Accessibility statement for WebChat Comm100

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 WebChat Comm100 chat application provided on these webpages:

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 application 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 reasons:

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

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 the end of May 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 the end of May 2025.

Content resizing

Some content will not reflow correctly when it zoomed up to 400% using settings in the browser. People with low vision won’t be able to read this text or may be required to scroll horizontally as well as vertically. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.10: Reflow (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

Content structure

Visual headings aren’t created as semantic HTML headings. 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 by the end of May 2025.

Link text

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 (In Context) (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

Page title

Some linked pages don’t have descriptive titles. This makes it difficult for people using a screen reader to understand if they are on the correct page. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.2: Page Titled (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of May 2025.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 12th June 2024.

The statement was last reviewed on 12th June 2024.

The WebChat Comm100 chat application was last tested on 4th June 2024.

The WebChat Comm100 chat application went through an accessibility evaluation by The Open University AUE (Accessibility and Usability Evaluation) Team, with support from Academic Services staff. Hybrid testing was conducted on the Help Centre Computing and Distribution WebChat using a combination of manual testing and automated testing tools to check compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.2 requirements. Testers utilised assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboards, and voice recognition software to understand the barriers that disabled people may experience when using WebChat.

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).

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