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Accessibility

IT Service

Why are we focussing on Digital Accessibility?

As a university being inclusive is a core value for us. This includes the student experience and the learning content that we make available to our students. The Public Sector Web Accessibility Regulations aim to support institutions in addressing identified issues with digital accessibility and we’re continually looking to improve digital accessibility for all our users.

I’m a student, what does this mean for me?

We want to provide as an inclusive learning experience as possible. We recognise that not only does providing accessible content and services directly help those who have particular needs but it can be of benefit to everyone.

That’s why we’re working hard continually improve the digitally accessible experience for all students.

Within Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment, you can download content in a range of alternative formats. This is available for all students regardless of whether you have a specific learning difficulty – just select a format that works for you at the time you need it.

The Disability and Dyslexia Service have guidance on a range of tools and services that can support your studies if you have a specific learning difficulty.

This webpage also contains some recommendations that support digital accessibility such as using the Immersive Reader in Office 365.

I’m a staff member, what does this mean for me?

As much as possible you will need to ensure that any documents or learning content you create are accessible as possible. This includes Office 365 files, PDFs and multimedia content. Where it’s not feasible to make files accessible, an accessible alternative format needs to be available.

However, it’s worth noting that the accessibility regulations don’t require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential for active administrative processes or learning.

Where can I find help with this and who can help me?

As well as the guidance provided on this webpage the following are additional resources or areas that can provide support with accessible content.

The Realising Teaching Excellence blog link to the Busy Lecturers Guide to Accessibility

The TEL team have support and training on how to create accessible Blackboard courses. If you’re interested in writing web content or writing for the web you can get details on training courses and information by emailing web@worc.ac.uk


Designing accessible courses

The Inclusion Toolkit has been designed as a set of resources to support embedding inclusion across all aspects of learning and teaching at the University of Worcester. It is intended to provide guidance and supporting information for staff.

By adopting an inclusive approach to all aspects of the student experience at the University, we aim to inspire all our students to work hard and achieve their full potential. The toolkit covers designing inclusive learning environments and courses.

Learn more about the Inclusion Toolkit

The Technology Enhanced Learning Unit have collated some useful information to help you ensure you create accessible course materials.

Learn more about designing accessible courses


An inclusive, accessible Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 provides best-in-class apps and powerful cloud services with accessibility built-in. Designed to meet the needs of people around the globe with different abilities, the features within the Microsoft 365 apps ensure everyone can create, communicate, and collaborate on any device.

Learn more about Microsoft Accessibility tools


Accessible email signatures

To ensure your email signature is accessible you’ll need to add alternate text for any images you’ve added.

For further information please consult the following FAQ:

How do I make my email signature accessible?

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