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Social Inclusion Group

Let's Talk About Accessibility

In this 'Let's Talk About Disability' instalment we are talking about accessibility.

Annually, on the third Thursday of May, Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated.

The idea of a Global Accessibility Awareness Day started with a blog post written by a Los Angeles-based web developer, Joe Devon, in which he argued that 'Accessibility know-how needs to go mainstream with developers. NOW.' and called for "a day of the year where web developers across the globe try to raise awareness and know-how on making sites accessible."

    Not familiar with this instalment's theme? Find out more by clicking below:

    Why does accessibility matter?
    • Accessibility helps our users. Work on digital accessibility will help users who have access needs. Whenever we create inaccessible content, we are excluding users. Making your webpages accessible also makes them more usable for everyone.
    • Accessibility is a legal requirement. At Warwick, as a public sector institution, we now have a legal obligation to make our digital communications accessible for all users. This applies to everything we do digitally including apps, digital events, emails, videos, social media and websites.

     

    Library accessibility

    The Library offers a range of accessibility features, including:

    • Productivity tools can improve your e-reading accessibility.
    • Try watching the Library e-book video playlist to find out how you can adjust and improve an e-book's appearance.
    • Students can register with RNIB Bookshare, an online educational Library with over 600,000 titles in accessible formats which can be used alongside assistive software. Eligibility isn’t limited to people with a visual impairment; Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and physical disabilities are included too.

    The Library also offers a range of services and support, including bookable accessible and sensory study rooms, Assistive Technology Areas (Library spaces with adjustable furniture and assistive software), loanable equipment for Library use (such as cerium coloured overlays, large print keyboards, and Optelec CCTV magnifier).

    Digital Accessibility

    Accessibility of resources, materials, communications and web content is vital for some of our users e.g., staff and students with any disabilities related to serious visual conditions. A fundamental principle of inclusive practice is ensuring that content is developed, presented and delivered in an accessible format from the very beginning. Find out more about Digital Accessibility at Warwick here.

    My Computer, My Way

    AbilityNet provide an online service ‘My Computer My Way’ which guides you to personalise your computer using the inbuilt accessibility options. There is also a bank of further resources including fact sheets and webinars which may be useful.

    Assistive software

    We have a wide range of assistive software and technologies available to support you. Software listed on these pages is for use both at home and on campus.

    Microsoft and Apple software have many inbuilt accessibility and study support tools such as dictation, screen reading, and screen personalisation. Further guidance is available at Microsoft Accessibility and Apple Accessibility

    Accessibility statement

    Read our accessibility statement for the Warwick website.

    Students' Union

    Find out more about the work of the Students' Union Disabled Students’ Officer and Warwick Enable - the disability liberation and campaigning society on campus for disabled students, their friends, allies and carers or enablers, and anyone who is passionate about disability and inclusivity.

    Staff Networks

    Join the Disabled Staff Network, open to all staff members with an interest in making the University a more accessible place for all and creating a more inclusive environment.

    And the Digital Accessibility Network, an informal network for anyone interested in digital accessibility.

    Accessibility updates

    We have dedicated Accessibility Updates webpages to update our community on our accessibility Initiatives as well as important updates that may affect accessibility at the University. You can subscribe to email notifications directly from the webpage when new news items are added to keep up to date.

    Adjustments

    Get adjustments to support you in your work or studies.

    • Adjustments for staff: MAP is a tool to help you to have meaningful and confidential conversations with your line manager or other University representative.
    • Adjustments for students: Disability Services can support you to access a range of adjustments, exam arrangements, advice, and one to one study skills support.

    BDF resources

    As members of the Business Disability Forum, the University has access to a range of Member Resources including toolkits, factsheets, case studies, videos, and webinars to help you understand more about how to be disability inclusive. Just sign up with your University email address to get a free account.

    Membership also grants us unlimited access to BDF's confidential Advice Service, a team of expert advisers who are enthusiastic about improving disabled people’s experiences of employment and users of services.

    We are committed to creating a culture in which diversity is recognised, understood, and valued. To do this, we need your help to better understand the make-up of our community - please answer the diversity monitoring questions on your personal record. Staff can update on SuccessFactors and students on Student Records Online. It should only take a few minutes of your time. Find out more about what we ask and how we use it.