RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

On this page

Minimum setup

Our website has been developed for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and 6, Mozilla 1.5, Opera 6 and 7 and Lynx 2.8.4. Users with earlier versions of these browsers or other browsers may not be able to access the website or use all of its features.

Visually the website has been designed to work at a screen resolution of 800 by 600 pixels or larger. In most cases your screen resolution can be changed by altering the settings on your computer.

File downloads

Some of the information on this website is provided as downloadable files. These are either Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files or Microsoft Word files.

PDF files

Some of the downloadable files on our website are available as Adobe PDF files. To view and print these files you need to install the free Adobe Reader (external link, opens new browser window).

You can also visit Adobe's website and convert PDF files into basic HTML documents (external link, opens new browser window) that can be viewed in your browser. To use the form, cut and paste or type the web address of the PDF file you want converted into the box on this page.

Word files

If you want to view a Word file but don't have Microsoft Word you can download a free Word viewer (external link, opens new browser window) from the Microsoft website. Select the version of Microsoft Office you want to use (2003, 2000, XP or 97) and click the Viewer link under the options for that version of Word.

Printing

Many of our web pages have a 'Print this page' option on the page. Using this option will open a 'print-friendly' version of the page. Clicking the print icon will also open the print menu for your installed printer.

Emailing pages to friends

On a number of web pages we have included an 'Email to a friend' option. Clicking on this will let you send a link to that page to someone you know. The address of the page is already filled in: all you have to do is fill in the email address and click the button to send it.

Changing browser settings

Our website is designed to be displayed properly by a number of different internet browsers. However, you may find it easier to use our website, and other sites, if you change some of the settings in the browser. You can change the size, font and colour of the text and change the background colours.

You can find out how to change the settings in the following browsers:

We have also included some tips on saving images, saving details of your favourite websites and stopping images and cookies from being downloaded.

Video clips / British Sign Language (BSL) clips

Video clips can be played in either Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player.

Download Windows Media Player (external link, opens new browser window).

Download QuickTime Player (external link, opens new browser window).

Cookies

A cookie is a small text file that is put on your computer by a website so that when you revisit the site it can remember some of your details. For example, our online shop uses cookies to greet you each time you enter the shop and provide a simple sign-in procedure. However, even though cookies are often used to provide a more streamlined and personal experience for the user, they are often regarded with suspicion because of concerns about privacy.

A cookie placed on your computer by the RNID website will contain specific information about you that you have volunteered to us, for example your name. It is important to remember that:

  • A cookie cannot store any personal information you have not voluntarily given to us.
  • Cookies identify a specific computer and browser – if you use a different computer or browser a new cookie will be created.
  • Cookies can only be read by the website that created the cookie.
  • Cookies do not contain viruses.
  • You can stop a website adding a cookie on your computer.

Links

Links to files (PDF or Word files) and external websites generally open in a new browser window. You will always be warned if this is going to happen either by appropriate text in the link itself or by the Title tag for the link. Not all links have Title tags. To see if a link has a Title tag, hover your mouse over the link and it will appear as a 'tool tip' next to the pointer or cursor.

Linking policy

Linking to our website can help to communicate valuable information about deaf and hard of hearing people and the work of RNID. If you would like to link to our website or would like a link from our website you will need to contact us for permission: please read our linking policy first.

Help for new users

BBC WebWise has lots of information for people who are new to using the web. Visit BBC Web Wise (external link, opens new browser window) for more information.

UK online centres aim to give everyone in the country access to computers near to where they live, as well as help and advice on using them. Visit the UK online website (external link, opens new browser window) for more information.

More help

You may find more useful information in our Accessibility help section and in our Frequently asked questions section.

If you have any problems when using our site or find any broken links please email webteam@rnid.org.uk or use our enquiry form to get in touch.