Newcastle University is an in-house app developed at Newcastle University which gives you access to timely, context-specific University information and services you require, all in one place.

The University is committed to providing equality of access to services and facilities, and to the development of an inclusive environment for all users and staff. This page provides information about accessibility features and limitations of the Newcastle University app and plans for future enhancements. It also provides tips and links to tools for improving your experience using the app, depending on your personal needs and preferences.

Visual Features

Supporting a range of screen sizes

The app has been designed to be useable on different mobile devices with a range of input devices and is responsive to different screen sizes.

Resizable text

Text size can be changed using your system zoom or text size settings.

Contrast

Colour and contrast can be changed using your system display settings.

Navigation, Structure and Sematic

Keyboard navigable

The core navigation (main menus and large buttons on the home page) can be used inconjunction with a screen reader.

Structural Markup

Semantic markup (HTML headings, lists, emphasised or special text) are used to provide information on relationships and meaning within the pages of the app.

Alternative text

Images which convey content information are given alternative text. See ‘What we’re doing to improve accessibility’ below.

Reflow

The responsive design enables content in the app to reflow dynamically depending on the screeen size, zoom or rotation and remain functional as resized, so that you can focus on a particular section.

Known accessibility problems

Key issues in the app are:

• For screen reader users we recommend setting the timetable view to list view. To do this go to Timetable and select More Options>List View and use More Options>Date Picker to quickly jump to a specific date.
• Home screen layout cannot be reordered using a screen reader.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

Accessibility and inclusivity are important to Newcastle University. 

Our plans for the future for the University app include:

• Reviewing and updating the navigation through certain sections of the app that are not currently accessible with a screen reader and ensure that they can all be reached via TalkBack or VoiceOver.
• Reviewing and updating the timetable calendar view so it can easily be navigated with a screen reader.
• Update labeling of push notification icons in the New Settings section.
• Improving the side menu navigation for screen reader users.
• Ensuring that all new features meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Improving your experience – tips and tools

Apple devices

You can use a range of Apple’s accessibility tools in the University app including:

• VoiceOver gesture based screen reader
• Zoom and magnifier to temporarily zoom or magnify your screen
• Display and text size changes including colour contrast

Guide to Apple accessibility features.

Android devices

You can use a range of Apple’s accessibility tools in the University app including:

• TalkBack gesture based screen reader
• Zoom and magnifier to temporarily zoom or magnify your screen
• Display and text size changes including colour contrast

Guide to Android accessibility features.

Further Assistance

If you need assistance relating to a specific course requirement then please contact the course leader in the first instance.

If you have any general questions about accessibility relating to this app – see 'Feedback' below

Student Health and Wellbeing Service

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/
Includes details of Disability Support and services available for people with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Other useful information

Specialist software for Students (NUIT)

Specialist software for Staff (NUIT)

Your Feedback

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this app. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact:

it.servicedesk@newcastle.ac.uk

Alternatively, go to Help & Feedback in the app and post your comments there.

Please state the details of the problem and the context / particular part of the app.

Technical information about this app’s accessibility

The app is built on Ionic Framework, which has some built-in accessibility features and limitations. 

How we tested this app

We used a range of tools and guidance including:

• How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference)
• WebAIM's WCAG 2 Checklist 
• WebAIM colour contrast checker

Acknowledgements

This document draws inspiration from Alistair McNaught who delivered a series of workshops at Newcastle University in 2019 and aims to follow the ethos of inclusivity and empowerment. The tips and tools are potentially useful for all users.

References

Alistair McNaught “Inclusive digital practice - teaching and learning”
https://www.learningapps.co.uk/moodle/xertetoolkits/play.php?template_id=2083 (accessed 25th August 2019)

BBC Mobile Accessibility Guidelines
Mobile Accessibility Guidelines - Accessibility for Products - BBC (accessed 31st September 2020)

This statement was last updated on 4th October 2020