Accessibility statement for The Open University and Uber

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 and Uber.

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

Non-accessible content

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

(a) Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Alternative text

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 July 2025.

Colour contrast

Some text does not provide enough contrast with the background, making it more difficult to read for people with low vision. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Some links within paragraphs do not provide enough contrast with adjacent text. People with low vision won’t be able to identify these links. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Content structure

Some page headings aren't structured in a logical way. 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 July 2025.

Language of page

Some pages do not properly identify the language that content is written in. This can cause screen readers and other assistive technologies to mispronounce words or struggle with interpreting text in different languages. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A) and will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Keyboard navigation

Some interactive controls (links, buttons, and form fields) do not have a clear visible focus. People using a keyboard will find it difficult to understand where they are on a page. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.7: Focus Visible (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of July 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 (Level AA) and will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 31 October 2024.

The statement was last reviewed on 31 October 2024.

The website was last tested on 05 August 2024.
A basic audit was undertaken by the Learner and Discovery Service, Corporate and Commercial team, focussing on all webpages to check:

Alternative text
Colour contrast
Content resizing
Content structure
Form labels
Language of page
Keyboard navigation
Link text
Skip links.

The following methods and tools were used:

W3C checker (images, headings, language, keyboard navigation, skip links)
Axe DevTools automated checker
Manual zoom check.

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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The Open university and Uber Partnership