Skip to main content

Accessibility statement

The Open University is committed to making its websites and mobile applications accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Overview

This accessibility statement applies to the IET website.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and mobile apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. On our Accessibility hub, you'll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you're a student or a member of staff.

To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:

  • Change colours, contrasts levels and fonts.
  • Resize text up to 200% without impact on the functionality of the website.
  • Zoom in up to 400% without loss of information or functionality.
  • Navigate the website using just a keyboard: Tab to 'Skip to content' links at the top of the page to jump over repetitive information to the main content. Tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change. Control the embedded media player to play audio and video materials.
  • Use a screen reader (e.g. JAWs, NVDA) to: Listen to the content of web pages and use any functionality on the page. List the headings and subheadings in the page and then jump to their location on the page. Bring up a list of meaningful links on the page.
  • Use transcripts or closed captions with most audio and video materials.
  • AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard. Testing of a representative sample of pages has not identified any known WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility issues. However, the website has not undergone a comprehensive accessibility audit using the full range of testing undertaken by The Open University's Accessibility and Usability Evaluation team. We are therefore not claiming full compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA.

Non-accessible content

The accessibility testing undertaken to date has not identified any known non-accessible content. However, as the website has not undergone a comprehensive accessibility audit, there may be accessibility issues that have not been identified by the testing carried out.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

No specific instances of non-compliance with the accessibility regulations have been identified by the testing undertaken to date.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 5th September 2024.

This statement was last reviewed and updated on 28th September 2026.

This website was last tested on 28th September 2026.

The tests were carried out by the Learning and Teaching Technologies team from the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University on a sample of pages from the website. The pages were chosen to be representative of different types of content present on the site. Each sample page was tested against all of the WCAG 2.2 AA criteria using a combination of manual and automated test methods. Test methods included:

  • axe DevTools automated checker (colour contrast, form labels, link text)
  • Google Lighthouse automated checks in Chrome DevTools used to quickly identify common accessibility issues and highlight areas for improvement.
  • W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) checks (alternative text, content structure, language of page, skip links)
  • Manual checks (content resizing, keyboard navigation)

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can't get access to the information that you need please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form to request support and we will ensure that you are provided with the information you require. You will need to provide your contact details and Personal Identifier if you are a student so we can get back to you. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days.

The OU is very experienced in meeting accessibility needs for our students. In many cases we are able to provide module and other study support materials in alternative formats for students who indicate a need for this when completing a Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their Student Support Team for advice.

If you are a student, or someone who has had contact with the University before, and have a complaint about the accessibility of our websites, you should raise a complaint via the complaints and appeals process.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations').

If you are based in the UK, and you're not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).