DfE Digital Accessibility Standards

Include digital accessibility in strategies and policies

Schools and colleges should ensure equal access for as many people as possible by integrating digital accessibility into their policies and strategies. With this approach, barriers to teaching and learning will be removed, technology purchases will be more informed, and legal obligations regarding equality and access will be met.

The policies and strategies important to review when including accessible digital technology includes your digital technology strategy, curriculum policy, and Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) policy. Collaborating with students, staff, and parents to understand their digital accessibility needs is essential. Digital accessibility should be actively addressed and included in your next policy and strategy review.

Accessibility features on hardware and software

The needs of students, staff, parents, and carers may differ based on their circumstances. Digital accessibility features are commonly integrated in existing devices and operating systems, these include text-to-speech and dictation, caption settings, zoom and adjustment settings, and translation and language tools.

The hardware and software used by students and staff should have these features available, alongside support for those who use them. Features like this aim to remove barriers when accessing teaching, learning and school or college operations.

To meet this standard, you should ensure new and existing hardware, software and digital services are:

• Accessible or have accessibility features.

• Provide equity of access.

• Can work with assistive technology and audio-visual equipment.

• Remain safe and secure when accessibility features are enabled and not be hindered by standard security protocols.

• Have accessible technology available when using IT in exams.

If your current hardware and software do not have these features, you will need to make sure they are included in new equipment and services.

Accessible Communications

Ensuring all communications are accessible can benefit your entire learning community, from students and staff to parents and carers. It can help those with additional needs like special educational needs, disabilities, and English as an additional language (EAL). Accessible communication aids parents and carers in assisting their children’s learning, helps staff address the needs and concerns of students, parents, and carers, and supports administration and teaching tasks for staff.

To meet this standard, you should ensure:

• Websites are accessible for everyone.
• Explore alternative formats for all communications, including email attachments, text messages and social media.
• Have an understanding of accessibility throughout your school or college.
• Train staff on accessibility and how to write and access content in an accessible format.
• Ensure staff know who to contact if they need help making things accessible.