield site are:

• H for homepage
• S for sitemap
• P for help
• M for magnify

If you have any suggestions about how we might make this website more accessible please send us your comments using the feedback form.

Magnification
To help partially sighted users access the site we have implemented the Works View magnification tool. Please follow the instructions below to use this system.

User Instructions - Microsoft Internet Explorer users ONLY

1. Follow the MAGNIFY link at the top of the page to download the Works view magnification software.
2. When prompted please click the 'yes' button.
3. The software will then proceed to download. This should take no more than 90 seconds using a standard dial-up connection (less with broadband).
4. The software is immediately active on the Macclesfield Borough Council website:
   • the split screen view shows the magnified view in the lower window.
   • the amount of screen used by the magnified window can be adjusted by clicking your mouse over the split screen divider and dragging upwards or downwards
   • you may adjust the magnification amount from the '+' and '-' buttons at the right hand side of the magnified window
   • NOTE - page hyperlinks work on the unmagnified window, so your mouse pointer needs to be over the unmagnified window. However the location of the mouse pointer is also shown in the magnified window.
   • If you wish to close the Magnification software, click the 'close' button in the top left part of the magnified window.
5. To restart the software on your next visit, return to this page and click on the link or icon below. since you have already downloaded the software, it will immediately launch without going through the download process again. You may therefore wish to add this page to your 'Favourites' list.

We regret that this software is currently only available for users of Internet Explorer. If you use another browser, then see the next section on increasing text size.

Increasing text size
Some users might find screen text easier to read by increasing the size at which text is displayed. To do this you should simply adjust your browser's settings. If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer go to the VIEW menu, select TEXT SIZE and then either LARGER or LARGEST. If you use Netscape Navigator go to the VIEW menu and choose INCREASE FONT until the text is whatever size you require.

Help with Searches
The Macclesfield website provides different search facilities for different parts of the website; this is in addition to the search that covers the entire website and is available at the bottom of every screen.

The full site search allows a user to make a keyword search of the Macclesfield website content database. Enter a single word and the search will find every page where that particular word is mentioned. Enter two or more words and the search looks for instances of that each individual word. The site search will intelligently look for singular and plural words and roots of words.

Other searches are available that each cover a specific section of the site. These searches have special functions, some of which allow you to select a date range event type etc. These can be found at:

• Accommodation
• What's On
• Publications
• A-Z Council Services
• Council contacts
• Councillors

Alternative methods of navigating your way through this website include browsing the navigation menu at the left-side of the screen, using the Quick Links drop-down menu at the bottom-left of the screen or the site map that displays the title of every page on the website.

PDFs
Documents are often provided in "PDF" format. PDFs (portable document format) are suited to downloading and printing. To view a PDF your browser needs a plug-in called the Acrobat Reader. This is available for free and can be downloaded from the Adobe website. The file size is 8.6 mb which should take approximately 20 minutes to download on a 56k modem.

Visually impaired users who require browser-reading software can download a special plug-in for your browser.

Logo If you require a copy of the logo please send an email to graphics@macclesfield.gov.uk. Briefly state the reason why, and include your name and contact details.
If appearing on a website our logo should be a link to the homepage of our website www.macclesfield.gov.uk

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