Oscail Magazine
Accessibility
Website
Access Features
Oscail is built using a clean, minimal design intended to reduce visual clutter and make it easier to focus on the work. Current website access choices include:
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Readable typography and layout: Body text is set in clear, dyslexia-friendly fonts with generous line spacing and contrast, and pages are kept visually simple to reduce overwhelm.
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Alt text for images where possible: Issue artwork and promotional graphics aim to include meaningful alt text or image descriptions so that screen-reader users are not left out of the visual conversation.
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Logical navigation: Core information (About, Submissions, Editorial, Contact) is reachable from the main menu, and each issue page keeps navigation consistent so readers do not have to relearn the site each time.
If you encounter any access barriers on the website like unreadable text on certain devices, missing alt text, or navigation problems, Oscail invites you to get in touch so changes can be made.
Contact for access feedback: oscailmagazine@gmail.com
Accessible Submissions Practices
Key current practices include:
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Multiple submission formats: Contributors can submit written work in standard document formats, and there is openness to alternative formats (such as audio) where this makes submitting more accessible for the writer.
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Plain-language guidelines: Submission guidelines aim to be as clear and concrete as possible, avoiding jargon and explaining what Oscail is looking for in direct language.
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Openness to extended deadlines: Where deadlines cause a specific access issue due to disability, care responsibilities, or neurodivergent time management, Oscail can often offer extended deadlines or alternative arrangements if contacted in advance.
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No fee to submit: Oscail does not charge reading or submission fees, recognising that pay-to-submit models exclude many of the writers the magazine seeks to publish.
The submissions page will always hold the most up-to-date practical details, including any current calls and specific file-format guidance.
Optional Audio and Alternative Formats
Where capacity allows, Oscail can:
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Consider audio submissions (for example, a recording of a piece read aloud) where typing or working in standard formats is a barrier.
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Work with contributors to convert work between formats (for example, turning an audio piece into text, or vice versa for publication needs), in conversation with the writer.
These options may depend on time and resources at particular points in the year, so contributors are encouraged to ask rather than assume the answer is no.
Editorial Care and Representation
Editorial care at Oscail includes:
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Reading with an awareness of how neurodivergent and disabled writers may approach structure, pacing, or voice differently from mainstream expectations.
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Paying attention to the representation of queer and neurodivergent characters and communities, and being open to conversation where concerns arise.
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Offering developmental feedback where possible, especially to emerging writers, while recognising that Oscail's capacity as a small magazine is limited.
While Oscail cannot offer full sensitivity reads or in-depth editing to every contributor, these considerations shape editorial decisions and conversations.