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.<\/p>\n
This accessibility statement applies to the OU News website<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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 our\u00a0Accessibility hub<\/a>, you’ll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you’re a student or a member of staff.<\/p>\n To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:<\/p>\n This website\u00a0is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2\u00a0AA standard, due the non-compliance listed below.<\/p>\n The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reason(s):<\/p>\n Some purely presentational images have not been marked as decorative within the code. People using a screen reader won\u2019t be able to ignore these images. This\u00a0<\/span>fails\u202fWCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A)<\/u><\/span><\/a> and will be resolved by the end of June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n Some images which convey meaning do not have an informative text alternative to adequately describe their purpose. People using a screen reader won\u2019t be able to access the information. This\u00a0<\/span>fails\u202fWCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A)<\/u><\/span><\/a> and will be resolved by the end of June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n Some page headings don\u2019t adequately describe their topic or purpose. People with cognitive disabilities and people using screen readers will find it more difficult to understand the relationships between different parts of content. This\u00a0<\/span>WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)<\/u><\/span><\/a> and will be resolved by the end of June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n Some link text does not provide enough information about the destination of the link. This makes it difficult for people using a screen reader to know where the link will take them, particularly if they are reading links out of context, (e.g., in a list of links). This fails\u00a0<\/span>WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.4\u202fLink Purpose (Level AA)<\/u><\/span><\/a> and will be resolved by the end of June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n This statement was prepared on 6 November 2024.<\/p>\n This statement was last reviewed on 6 November 2024.<\/p>\n This website was last tested on 6 November 2024.<\/p>\n This website was tested by the Digital Operations team. The web accessibility evaluation was carried out using the Axe DevTools software application and using WCAG web browser checking tools.<\/p>\n The following pages were used to test the range of functionality and display modes within the website.<\/p>\n If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can\u2019t get access to the information that you need please use the\u00a0Open University Accessibility Feedback Form<\/a>\u00a0to 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.<\/p>\n 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 a\u00a0Disability Support Form<\/a>.<\/p>\n In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their\u00a0Student Support Team<\/a>\u00a0for advice.<\/p>\n 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 the\u00a0complaints and appeals process<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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 \u2018accessibility regulations\u2019).<\/p>\n\n
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Compliance status<\/h2>\n
Non-accessible content<\/h2>\n
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations<\/h3>\n
Preparation of this accessibility statement<\/h2>\n
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Feedback and contact information<\/h2>\n
Enforcement procedure<\/h2>\n