Accessibility Statement for Chinese@OU

This accessibility statement applies to the IOS and Android versions of the Chinese@OU mobile application.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:  

• Use system zoom to magnify the screen.
• Change colour themes

AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

How accessible this app is 

We strive to exceed current accessibility standards. However, we know some elements of The Open University apps are not fully accessible:

• The app is not compatible with the native screen reader and is therefore not accessible to non-sighted users.
• The app is not compatible with an external keyboard.
• Some activities require path-based gestures, but these activities are optional.
• The app is highly visual, some elements may not be accessible to someone who is blind or has visual impairments.
• Other aspects of the content are not fully compliant as detailed below.

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our app is not accessible and you can’t get access to the information that you need please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form to request support and we will ensure that you are provided with the information you require. You will need to provide your contact details and Personal Identifier if you are a student so we can get back to you. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days. 

The Open University is very experienced in meeting accessibility needs for our students. In many cases we are able to provide module and other study support materials in alternative formats for students who indicate a need for this when completing a Disability Support Form.

Students can contact their Student Support Team for ongoing advice and guidance.

Reporting accessibility problems with this app

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our apps. If you find a problem that isn’t already listed on this page, or you think we’re not meeting the requirements of the current accessibility regulations (Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018), please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form which is monitored daily. 

We will ask you for the Mobile App name, details of the screen and a description of the problem. We will also ask for your name and email address so that we can contact you about your feedback. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days.

Enforcement procedure

If you are a student, or someone who has had contact with the University before, and have a complaint about the accessibility of our websites and apps, you should raise a complaint via the complaints and appeals process. 

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you are not happy with our response and all our procedures have been exhausted, please contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). If you are based in Northern Ireland you can contact the Equalities Commission for Northern Ireland Equalities Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).

If you are neither a student, nor someone who has had contact with the University before and have a complaint about the accessibility of our website, you should go directly to the EASS.

Contacting us

If you wish to contact us about anything not covered above, please visit our Contact Page where we have a comprehensive list of services to suit your specific enquiry and requirements.

Technical information about this app’s accessibility 

The Open University is committed to making its websites and apps accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance Status

This app is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Screen reader use

The app is not accessible to non-sighted users as it is not compatible with the native screen reader. We are unable to verify if the app meets WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text content), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.3 (Label in Name), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).

Use of keyboard

The app is not compatible with an external keyboard. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.2 (No Keyboard Trap) WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.3 (Focus Order), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.7 (Focus Visible). We are unable to verify if the app meets WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.2 (Meaningful Sequence).

Structure

To a visual user the app is well-structured and consistent. However, as the app is not compatible with the native screen reader or with an external keyboard it is not possible to test if the app fully meets WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships)

Descriptions of content

The app is highly visual, and some sections require users to see a specific Chinese character or characters and then select an English equivalent from a list of options provided (e.g., in Reading Test). These elements are not described for users with visual impairment, and the app is not compatible with the native screen reader. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text content).

Links

The app is not compatible with the native screen reader, so links are not announced. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and relationships), WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.4 (Link purpose) and WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).

Use of colour and sensory characteristics

Some of the information and on-screen instructions rely on or refer to colour, shape, audio or visual location. For example, correct/incorrect answers are sometimes shown only by a change of colour. Some instructions are in audio form. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.3 (Sensory Characteristics) and WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.1 (Use of colour).

Contrast

The ‘Toggle’ button in the settings does not have sufficient contrast with the background (all Themes). The ‘Delete’ icon does not have sufficient contrast with the background (all Themes). In the Night Sky Theme there is insufficient contrast between the text and the button background. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.3 (Contrast (Minimum)) and WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.11 (Non-text Contrast).

Text size

Text cannot be resized. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.4 (Resize Text). (Although system zoom can be used to magnify the screen, depending on device type)

Pointer Gestures 

The Writing activity in this app provides users with the opportunity to practise drawing Chinese characters on a screen using their fingers. This requires strokes to be drawn in a particular order and position, however this activity is for practice only. Users unable to draw the characters on the screen can still watch them being drawn in the model provided. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.1 (Pointer Gestures).

Pointer Cancellation

Links are activated on the down event. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.2 (Pointer Cancellation).

Orientation

The App is restricted to landscape orientation. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.4 (Orientation).

Disproportionate burden 

We are not claiming Disproportionate Burden for this app.

Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations 

We do not have anything out of scope in this app.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

As we build new websites and apps, we strive to ensure that they are accessible and comply with the current legislation. We also review and audit older sites and apps to identify what changes we need to make to improve accessibility. 

The Open University website and apps development process has stages that test the usability and accessibility of new and updated platforms, activities and services against WCAG 2.1. As well as working with external consultants, an internal Accessibility and Usability Evaluation team helps to offer guidance in this area and to ensure that accessibility and usability are embedded in the design and development process for developers and content creators. 

These activities ensure that we are meeting and responding to the changing digital requirements of our students and users as well as developing and delivering systems, apps and websites which are as accessible and usable as possible.

The Open University is committed to accessibility and demonstrates this in a number of different ways:

The Securing Greater Accessibility team (SeGA) was set up in 2010 as a university-wide initiative to promote accessibility and inclusive practice and support students and staff. SeGA offers training and guidance in accessibility in teaching and learning and oversees forums and activities for a wider community of practice and research. SeGA also runs a network of over 50 accessibility champions and coordinators, who work as points of contact on accessibility queries within their respective academic areas. 

Staff at The Open University are offered on-demand accessibility training in a variety of topics to support them to carry out their roles. This will be complemented in the future by the introduction of bespoke, mandatory training in accessibility for all staff to complete in order to further embed accessibility good practice. 

The Open University Library provides wide-ranging support to students with disabilities and specific requirements. As well as working with students directly to offer guidance in accessible resources, the Open University Library staff work with publishers to help improve the accessibility of their products.

The Open University aims to make studying as accessible as possible and a range of adjustments and support are available. A well-established disability support team provides guidance for students and arranges for students to have support when accessing digital content online or alternatively, access to a variety of formats. A wealth of resources for information and guidance in enabling students to study as effectively as possible in the digital environment are available via the help centre. 

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 14/04/23. It was last reviewed on 14/04/23.

This app was last tested on 14/04/23. The test was carried out by the Technical Testing Team, LDS.