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Augmented reality Researching assistive technology Virtual reality

How can we make immersive AR and VR experiences more accessible for disabled people?

As immersive technologies gain traction in further and higher education, Chris Creed looks at why it’s so important to consider accessibility of these environments at this emergent stage. Learn more from Chris at TechAbility in Birmingham on 16th November 2022. About Me I am a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at Birmingham City University (BCU) where […]

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assistive technology Get involved Researching assistive technology

How can we make speech recognition technology work for everyone, including those with the most significant speech impairments?

In our new blog series looking at researching assistive technology, Geena Vabulas (a popular contributor to Assistive Technology Network events) explains why she’s focused on working in a user-centred way to ensure everyone can harness the power of speech recognition. Interested in being a participant in this important project? Find details at the end of […]

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Accessibility Regulations Compliance Alternative formats

How to maintain accessibility and wellbeing practices when staff are stretched

With the expectation that staff absence and self-isolation will continue for the next few weeks, it can be challenging to sustain the momentum of accessibility projects and training. With staff stretched to capacity covering shortages and supporting their students, how can we ensure the work on accessibility and digital inclusion doesn’t get relegated to the […]

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Guest post Productivity/assistive technology

Windows 11: accessibility features get an upgrade

This month we are grateful to our guest Ros Walker, Digital Accessibility Adviser at the University of St Andrews, and member of the Assistive technology network (ATN) steering group. The ATN is a practitioner led community supported by Jisc and TechAbility. In this article, Ros highlights key areas that may be of particular support to […]

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Audio Description Guest post video accessibility

How can we make audio description sustainable?

This year’s assistive technology network (ATN) event looked at sustainable approaches in a time of transformation. ATN steering group member Peter Scorey from the University of Chester ran a popular session on audio description – one of the more complex areas of media accessibility. Peter talks us through his own investigations into what audio description […]

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Accessibility Regulations Compliance Mobile Apps

Mobile apps and accessibility regulations: which apps are affected?

On 23rd June 2021, mobile apps will come within scope of the Public sector bodies websites and mobile applications accessibility regulations 2018. The regulations have been rolled out in stages and this date represents the final deadline. The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) monitors the implementation of accessibility regulations. Formerly, the team was part […]

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Accessibility Regulations Compliance FE colleges

Accessibility monitoring: is your college ready?

By Kellie Mote and John Kelly. Many colleges are still getting to grips with public sector bodies accessibility regulations introduced in 2018. One further education provider, let’s call it college A, recently sought our help after being informed by the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) – formerly Government Digital Service – that its website […]

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Guest post Learner Experience Teaching

Improving engagement in live sessions: the power of the chat

Our last accessibility drop-in clinic featured a few of our Accessibility Community’s Leadership Team introducing themselves and talking a little bit about their areas of practice. You can view the recording and access the transcript on the accessibility drop-in clinic page (March 2021). Following on from this, Miranda Melcher, shares more of her thoughts and […]

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Guest post Learner Experience Teaching

Low-effort, high-impact: how small changes to your teaching can create a more inclusive learning environment

One of our most popular accessibility drop-in clinics featured three practitioners sharing how they support staff with accessibility. View the recording and access the transcript on the accessibility drop-in clinic page (November 2020: Supporting teaching staff to create accessible content). Here, one of the presenters, Miranda Melcher, shares more detail on her approach. For more […]

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Inclusive Digital Capability Julia Taylor Learner Experience

Backing student wellbeing with technology

As education becomes more technology focused, it’s worth focusing on some of the ways inclusive practice could support better wellbeing for students and staff – easier access, more personalised learning experiences and increased engagement.