TPT kickstarts digital accessibility programme with new personalisation toolbar

The toolbar has been introduced as part of our wider commitment to creating more accessible digital services. It can help users overcome barriers that can make online information difficult to access or understand. It provides assistive and personalisation features for people with different visual, cognitive, language and reading needs, while also giving every visitor more control over their browsing experience.

What's included in the toolbar?

The Recite Me toolbar provides a range of tools that allow users to personalise how website content is displayed and consumed, including:

• Text-to-speech functionality
• Translation into multiple languages
• Adjustable font styles and text sizes
• Colour, contrast and screen customisation options
• Reading rulers and screen masks
• Dictionary and page summary tools
• Reading support features designed to assist users with dyslexia and other accessibility needs

The toolbar works alongside the existing website, allowing visitors to tailor their experience without changing the underlying content.

Why accessibility matters

People view, access and interact with online information in different ways. Some may prefer to listen to content rather than read it, while others may benefit from translation tools, reading aids, larger text or improved colour contrast. Accessibility is not just about supporting people with permanent disabilities. It can also help people with temporary impairments, neurodiverse needs, language barriers or those accessing information in different environments and on different devices.

Accessible digital experiences are increasingly important. Around one in four people in the UK are disabled, rising to 45% of adults over State Pension age(1). As a pension provider, we want to ensure that members can access important information as their needs and circumstances change.

By improving accessibility, we can help more people engage with our content independently and confidently.

How to access the toolbar

Desktop users can launch the toolbar by selecting the Accessibility Tools button in the website header or by using the floating accessibility icon displayed on the right-hand side of the screen.

Mobile users can access the toolbar using the Accessibility Tools icon within the website header.

Part of a wider digital accessibility programme

The launch of the accessibility toolbar marks the first phase of TPT's digital accessibility improvements programme.

Accessibility is becoming an increasingly important focus across financial services, but research suggests the pensions and retirement sector still has progress to make compared with some other areas of the industry. As a pension provider, we want to ensure our digital services remain accessible and inclusive as members' needs change over time.

While the Recite Me toolbar provides immediate support for users, it is just one part of TPT's wider accessibility programme. Alongside the toolbar, we're introducing accessibility monitoring, improving PDF accessibility and continuing work to enhance the accessibility of our websites, content and digital journeys. These improvements support our ambition to work towards WCAG 2.2 Level AA conformance over time and create a more inclusive experience for all users. Find out more on our Accessibility Statement.

Future phases of the programme will extend accessibility improvements to the DC Member Portal and DB Online, helping create a more consistent experience across TPT's member-facing platforms.

Recite Me is already used by thousands of organisations worldwide to help make digital services more accessible and inclusive, and we're pleased to be introducing its accessibility tools to support our own members, employers and website visitors.

(1) Source: UK disability prevalence statistics based on the Family Resources Survey 2023/24, published by the UK House of Commons Library.