EU Web Accessibility Directive comes into effect in the UK bringing online learning accessibility changes

This week, the Cabinet Office has brought into effect regulations for public sector websites required by the EU Web Accessibility Directive that will mean more accessible content for dyslexics in many virtual learning environments (VLEs).

The All-party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology (which the British Dyslexia Association supports in their work) has produced a report on how the regulations will benefit higher and further education VLEs. You can view the full report here, https://www.policyconnect.org.uk/appgat/research/accessible-vles-making-most-new-regulations.

Seema Malhotra MP and Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE, Co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology, said: “Accessible Virtual Learning Environments is not a niche technical subject; it is about improving learning and education for all students in our colleges and universities. Improving digital accessibility may be required by legal requirements and regulation, but – as this report sets out – it should be at the heart of our colleges and universities and driven by each institution’s leadership. Providing a variety of learning tools suitable for all students – whether disabled or not – will allow us to both close the skills and disability employment gap and provide all students with a better opportunity to succeed in education and work.”