Access for All
QA Higher Education is committed to providing a website that is accessible to all users. This commitment is in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. Content on our website is designed so that it is easy to find, read, understand and interact with.
This Accessibility Statement provides an overview of the accessibility features we have implemented on the website https://qa.solent.ac.uk/
Due to the size and complexity of our web presence, this is an ongoing process.
If you have any questions regarding the accessibility of this site, please let us know by emailing qahe.marketing@qa.com
Solent University in partnership with QA website also contains links to third-party content. QA Higher Education is not responsible for the accessibility of this content and has no control over it. However, QA Higher Education is committed to working with partners to ensure the material they are responsible for meets accessibility standards where possible and that they have their own accessibility statements. In addition, should you identify third-party content that you cannot access please let us know by emailing qahe.marketing@qa.com and we will endeavour to provide it in an alternative format or assist you in using it.
QA Higher Education also has responsibility for several other websites and platforms and each has their own Accessibility Statement.
Accessibility standards
QA Higher Education aims to make our web pages meet the required WCAG AA standard and adhere to level 1 and 2 guidelines set out in the International WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard.
We endeavour to ensure that the website is responsive to different devices and enable browsers to accessibly change text sizes through the way the website has been designed and developed. Practical examples on how to use the website to maximise the user experience are set out below in the ‘Using the website’ section.
In addition, you could visit AbilityNet – an organisation supporting people with disability or impairment to use technology – who provide practical advice on making your device easier to use.
Website layout
The website uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to define presentation and layout. This provides an accessible platform for the use of screen reader access keys for navigating through the website. We have also developed the layout to be adaptive to common devices e.g. Mobile and Tablet.
How accessible is our website?
We will ensure content on the website is accessible and review it on a regular basis, but the website is only partially compliant with WCAG AA guidelines. For example, there are types of content that are yet to be developed to an accessible standard. Non-accessible content types include the following:
- Documents – PDF/DOC – These will be reviewed, updated and replaced to ensure they are accessible
- Film – Streaming Video – As above, these will be reviewed and updated and subtitles added as necessary
If you would like us to provide any of this content in a different format, please email qahe.marketing@qa.com. We will aim to get back to you in 2 days.
Disproportionate burden
Should any issue be identified that cannot be fixed, as the cost of doing so would place a disproportionate burden on us, we will identify what those issues are, list them and explain why they cannot be fixed at that time. Any issues falling into this category will be reviewed.
Using the website
Below are a few helpful ways in which you can use the Solent University in partnership with QA website more easily.
To enlarge text on the website and enhance readability on these browsers:
| Chrome | Using Microsoft Edge
|
Using Firefox
|
|---|---|---|
| On the menu beside the navigation bar click the 3 dots
Increase the Zoom distance to suit your preference |
On the menu beside the navigation bar click the 3 dots
Increase the Zoom distance to suit your preference |
On the browser menu select ‘View’
Click ‘Text Size’ Choose to ‘increase’ size of text To change text and/or colour on the site
|
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’).
Complaints Procedure
If you have contacted us to report a problem or issue with our website and are unhappy at the response you have received, you can complain to us at qahe.marketing@qa.com and we will investigate further.
Alternatively, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service. They advise and assist individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We have a rolling programme of updating content in accordance with the guidelines set out by the WCAG.
We will continue to review the accessibility of content across Solent University in partnership with QA website. The review process will:
- Ensure this Accessibility Statement is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary;
- Ensure that content is available in all possible, accessible formats and where this is not possible seek alternative formats as necessary;
- Assign clear responsibilities in respect of accessibility and ensure ownership of it as appropriate;
- Employ quality assurance methods to ensure the quality of accessible content.
Website development: Introducing Recite Me – Accessibility toolbar
To support our diverse range of customers, we are happy to announce that we now provide enhanced accessibility support online to enable access to information and services barrier-free. In June 2021, we introduced Recite Me’s assistive technology on our website which helps users to customise the web page in a way that works best for them.
To access the assistive toolbar on our website, click the “Accessibility” button at the top of our website. You can access the User Guide here.
Main features:
- Screen reader to read content out loud
- Customisable page styling options such as the ability to change the text size, font and colour and background colours
- Reading tools such as a ruler to help read content line-by-line, a reading mask to eliminate distractions and a magnifier to zoom into sections
- Fully integrated dictionary and thesaurus on site
We hope that users will find the toolbar helpful and are open to receiving feedback and suggestions for what further adjustments we might make.
For more information on Recite Me, check out their website here.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
QA Higher Education is committed to reviewing and improving the accessibility of our websites and platforms and welcome comment and feedback to support us to do this.
If you have difficulty in accessing the content of this site or have suggestions for improving the accessibility of content, please email qahe.marketing@qa.com and we will aim to provide the information in an alternative format and consider your suggestions.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 8 October 2020. It was last updated on 24 April 2024.