Accessibility
Overview
NUVision is a Web-based system developed by third parties which support learning and teaching within the University. 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 document provides information about accessibility features and limitations of both systems and plans for future enhancements. It also provides tips and links to tools for improving your experience depending on your personal needs and preferences.
Visual Features
Supporting a range of screen sizes
The Website has been designed to be useable on different browsers with a range of input devices and is responsive to different screen sizes.
Resizable text
Text size can be changed using your browser zoom or text size settings.
Contrast
Currently some buttons in the Website have insufficient contrast for some users. See ‘Improving your experience’ below for tools to change contrast, and ‘Our plans for the future’ for when this will be addressed.
Navigation, Structure and Sematic
Keyboard navigable
The core navigation (main menus and large buttons on the home page) can be used without the need of a mouse, for example by keyboard, using the tab and arrow keys, or by touch screen devices such as mobile phones, or using 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 Website.
Alternative text
Most 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 Website to reflow dynamically and remain functional as resized, so that you can focus on a particular section.
Known accessibility problems
Key issues are:
- Some images do not have alternative text.
- Some uploaded files may not be accessible for hard of hearing users
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
Accessibility and inclusivity are important to Newcastle University. All new teaching staff undergo accessibility training as part of the Newcastle Education Practice Scheme. The Learning and Teaching Development Programme has Accessibility in Practice workshops that support academic and professional services staff in how to create accessible and inclusive learning and teaching resources.
Our plans for the future for NUVision include:
- Working with staff to ensure that all images uploaded have alternative text.
- Work with staff to upload a SRT file which includes closed captioning for the videos.
Improving your experience – tips and tools
The following are just a small selection of the many tools available for improving your experience of using Websites. Some are provided and supported by the University. On the other hand, free browser-plugins may be worth exploring, particularly if you use your own device, though they are not generally covered by IT support. The tools you may find useful will depend on your particular needs and preferences.
Text-to-Speech
JAWS is a specialist screen reader designed for people with visual impairments.
In addition, there are general text-to-speech tools which everyone can use. For example:
Selection Reader is a free browser plugin for Chrome.
Reader is a free browser plugin for Firefox.
Resizing text
Modern browsers for phones and PCs have built in zoom features, however, there are additional software and free browser-plugins to help you resize text for more comfortable reading. For example:
Zoomtext (magnifier and reader)
Reader View is a free plugin for Chrome which enables text resizing, changing background colours and even hiding adverts.
There is also Windows Magnifier (built into Windows 10) or Zoom (built in to Mac iOS).
Colour Contrast
There are a range of free browser plugins which you may find useful for adjusting contrast. For example:
High Contrast for Chrome
No Squints for Firefox
Content conversion (including to braille)
SensusAccess – lets you convert PDFs, JPEGs and other files into an e-book, text file, audio or braille. Newcastle University currently holds a site licence for this.
ClaroRead Cloud OCR Service - converts image files (eg. jpeg, png, pdf) to accessible, searchable text. The University has access to this and a monthly quota of image conversions.
Voice to text
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is specialist voice recognition software, which is available in the bookable study rooms in the Robinson and Walton Libraries. Contact the Student Wellbeing Service to arrange access.
Voice-In is a free browser plug-in for Chrome for voice typing.
Mind Mapping
Many people find mind mapping and concept mapping to be a useful way of making notes and organising information.
MindView – is a concept mapping program, for which the University has a site licence. MindView is installed on all managed clusters and can be installed onto staff PCs on request.
Speed Reading
Spreed is a fee plug-in for Chrome to support speed reading using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation.
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 Website – see 'Feedback' below
Getting Specialist Help:
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
Your Feedback
We are keen to hear your feedback and hear about any problems you experience related to accessibility. Please contact:
Learning and Teaching Development Service (LTDS)
LTDS@ncl.ac.uk
For technical problems: it.servicedesk@ncl.ac.uk
Please state clearly the details of the problem and the context / particular part of the Website.
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
Accessibility: A brief overview of Bootstrap’s features and limitations for the creation of accessible content.
https://getbootstrap.com/docs/4.0/getting-started/accessibility/
Alistair McNaught “Inclusive digital practice - teaching and learning”
https://www.learningapps.co.uk/moodle/xertetoolkits/play.php?template_id=2083