Accessibility – The Law
It is the law that public bodies (including us) ensure that their digital systems are accessible. This is dictated by The Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
To meet the government requirements, our systems need to:
The government themselves can audit how well we comply.
What is an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a document which outlines how a specific website or system meets (or doesn’t meet) accessibility legal requirements. It is a legal requirement for us to have accessibility statements for all digital systems that individuals may interact with.
A good accessibility statement will:
- Have a written dedication that we aim for as many people as possible to be able to use the digital system.
- Reference the WCAG guidelines, and how well the digital system adheres to them.
- Outline what things are not accessible, and if we are trying to fix them.
- If something is not accessible, and we are unable to fix it, we need to explain why it is a disproportionate burden.
- Contact information on how to report an accessibility issue (accessiblity@gre.ac.uk)
- When the accessibility statement was last reviewed.
- Be written in plain, “simple to understand” text.
How to write an accessibility statement?
- Assess the digital system for accessibility issues (See guidance on how to conduct an audit)
- Follow the Government sample accessibility statement format, ensuring to include all mandatory text.
- Send the accessibility statement to accessiblity@gre.ac.uk who will be able to offer guidance and sign off.
- The accessibility statement will then be added here.
- A link to the statement should be easily found in the digital system.
How often to update an accessibility statement?
Accessibility statements should be reviewed annually, in line with annual accessibility audits you must complete of the system. The Compliance team will manage ensuring reviews are completed.
Who is responsible for the accessibility statement?
The “system” or “business” owner of a particular system is responsible for ensuring an accessibility statement is complete. The Compliance Team can assist you.
The system is from a third-party, can I use their statement?
The University is still responsible for creating our own accessibility statement for the system, even if they are from a third-party. The third-party can assist by providing their accessibility statement which can be used as a base for our own.
Further help
University of Greenwich Accessibility Statements
Making your Service Accessible – Introduction
Understanding accessibility requirements for public sector bodies
Web Accessibility Initiative Guidance
Understanding WCAG