Making information accessible to disabled students

This information is also available as Factsheet 33 in PDF format (145 kb).

Information can be inaccessible to some disabled students. In particular, people who are visually impaired, dyslexic or British Sign Language (BSL) users may have difficulty accessing text unless it is modified in some way. In addition to reading the following guidelines for ensuring the accessibility of information, you may also want to review our Clear print guidelines or contact Disability Services for more information.

Providing accessible information

Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) and the QAA code of practice, all University academic departments and student services are required to:

• Not treat disabled students less favourably, without justification, than others.
• Make reasonable adjustments to their provision to ensure that disabled students are not substantially disadvantaged.

The University has a commitment to equality, as shown in its Equality and Diversity Policy and its Disability Policy. Staff should endeavour to make information accessible to disabled students, and we encourage you to contact us for assistance if necessary.

Special considerations

Information should be presented in ways that are accessible at all times, but the following are some key points at which to provide it, and to invite students to identify their access needs:

• When applying
• When registering at the beginning of each year or module
• When registering for examinations
• When arranging work placements and field trips
• When requesting accommodation
• When using the careers service for the first time
• When joining the library
• When attending open days or events
• When requesting publications

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Three steps to making information accessible

Step one

Consider the content and the range of possible formats that disabled students might require. Ask the student if an alternative format is required. Information can be made accessible by producing it:

• In clear and straightforward language
• In Braille
• In larger font size
• On audio tape
• On different coloured paper
• In British Sign Language (BSL)
• In electronic format (for example, on disc, CD-ROM, the internet via email or on websites

Step two

Consider what resources you have available.

• Time: Some formats can be produced at little cost apart from staff time. Sending information electronically or producing materials in a larger font size or on coloured paper is not expensive. However, staff need to be aware that they may receive requests for such information formats.
• Money: It can be expensive to produce information in Braille or to subtitle/transcribe videos. However, this is not a reason for not offering the service.

Step three

Communicate to students through publications, your website and/or other sources what you are able to provide and how they can access it. Insert a paragraph inviting students to request information in an accessible format. For example:

'The University is committed to offering equality of opportunity. If you need all or part of this information in another format, such as Braille, larger font size, on audio tape or electronically, please contact [your department's contact name, phone number, textphone and email address] by [date].'

Invite students to disclose their access needs for events from the outset. For example:

'If you have an access requirement, such as British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting, level access, induction loop or accessible materials, please contact [your departments contact name, phone number, textphone and email address] by [date: at least 4 weeks before the event] to discuss what can be provided.

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Further information

Please also review our Clear print guidelines and the Information Services Guide to making information accessible and Guidelines for writing usable and accessible web content.

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