What are we doing?

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is working to improve the accessibility of online content to meet the digital accessibility regulations as well as improve the experience of using our websites and hosted content such as video and documents for our staff, students and guests.

ICT along with Communications and Public Affairs and Faculty Web Officers (FWOs) continue to contact website and web server owners to inform them of the changes, advise on how to implement them, and highlight what support there is available to ensure their sites and content meet the new regulations.

Why are we doing it?

The Accessibility Regulations 2018 have now come into effect for public sector bodies, stating that digital platforms, including websites and apps (both internal and external), and the content they host have to meet a minimum of WCAG 2.1 AA standards.  

As a minimum requirement we are required to host a web accessibility statement on our website detailing what content is accessible, and what is not and how we are going to improve it. This statement should also include contact details for people to request an alternative way to access information or a service.

More information about these changes is available on the College website on the Meeting our accessibility standards web pages.

What are the benefits of this project?

• Information will be provided to help you ensure that your website meets the Regulations.
• A higher standard of accessibility of online content, benefitting not just those with accessibility needs, but everyone.
• Helping raise the reputation of Imperial as one of the leading organisations supporting accessibility as a universal concept.

When do these regulations come into force?

The regulations are now  in force.

All online content that can be accessed by the general public needs to meet the Regulations by 23 September 2020.

Further help

ICT will be contacting site owners with details of what they need to do to meet the new regulations, and the support available.

Digital accessibility is an ongoing piece of work and should be considered the norm. Therefore please ensure you are complying with the Imperial standards for digital accessibility and yo uare following the content guidance available.

If you are making online teaching videos please see this guidance for making learning and teaching videos.

For help auditing and reviewing your site please contact the accessibility team.

for help with making accessible content contact your Faculty Web Officer.

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