The Digital Accessibility Regulations 2018 comes into force on the 23rd September 2019. This year it applies to platforms and content that have been updated since 23rd September 2018.

Information Services staff have been deeply involved in advising and assisting the University in its approach and implementation of the regulations and will continue to do so. Our digital platforms in scope for this year will conform to the regulations in time to meet the deadline. However, it is every content creator’s responsibility to ensure their digital content is fully accessible and we need to make this an embedded approach rather than a box-ticking exercise.

As part of its commitment to digital accessibility, the University invited digital accessibility specialist Sigma to address staff on “Embedding inclusive design in your own work”.

Accessibility consultant Molly Watt - speaking from the perspective of someone with Usher Syndrome – explain why digital accessibility is to important.

Molly Watt video

The University wants to ensure the digital information we make available through all our portals are accessible to the majority of our users – current and prospective students/staff, funders, collaborators and the wider public.

Ensuring our digital content is accessible fits with our values and supports the University’s aims relating to widening access, civic engagement and inclusivity. In addition, we have legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

It is important that you make yourself aware of your obligations in providing content and services, in particular with reference to legislation. This includes webpages, Moodle and Office documents.

The University already has excellent guidance in this area, but a new website has been created to help you meet the new Digital Accessibility Regulations 2018 which come into force in September 2019. Find out more about Digital Accessibility Guidance

First published: 4 September 2019

<< 9 September, 2019