General Accessibility Information
Research IT at The University of Manchester is committed to making the apps accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018("Accessibility Regulations").
This app is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard ("WCAG 2.1 AA standard") in so far as they apply to web applications, due to the non-compliances listed below.
This web application is designed to be accessed through modern web browsers on desktop and mobile devices. We strive to follow best practice accessibility guidelines as outlined by international standards and browser vendors:
When using this web app, you can take advantage of built-in browser and operating system accessibility features to adjust your experience. These include options to:
- increase text size and zoom up to 300% without loss of content or functionality
- change colours, contrast levels, and fonts using browser extensions or system settings
- use speech recognition software to interact with the app
- read content using screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or TalkBack
We aim to ensure that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard and that semantic HTML is used to support assistive technologies.
AbilityNet provides guidance on how to make your device easier to use if you have a disability.
In line with the goals of the research team, we have made the language used in this web application as clear and simple as possible to support users with a wide range of educational backgrounds.
Accessibility Testing
We have tested every page within the app using the WAVE Web Accessibilty Evaluation Tool plug-in, which is powered by WebAIM. The analysis highlights any content that is not compliant with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard. Any non-compliant content that is considered core functionality of the app, or essential to the user experience, has been addressed as part of this exercise. As funding to develop the app is limited to the available research project budgets, it is not always possible to resolve every issue.
Accessibility Limitations
Although we believe we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the app is accessible for all expected users, we accept that there are some elements which remain non-compliant with the Accessibility Regulations:
- Images may be missing or not have appropriate alternative text [WCAG 2.1 1.1.1 Non-text Content]
- Some pages skip heading levels [WCAG 2.1 1.3.1 Info and Relationships]
- Some pages have links with no text or text that does not make sense out of context [WCAG 2.1 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)]
- Some audio or video content may not have transcripts, captions or audio descriptions [WCAG 2.1 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)]
- Some PDF documents may not be fully accessible to screen reader software
Content Not in the Scope of the Accessibility Regulations
Third Party Content
Some features in the app may be provided by "connected services". These services are owned by a third-party and are outside our control. We recommend you contact the third-party provider directly if you have concerns about the accessibility of their services. However, please let us know as well to ensure that we are aware of issues with that service for future apps.
How to get Information about the App in an Accessible Format
If you have an accessibility query (including about content outside the scope of the Accessibility Regulations) or need information about the app in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or Braille then please email rse-researchit@manchester.ac.uk and we will arrange this for you.
Reporting Accessibility Problems with the App
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of our apps and we respond positively to feedback. If you find any problems not listed earlier, or you think we're not meeting our accessibility obligations, then please email rse-researchit@manchester.ac.uk to let us know and we will consider the issue and aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Enforcement Procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations. If you're not happy with how we respond to a complaint about accessibility, please let us know. If you remain unsatisfied, please contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).