Accessibility in TAMK's digital services

Services, communications, websites, website services, digital learning environments and materials have to suit all. Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) support in making contents accessible to all persons, especially visually disabled and hearing disabled people and people with learning difficulties or cognitive limitations.

Digital learning environments

Accessibility of digital learning platforms (eg Moodle, EXAM, M365, Panopto) is developed both proactively and reactively. Accessibility statements were made on learning platforms and they are available for service users. A minimum of the accessibility levels A and AA (WCAG 2.1 standard) are required of new digital services. Staff’s accessibility competence also has to be ensured in use of digital learning environments. Use of uniform course structures improves retrievability of information and facilitates learning. The universities community’s digital mentor network supports teachers in appropriate use of digital learning environments.

Digital tools for teaching have been organised to so-called onion models which illustrate different tool options and help choosing appropriate tools for each situation.

TAMK’s procedures:

Digital tools for teaching

Digital tools for staff (requires logging into the intranet)

Students’ desktop PAKKI includes students’ digital tools for planning and timing of studies, registration, follow-up, application for credit transfer and extension of study right, provision of course feedback, booking of meeting times and timetable planning. The students’ desktop has passed an accessibility audit and revision audit. Accessibility statements in Finnish and English are updated annually and students can give feedback on accessibility on an online form. Promotion of accessibility and student-centred planning are a continuous process in development of the students’ desktop and e-services for students.

TAMK’s procedures:
Participation in student desktop development, mapping of customer needs and accessibility testing in Peppi consortium’s working groups

Digital communications channels

TAMK’s main communications channels are the intranet and public tuni.fi website. Separate project sites and social media channels are also used actively. The Act on Accessibility of Digital Services regulates development and administration of Tampere Universities’ online services.

Accessibility guidelines were made for the universities community’s web content producers and they are available in intranet. The universities community’s file and page templates (Word, PowerPoint, Wordpress) comply with the accessibility principles. Tendered external service producers, such as advertising agencies, are required to comply with the accessibility principles.

Websites are regularly audited for accessibility. Functioning of the public website is daily followed with the Siteimprove tool. Accessibility statements are available on the sites. Attention is paid on accessibility of texts, pictures as well as font and colour choices in publications (digital materials, printed publications). Video subtitles follow the general accessibility guidelines.

The hybrid model is increasingly used in TAMK’s internal events: events can be participated either on campus or remotely through a stream or online meeting.