Library Services Accessibility Statement: BrowZine Mobile Applications For Android And IOS

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 Android version via https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.browzine&hl=en_AU and iOS version of this app via https://apps.apple.com/us/app/browzine/id463787411.  

Android version 2.33.0. iOS version 2.23.0.

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 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:

• Tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
• Use the app in either portrait or landscape display.
• Use single pointer gestures (e.g. requiring only one finger or pointer) which do not require precise movement (e.g. swiping) to activate controls.
• Use a screen reader (e.g. VoiceOver for IOS and TalkBack for Android) to listen to the content of screens and use any functionality on the page.
• AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

This mobile application is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

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

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Enlarging content

Some texts are not readable when the font size is increased. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of [pending fix dates from vendor].

Colour contrast

Some text does not provide enough contrast with the background, making it more difficult to read for people with low vision. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of [pending fix dates from vendor].

Navigating with the keyboard and screen readers

In some instances, there is not an option to exit or go back to the previous page. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of [pending fix dates from vendor].

The size for some interactive areas is too small. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion Success Criterion 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of [pending fix dates from vendor].

The OU is working with Third Iron, the vendor, to resolve all the above issues. We carry out regular site audits to identify and feedback accessibility problems to be fixed.

The content is not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

The following are exempt and out of scope of the accessibility regulations.

External websites

The Open University provides links to external websites and resources that may not meet accessibility standards.

PDF and Word documents

Some of our older PDFs and Word documents may not provide the information required by assistive technology. We are striving to make older documents accessible and ensuring new PDFs and Word documents published after September 2018 meet the WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

Some third-party documents may not be accessible. We are liaising with suppliers to increase provision of accessible documents as part of our document selection process.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 15/10/2024.

This statement was last reviewed on 16/10/2024.

This mobile app was last tested on 15/10/2024.

The testing approach taken involved auditing the homepage and a sample of representative pages, against WCAG 2.2. An Android smartphone and iOS iPad tablet were used. Accessibility tools such as the Android Accessibility Check, VoiceOver and TalkBack were used.

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can’t get access to the information that you need please use the form below 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 a Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their Student Support Team 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 the 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 ‘accessibility regulations’).

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

We will respond to your feedback within five working days. If you have an urgent library enquiry please contact the library helpdesk separately.

We appreciate that you have provided us with personal information, we will never sell on your data to anyone else and data is for the use of The Open University only. If you would like to find out more, please visit our privacy policy using the following link : www.open.ac.uk/privacy.