ABC VLE Accessibility Statement

Our commitment is to ensure that our learning platform is inclusive, usable, and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We strive to provide an equitable digital learning experience in accordance with recognised accessibility standards and best practices.

1. Our Commitment

We are dedicated to upholding the principles of inclusivity and equal access to education. We aim to comply with international accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and applicable laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), where relevant.

2. Accessibility Features

Our platform includes a range of built-in and enhanced accessibility features designed to support diverse user needs, including:

2.1 Content Adjustments

Users can personalise their reading experience with the following tools:

  • Adjustable Font Size: Increase or decrease text size for better readability.
  • Text Styling Options: Highlight headings and links for improved navigation.
  • Dyslexia-Friendly Font: Switch to a specially designed font (e.g., OpenDyslexic) to support users with dyslexia.
  • Line Spacing & Height: Customise line spacing and line height to reduce visual crowding.
  • Letter Spacing: Adjust spacing between letters for improved character recognition.
  • Font Weight: Increase text boldness for greater clarity.

2.2 Colour Adjustments

Visual preferences can be tailored using:

  • Dark Contrast: Dark background with light text for reduced eye strain.
  • Light Contrast: Light background with dark text for standard viewing.
  • High Contrast Mode: Enhanced contrast for users with low vision.
  • Colour Saturation Controls: Adjust high or low saturation levels to reduce visual stress.
  • Monochrome Mode: View content in grayscale to minimise distractions from colour.

2.3 Accessibility Tools

Interactive tools are available to support focus and navigation:

  • Reading Guide: A movable on-screen ruler that helps users track lines of text.
  • Animation Control: Option to reduce or disable non-essential animations for users sensitive to motion.
  • Big Cursor: Enlarged cursor option to assist users with motor or visual impairments in navigating the interface.

These tools are accessible via an Accessibility Toolbar prominently displayed on the site, allowing users to customise their experience with ease.

3. Platform and Navigation Support

The ABC VLE platform also supports:

  • Full keyboard navigation (no mouse required).
  • Compatibility with screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver).
  • Responsive design for use across devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
  • Semantic HTML and ARIA landmarks for logical structure and screen reader navigation.

4. Course Content Responsibility

While the platform provides robust accessibility tools, course content is created by instructors and staff. We encourage content creators to:

  • Use accessible document formats (e.g., tagged PDFs, accessible Word files).
  • Provide captions and transcripts for multimedia.
  • Use descriptive links, proper heading structures, and sufficient colour contrast.
  • Avoid reliance on sensory characteristics (e.g., “click the green button”).
  • Test materials with accessibility checkers before publishing.

We offer training, templates, and resources to support the creation of accessible course content.

5. Ongoing Improvements

We continuously evaluate and improve the accessibility of our site through:

  • Regular audits using automated and manual testing tools.
  • Feedback from users with diverse abilities.
  • Updates to themes, plugins, and configurations to enhance usability and personalisation.

6. Reporting Accessibility Issues

If you experience any barriers to access or have difficulty using our platform, please let us know. We are committed to addressing issues promptly.

Contact:
Data Protection Officer
Email: dpo@abceduonline.com
Institution: Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education (Africa Hub)
Address: African Leadership Centre, Jacaranda Avenue, Off Gitanga Road, Jacaranda Ave, Nairobi, Kenya.

Please include:

  • The page or feature causing difficulty.
  • The type of assistive technology you are using (e.g., screen reader, magnifier).
  • A description of the issue and any error messages.

We will respond within [e.g., 3–5 business days] and work to provide an accessible solution or alternative. 

7. Third-Party Content and Tools

Some content or integrated tools (e.g., external videos, LTI applications) may be hosted by third parties and may not fully meet our accessibility standards. We encourage reporting such issues so we can advocate for improvements or seek accessible alternatives.

8. Training and Awareness

We provide regular training and resources for staff and instructors on creating accessible digital content and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

9. Compliance and Review

This Accessibility Statement is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect technological changes, user feedback, and evolving accessibility standards. 

We believe that accessible design benefits everyone and is essential to educational equity. Thank you for helping us make learning accessible to all.

This statement applies to the core ABC VLE platform. Individual course accessibility may vary based on content and instructor practices. The personalisation tools described are available site-wide to support user autonomy and inclusion.