Accessibility Statement for Module Chooser

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 Module Chooser (‘Choose your modules’) website. Module Chooser can be accessed by our undergraduate qualification students from StudentHome by following the link to ‘Choose your next module’.

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-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reason(s):

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Modal popups

Some modal popups are inaccessible for screen reader and keyboard users. This means that screen reader users won’t understand that the message has appeared and won’t be able to read the modal popups when displayed. Keyboard users will find it difficult to tab into these messages to close them. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships (Level A), 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence (Level A), 2.1.1: Keyboard (Level A), 2.4.3: Focus Order (Level A), 2.4.7: Focus Visible (Level AA), 3.2.1: On Focus (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

The modal popups that appear when a user selects their route choice are read out multiple times by a screen reader. This fails WCAG 2.2. Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

Graphs and diagrams

The study pattern timeline, along with other graphs and diagrams, lack suitable alternative text descriptions. This makes it difficult for screen reader users to understand the information in them and low vision users won’t be able to resize the diagrams. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level A) and 1.3.1: Info and Relationships (Level A), 1.4.4: Resize Text (Level AA), 1.4.5: Images of Text (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

Sequence and focus

The ‘shopping chart’ on a mobile device or when zoomed in, isn’t in the correct focus order for keyboard users. This means they won’t be able to access it in the expected tab order. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence (Level A), 2.4.3: Focus Order (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of December 2024.

When users update their route, the page sometimes reloads on a different tab within the page. This can be confusing and disorientating for users, particularly those using assistive technologies, with low vision or with cognitive disabilities. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence (Level A), 2.4.3: Focus Order (Level A), 3.2.2: On Input (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2024.

Missing web page functionality for keyboard users

When using a keyboard, users can’t re-select the radio button of their existing route. This means they can’t load the information about it. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.1.1: Keyboard (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2024.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 26 September 2024.

This statement was last reviewed on 26 September 2024.

This website was last tested on 12 September 2024.

The test was carried out by the Accessibility and Usability Evaluation Team at the Open University. Manual testing against WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines was carried out on a sample of qualifications across the main Module Chooser pages, which were selected to represent different website elements and content types.

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).