Accessibility statement for Contemporary cultures of writing website

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 Contemporary cultures of writing website.

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:

• 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 ‘Skip to content’ 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 video materials.
• Download learning materials in alternative formats (e.g., Word document, PDF, ePub, Kindle eBook).
• If you have a print disability we provide 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.

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

• Increase the text size.
• Increase the display size.
• Tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
• Use zoom to magnify the screen.  
• 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

The website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 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 provides links to external websites that may not meet accessibility standards. This also includes embedded content from third-party providers, as well as audio and/or video players.

Heading 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 fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships (Level A) and will be resolved August 2025.    

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 August 2025.

Link missing a text alternative

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 WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.4:  Link Purpose (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2025.

Image alternative text

Some purely presentational images have not been marked as decorative within the code. People using a screen reader won’t be able to ignore these images. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A) and will be resolved by August 2025.

Some images which convey meaning do not have an informative text alternative to adequately describe their purpose. People using a screen reader won’t be able to access the information. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A) and will be resolved by 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 that’s under someone else’s control.
• Content published before 23 September 2019 and no (major) revision after that date.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 1 July 2024. 

This statement was last reviewed on 11 July 2024.

This website was last tested on 1 July 2024.

The preparation and evaluation of the Contemporary Cultures of Writing website was carried out by the FASS Web team.

This testing method was conducted by reviewing all webpages for possible accessibility issues.

• All webpages underwent automated testing using SiteImprove Website Accessibility Checker.
• All webpages that were representative of different website designs, elements and content types underwent, including menu and subpages. 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 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 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).