Accessibility Statement for The Human Heart - Android

This accessibility statement applies to the Android version of The Human Heart 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:

• Increase the heart model size.
• Use system zoom to magnify the screen.  
• Choose between in-built colour schemes (text and menu options only).
• Change screen orientation.
• In-built screen reader (note limitations as described below) that will read content when tapped on directly.

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 accessible to non-sighted users. In Accessibility mode, the app has a built-in screen reader which cannot be customised or controlled by the user and is not compatible with the native Android screen reader, further details below.
• The Augmented Reality (AR) option within the app requires users to point the device’s camera at a ‘trigger image’ to launch it and maintain the camera over the trigger image to interact with the content. However, all learning material within the AR option of the app is provided in the Standard and Accessibility modes. A PC version which provides further accessibility options is also available.
• The app is highly visual, some elements are not sufficiently described for users with visual impairment.
• 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

A PC version which provides further (but not fully compliant) accessibility options is also available.

AR Mode

The Augmented Reality (AR) option within the app requires users to point the device camera at a ‘trigger image’ to launch it and maintain the camera over the trigger image to interact with the content. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.4 (Motion Actuation).

However, all learning material within the AR option of the app is provided in the Standard and Accessibility modes.

Screen reader use

The app is not accessible to non-sighted users. In Accessibility mode, the app has a built-in screen reader which cannot be customised or controlled by the user.

The app is not compatible with the native Android screen reader (TalkBack) and users will need to turn TalkBack off to be able to activate any of the app buttons and to allow the built-in screen reader to read. Students may not be able to exit the app if they don't have a shortcut set up to turn Talkback on/off.

The built-in screen reader cannot be operated using the standard TalkBack gestures. Users need to tap buttons and selectable options to get the built-in screen reader to read them.

Descriptions of content

The app is highly visual, some elements are not sufficiently described for users with visual impairment. For example, the structures and functions of the heart, the Show Blood Flow animation and Show Cycle animation. ‘Play Heartbeat’ option is visual but currently has no sound. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text content).

Links

The built-in screen reader does not announce links.

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

Pins to show the current selection rely on colour alone to identify information. Flow of blood animation relies on coloured arrows. The ECG uses colour to portray information. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.1 (Use of colour).

Contrast

Contrast between pins and the heart model is not high enough in some areas. This fails 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.)

Use of keyboard

The Heart cannot be rotated or moved using the keyboard. Links in the Help section are not keyboard accessible. The Help section cannot be scrolled using the keyboard. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard). There are no instructions for keyboard control (arrow keys and enter can be used to navigate).

Pointer Gestures

A two-finger swipe is required to move the Heart model. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.1 (Pointer gestures).

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 17/02/22. It was last reviewed on 09/05/23.

This app was last tested on 09/05/23. The test was carried out by the Technical Testing Team, LDS.