Technical Teams

The accessibility awareness of technical teams and IT network managers plays a critical role in the experience of disabled users. It is especially important for disabled users where technology makes a critical interface in allowing independent communication as well study. There are a number of ways in which good practices by IT staff can make a significant difference to the experience of disabled learners. The ability for users to tweak the interface and use accessibility options, and system compatibility with assistive technologies is essential for disabled people. Where organisations provide options for personalisation and advertise them appropriately they tend to find they are used by many users whether or not they have a disability.

Things such as simply providing a direct telephone contact number or a sophisticated as providing dedicated assistive technology support. The JISC Techdis service has jointly produced guidance with AbilityNet to support IT teams.

For accessibility to be embedded throughout an educational organisation, the technical teams need to work with learner support departments, marketing, curriculum and library managers to ensure that:

• Enabling technologies are available for learners;
• Services balance security with personalisation;
• Accessibility policies are geared to staff technical skills and are realistic about expectations;
• Accessibility is a key criterion in procurement decisions;
• The infrastructure is planned to accommodate technologies that enhance accessibility (for example podcasts, video clips).
• Acceptable usage policies do not discriminate against inclusive practices.
• Transition into and out of the organisation is facilitated – in particular where personal use of Assistive technology  is concerned.
• JISC Techdis guidance for technical teams covers these themes and more, including content creation and mobile learning.

The Online Accessibility Self Evaluation Service (OASES) is an auditing and self-assessment tool that can be used to assess and benchmark current accessibility practice. This is role specific guidance for individuals and teams within an institution, across institutions and for an entire institution. It can be undertaken at any time without any prerequisite prior understanding of accessibility and inclusion issues.