Accessibility Statement for Ceremonies

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 Open University Ceremonies 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.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliance(s) listed below.

(a) Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Alternative text:

Some images 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 the end of December 2024.

Colour contrast:

One site hyperlink link used does not have sufficient contrast between the background image and the text, features of the background image can be confused with the text making it difficult to accurately read the text. This fails Success Criterion 1.4.3: Contrast (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of December 2024.

Section Headings:

Some pages have section headings that skip levels. This may impair understanding of the content and/or structure of the page for people with a visual or cognitive disability when using screen reader technology. This fails WCAG 2.4.10: Section Headings (Level AAA) and will be resolved by the end of December 2024.

Link Text:

Some pages have hyperlinks that do not include text that adequately describes the purpose of the link. Users with visual or cognitive disabilities may find their navigation around the page impaired. This fails WCAG 2.4.4: Link Purpose (in Context) (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of December 2024.

This section will be completed when a full accessibility audit has been undertaken by January 2024.

(b) Disproportionate burden

We are not claiming Disproportionate Burden for the Ceremonies website.

(c) The content is not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

We do not have anything considered to be out of scope on the Ceremonies website.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 24 July 2024. It will be reviewed during July 2025.

This website was last tested on 24 July 2024. The test was carried out by a member of Assessment, Credit and Qualifications Staff. Manual testing against WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines was carried out on all 7 of the Ceremonies web pages.

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).