Accessibility - using a computer for OU study

Online accessibility advice

Students can use the Computing Guide Online accessibility section, which has advice about

• configuring Windows
• computer adaptations
• web browser accessibility
• website navigation
• using PDF files
• online content
• online tools
• Oracle Open Office (StarOffice)
• eTMA system.

Additional options to customise a site

Some OU sites have additional options that allow you to change the font type, size or colour, or the background colour.  These options are available on

• Services for disabled students (this site!)
• Careers Advisory Service
• Skills for OU study
• Assessment
• When studying gets tough
• PC4Study
• Web Guide
• Friends and family

Accessibility at the OU

At the top of most OU pages is a link to Accessibility, which

• explains how OU sites have been designed to meet accessibility standards
• mentions ‘listen to this page’ where you can download Browsealoud software. Browsealoud is a speech tool which converts online text to audio, so you can have the content of OU sites read to you. There is also a link to 'Listen to this page' at top of many of the OU sites, including StudentHome.
• gives recommendations for completing OU forms 
• tells you how to change your browser settings to suit you better
• gives some OU and external contacts for further help.

Useful links

How to make PDFs more accessible

A Word document explaining how best to install, configure and navigate PDF documents.

How to access PDFs with a screen reader

Guidance on accessing PDF documents with a screen reader.

Library – Disabled users support

There is a variety of information about accessing journals, databases and literature searches, and the additional services available for housebound students.  There is also a podcast about the accessibility of the library website and services.

External link:

EduApps useful software collections are free for you to download and use. They can be run from a USB stick if you want to use them on different computers. MyStudyBar offers over 15 applications to support students with planning, reading, writing and vision. MyVisBar is a high contrast floating toolbar offering six applications which include a desktop magnifier, screen reader and mouse cursor tracker. The AccessApps collection of more than 60 applications support writing, reading and planning as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties.