This accessibility statement applies to the Learning and Teaching Enhancement website. You can also access the Library and Learning Services General Accessibility Statement and an Accessible Word version of the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Accessibility Statement.
Learning and Teaching Enhancement is part of Library and Learning Services at The University of Northampton and includes content inside the Edublogs core product. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this service. For example, that means you should be able to:
- zoom in up to 300% throughout the site without a loss of content or functionality.
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard.
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts using High Contrast and Midnight Lizard browser extensions for Chrome.
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader.
- the videos have either captions or an accessible transcript has been provided.
- access accessible PDF documents and their accessible word document alternatives.
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
We aim to create content to meet the accessibility standards outlined in our technical accessibility statement. Content we create should be compatible with assistive technology.
There is free software available from Call Scotland called MyStudyBar V4.1. This software is a suite of portable Windows freeware applications in one package that supports learners’ literacy difficulties. Alternative licensed software that could be used includes read&write by Texthelp, or ClaroRead Windows by Claro Software. For Apple Mac users, the Accessibility Preferences allow for adjusting the display, zoom and for turning the VoiceOver on and off.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible is the LTE site?
We know some parts of this website aren’t fully accessible:
- there is one contrast issue on one of the navigation dots below the first slider image,
- the Integrated Support Model may not be fully accessible to a screen reader,
- under Policies and Procedures some of the word and PDF documents may not be fully accessible to a screen reader.
Feedback and contact information:
If you have any problems with accessing the different formats like PDFs, XERTE’s, or Videos email libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.
Reporting accessibility problems with the LTE site:
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this site. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact: libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk
Enforcement procedure:
If you need to escalate your issue further, contact the University Chair of the Inclusive Student Experience Group (ISEG)
email contact: ISEG-CHAIR@northampton.ac.uk
You can expect an acknowledgement within 6 working days and a full reply within 20 working days. If your complaint raises complex issues that cannot be answered within 20 working days, we will keep you informed of progress until we can fully respond.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations. If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person.
Library and Learning Services are based in Room LH211, on the second floor of the Learning Hub at University Northampton’s Waterside Campus. You can contact us by email libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk or phone 01604 893089.
Technical information about the LTE site’s accessibility.
The University of Northampton is committed to making this site accessible, in accordance with the Public-Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
We work to achieve and maintain WCAG 2.1 AA standards, but it is not always possible for all our content to be accessible.
If we have failed to identify a barrier, please contact: libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk
Non-accessible content.
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations:
Distinguishable:
The contrast of one of the dots on the dot navigation below one of the slider images, does not meet the minimum contrast requirements. Fails WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast success criterion.
We have provided an accessible alternative using Next and Previous text plus navigation arrows.
Accessing Information – Readable and Navigable:
The tables and diagrams in the word and pdf documents under Policies and Procedures, may not be fully accessible to some screen readers. These fail WCAG 3.1. Readable and 2.4.3 Focus Order success criteria.
These documents will be reviewed during the academic year 2021/22 and placed in an accessible format.
The Integrated Learner Support Model may not be fully accessible to some screen readers. This may fail WCAG 3.1. Readable and 2.4.3 Focus Order success criteria.
A voiceover is being developed to explain the model to help improve its accessibility.
Issues with interactive tools and transactions:
Our site includes 3rd party content and functionality. Edublogs is a platform provided by a third party. Depending on our relationship with the 3rd party, we cannot always guarantee its accessibility.
Where possible we work with our suppliers to review all linked tools and will phase out any that become inaccessible.
How we tested the LTE site.
We have tested the Learning and Teaching Enhancement site using the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool checker, for general accessibility of the site and then Narrator and the ‘reading aloud’ tool on Adobe Acrobat DC for our PDFs and the Read Aloud tool in MS Word for our Word documents.
We have also tested the site using the reading tool on MyStudyBar V4.1
We have checked for contrast issues and tested that the end user can adjust contrast for the site using High Contrast and Midnight Lizard Browser extensions for Chrome.
All images have been checked for alt tags and checked that any videos have transcripts or captions in place.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility.
- The University has an Inclusive Student Experience Group (ISEG) which has two key subgroups. One is the Disability Coordinators Group and the other is a group focusing on the institutional response to the accessibility regulations. At all meetings, the groups are considering ways in which University accessibility may be improved.
- Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are required for new policies and services and ensure a focus on the range of people expected to access that material.
- Training (synchronous and asynchronous) has been developed for all staff to ensure they are aware of the requirements and have the skills needed to update materials.
- The Northampton Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST) works with students with disabilities to help achieve their full potential and to promote equal opportunities. ASSIST aims to enable students to access all aspects of university life, take control of their learning and develop the skills needed for employment. This is underpinned by a commitment to accessibility and respect for confidentiality.
ASSIST provides support for students with:
- physical impairments,
- sensory impairments,
- mental health difficulties,
- medical conditions,
- Autistic spectrum disorders,
- specific learning difficulties, for example dyslexia.
The team provides a range of services, including a variety of dyslexia and other disability-related guidance for all new and current students, staff and parents.
Preparation of this accessibility statement.
This Accessibility Statement was prepared on the 26th August 2021. The website was last tested on 18th November 2021. The test was carried out by Library and Learning Services.
The site’s pages were tested using the Web Accessibility Tool checker. No accessibility violations were found.