Accessibility statement for History WordPress blog

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

This accessibility statement applies to the History WordPress blog.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and mobile apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. On ourĀ Accessibility hub, you’ll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you’re a student or a member of staff.

To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:

  • Change colours, contrasts levels and fonts.
  • Resize text up to 200% without impact on the functionality of the website.
  • Zoom in up to 400% without loss of information or functionality.
  • Navigate the website using just a keyboard.
  • tab to ā€˜Skip to contentā€™ links at the top of the page to jump over repetitive information to the main content.
  • tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
  • control the embedded media player to play audio and video materials.
  • Use a screen reader (e.g., JAWs, NVDA) to:
  • listen to the content of web pages and use any functionality on the page.
  • list the headings and subheadings in the page and then jump to their location on the page.
  • bring up a list of meaningful links on the page.
  • Use transcripts or closed captions with most audio and videoĀ materials.
  • Download learning materials in alternative formats (e.g., Word document, PDF, ePub, Kindle eBook).
  • If you have a print disability we provideĀ SensusAccess to students, which is an automated service that converts files from one format to another, for example, PDF to text, audio, Word or Braille.
  • AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

The websiteĀ is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2Ā AA standard, due to the non-compliance listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reason(s):

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

External websites

The Open University provided links to external websites that may not meet accessibility standards. This also includes embedded content from third-party providers (social media, etc.), as well as audio and/or video players.

Headings and content structure

Some page headings aren’t structured in a logical way. People using screen readers will find it more difficult to navigate and understand the structure of content. This failsĀ WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)Ā and will be resolved by the end of August 2025.

Image alternative text

Some images which convey meaning do not have an informative text alternative to adequately describe their purpose. People using a screen reader wonā€™t be able to access the information. This failsĀ WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A)Ā and will be resolved by the end of August 2025.

The content is not within the scope of the accessibility regulations.

The below list identifies the content which has been deemed out of scope due to being exempt from the accessibility regulations:

  • Pre-recorded audio and video published before 23 September 2020.
  • Heritage collections like scanned manuscripts.
  • PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018.
  • Third party content thatā€™s under someone elseā€™s control.
  • Content published before 23 September 2019 and no (major) revision after that date.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared onĀ 10 July 2024.Ā ThisĀ statement wasĀ last reviewed onĀ 10 July 2024. ThisĀ websiteĀ was last tested onĀ 10 July 2024.

The preparation and evaluation of the History WordPress blog was carried out by the FASS Web team.

We used a testing approach to carry out the test, by reviewing web pages that were representative of different websites designs, elements and content types underwent individual automated and manual testing. The following test methods were used:

  • WAVE, Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
  • Axe DevTools Edge browser extension
  • Manual zoom testing
  • Manual responsive display testing.

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you canā€™t get access to the information that you need please use theĀ Open University Accessibility Feedback FormĀ 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 OU 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 aĀ Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact theirĀ Student Support TeamĀ for advice.

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, you should raise a complaint via theĀ complaints and appeals process.

Enforcement procedure

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 ā€˜accessibility regulationsā€™).

If you are based in the UK, and youā€™re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact theĀ Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).