Higher Education & VLE Hub

The core LMS platform (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Institutions must verify accessibility conformance from their platform vendor and ensure that locally developed plugins, themes, and customisations do not introduce new barriers. The VLE interface must support keyboard-only navigation, screen readers, and high-contrast modes throughout — including grading, forums, and messaging.

Lecture slides (PowerPoint/Google Slides) must be structured with headings and alt text before upload. PDFs must be tagged. Lecture recordings must be captioned (automated captions are acceptable if accuracy exceeds 99% or manual correction is applied). Video content embedded in the VLE must meet the same captioning and audio description requirements as audiovisual media services.

Quiz and assessment tools must be compatible with screen readers. Timed assessments must support time extensions without requiring separate login sessions (accommodating DSA/disability adjustments). CAPTCHA or proctoring software must not create inaccessible barriers for students using assistive technology. Results and feedback must be accessible.

Enrolment, course registration, timetable access, grade viewing, fee payment, and student records portals must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. These portals are high-stakes services — a student unable to enrol or view their grade due to an accessibility barrier suffers a concrete academic impact. Vendor SLAs should include accessibility commitments.

Library catalogue terminals, printing kiosks, student services information points, and wayfinding kiosks in campus buildings must comply with EN 301 549 Chapter 8. Audio output, tactile controls, reachable touch targets, and timeout extensions are required. Campus maps provided digitally must include an accessible alternative (text descriptions of routes, step-free path information).

Electronic library portals, database search interfaces, e-journal platforms, and digital special collections must be WCAG 2.2 AA compliant. Institutions should include accessibility requirements in library platform procurement and review annual accessibility statements from vendors. E-book lending platforms must not use DRM that blocks screen readers.

Institutionally licensed collaboration tools (video conferencing, messaging platforms, document collaboration) must be assessed for accessibility. Auto-captions in video calls should be enabled by default or easily activated. Shared documents should follow accessible document authoring guidelines. Accessibility guidance should be part of staff digital skills training.