What is FutureLearn’s commitment to accessible online learning?

This article outlines what digital accessibility means and the responsibilities of FutureLearn and partners:

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their skills or abilities or disabilities, can access information, technology, products, and services. [Source]

Learners depend on FutureLearn and its partners to provide accessible resources. Indeed, it is not just people with accessibility needs who benefit – all learners gain from an accessible online course.

Responsibilities of FutureLearn

We are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We work continuously to increase the accessibility and usability of our website aiming to adhere to the guidelines set out in WCAG 2.1, where we aim for AA standard.

FutureLearn’s Accessibility and Inclusion policy supports our aims to create an inclusive environment that maximises the participation of learners on FutureLearn courses.

Below is an extract of our Accessibility and Inclusion policy, detailing the responsibilities of FutureLearn and of you as a partner:

2.2 FutureLearn’s responsibilities: 

2.2.1 To develop a learning platform that aims to be compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.1, so that we maximise learner participation.

2.2.2 To work with Partners to create ever more accessible courses that maximise learner participation.

2.2.3 To provide moderation to challenge any flagged language or behaviour of learners that may create an intimidating or hostile environment.

2.3 Responsibilities of Partners

2.3.1 To strive to design courses with learning objectives that are achievable, whenever feasible and reasonable, for learners with particular impairments and learners for whom English is not their first language.

2.3.2 To identify and document aspects of course learning that may be challenging for learners with particular impairments so that learners can be informed of any challenges.

2.3.3 To avoid any action that could amount to unlawful discrimination under UK law, including failure to make reasonable adjustments to learning materials where necessary.

2.3.4 To develop courses that recognise, and represent learner diversity, so that learners can put in place or request adjustments that enable them to participate.

2.3.5 To work with FutureLearn to develop good practice that will create an inclusive learning environment and culture, so that we continuously improve the learner experience.

2.3.6 To work with FutureLearn to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. 

Accessibility is specifically addressed in section 9.1 – 9.6 of the technical Course Criteria.

To find out more information on how to address learner needs click here.