Digital accessibility is about how we as a university provide an inclusive digital environment for students, staff and indeed anyone that accesses any of our digital content, whether online or through any of our internal systems.

Providing an inclusive environment means creating all documents, materials and resources in an accessible way.  For example, text styling and ALT tags (assistive text) for images should be used when creating a Microsoft Word document and also for presentations using Microsoft Powerpoint or Excel.  These considerations will greatly help people who have dyslexia, sight and hearing impairments/ disabilities to access digital content better.

It’s the law – from 23rd September 2019, websites published on or after 23rd September 2018, must make their content, resources and digital content accessible by 23rd September 2019.  Websites published before September 2018, must comply before 23rd September 2020.  Apps must comply by the 23rd June 2021.

It’s not just about making sure the content is compliant, it’s about providing an inclusive environment for anyone that accesses content at Marjon.

Here are some really useful resources about accessibility that you may wish to explore:

 1. A resource on ‘how to use styling in Microsoft Word’

 2. A resource on ‘everything you need to know to write effective ‘alt’ text’

 3. Guidance on ‘Accessible communication formats’

 4. A PDF document on ‘designing for accessibility’

 5. A PDF guide on ‘creating dyslexia friendly content’

 6. How to create an accessible PDF

Watch a tutorial video to learn more

Digital accessibility style guide.