On Thursday 11 March 2021, accessibility experts will come together at Jisc’s interactive Digifest event to discuss disabled students’ experiences of tertiary education.
The panel session, ‘What’s next for accessibility and inclusion? Getting it right for students’, will reflect on the challenges universities and colleges face in implementing the new regulations that have been phased in since 2018. The session will also address barriers that still block parity of learning opportunity.
Sustainable and ongoing
“We need a sustainable approach to creating accessible and inclusive learning environments,”
says Bethany Winkler, student experience manager at Edinburgh College, highlighting the need for an on-going accessibility strategy, rather than a short-term ‘quick fix’ update of platforms and documents.
Chris Heathcote, product manager for the Government Digital Service agrees, noting:
“The organisations that have been most successful are those that have embedded accessibility into their processes, so new content is always checked.”
This can make a huge difference to students’ lived experiences.
“Compliance with these regulations will fundamentally change and improve how we’re able to access content beyond the face-to-face experiences,”
confirms Piers Wilkinson, student voice commissioner from the Disabled Students’ Commission.
Empowering students
Megan Hector, policy and research manager at Policy Connect, authored the recent Arriving at Thriving report on disabled students’ experiences of education. She explains:
“Our findings suggest that many disabled students have experienced problems accessing digital course content. This disrupts their access to teaching and learning, and their ability to succeed in education – which has a knock-on effect on their life after graduation as well.”
Megan recommends that institutions involve disabled students in changes to digital infrastructure wherever possible.
“This will mean any potential problems are identified early on, but also that disabled students are empowered by having a role in making meaningful changes that will improve their lives.”
Chaired by Kellie Mote, Jisc’s subject specialist for accessibility, the Digifest 2021 panel session will explore organisations’ progress towards parity of learning opportunity, offering advice and insights from the front line.
Jisc’s practical advice helps universities and colleges to work towards meeting Public Sector Body Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR), including targeted support with video captioning.
Digifest 2021's debate, What’s next for accessibility and inclusion? Getting it right for students, takes place at midday on Thursday 11 March 2021. Registration for Digifest has now closed.
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