The University wants to ensure that all the digital information we share is accessible to the majority of our users – current and prospective students/staff, funders, collaborators and the wider public. 

The benefits of accessible content  

Accessible content is better content.  

When you make your content digitally accessible it is better for everyone, for example using proper headings makes your content ‘scannable’ which we know is how people use the web. 

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. 

Fix your content day 2022 

As part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on the 19 May 2022 the University is participating in a ‘Fix your content day’ initiative by Blackboard Ally, the accessibility checker and alternative format tool in Moodle. The idea being that on that day you take some time to use Ally in Moodle to improve the accessibility of content.  

Ally is very easy to use and even lets you know where the easy to fix content is. 

Even if you don’t use Moodle there is nothing to stop you checking some (or one!) of the documents you use by using the Microsoft Accessibility checker and the SCULPT principles. 

Find out more about Fix your content day 2022  

Principles of digital accessible content by design (SCULPT)  

It is important to understand 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 and there is a dedicated website to help support you as well as a new Community of Practice team site.  

The website uses the SCUPLT acronym as an easy way to remember the principles of making content accessible 

  • Structure - use heading styles such as H1, H2, H3
  • Colour and contrast - consider the colours you use and the contrast between text and background) 
  • Use of images - use alternative (alt) text on images
  • Links (hyperlinks) – describe your links never use ‘click here’ or ‘more’
  • Plain English – use clear uncomplicated language with no jargon where possible
  • Table structure – use simple tables without merged or split cells

 Find out more about SCULPT and Digital Accessibility guidance 

First published: 6 May 2022

<< 9 May 2022