4 steps for Higher Education: Key insights from the UK Government Accessibility Report

Navigating an inaccessible website can be a demoralising experience, especially when it lacks support for assistive technology or keyboard navigation. This isn't just inconvenient - it's exclusionary. 

The recently released Government Digital Service (GDS) report on accessibility monitoring from 2022 to 2024 underscores the importance of this issue. It highlights progress in making public sector websites and mobile apps more accessible and reveals just how much work is still ahead. 

While the report focuses on public sector organisations broadly, its lessons are just as critical for higher education institutions. Universities and colleges are cornerstones of public life, yet they often struggle to meet accessibility standards. The good news? Tools and support are available to help you bridge the gap, and AbilityNet is leading the charge. 

Accessibility wins and challenges for the year ahead

The GDS report covered 1,203 websites and 21 mobile apps, finding nearly 30,000 accessibility issues. Encouragingly, 55.3% of these issues were fixed during the monitoring period, and 68% of organisations either resolved their problems or had plans to do so. 

But the challenges are clear. Recurring issues like poor colour contrast, lack of keyboard navigation, and inaccessible design for screen readers cropped up repeatedly. And these aren’t new problems - they’re foundational accessibility principles outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and are also covered in detail in AbilityNet's training courses. 

Higher education institutions often face similar challenges: outdated systems, lack of resources, and limited awareness of accessibility requirements. But with the right support, these challenges are surmountable. 

How AbilityNet can help universities lead the way 

Accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations - it’s about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. For universities and colleges, this means addressing barriers in both digital and physical spaces.  

Here are four ways AbilityNet can support higher education institutions in implementing the ideas from the GDS report: 

1. AbilityNet’s Higher Education Maturity Model 

AbilityNet’s Higher Education Maturity Model is a structured framework for assessing institutions' accessibility practices in teaching, digital services, and administration. 

• The model evaluates where an institution stands in its accessibility journey, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. 
• By understanding your current position, your institutions can create targeted strategies to improve, ensuring accessibility becomes a core part of your culture rather than an afterthought. 

2. WCAG Audits 

AbilityNet offers WCAG compliance audits to evaluate websites and apps against the latest accessibility standards (currently WCAG 2.2). 

• Detailed reports highlight compliance issues, from technical barriers like poor coding practices to usability challenges like unclear navigation. 
• These audits give your institution a roadmap to address specific issues, making it easier to prioritise fixes and ensure long-term compliance. 

3. Inclusive User Testing with Disabled and Neurodivergent students or staff 

There’s no better way to understand accessibility issues than to hear directly from those affected. AbilityNet facilitates usability and accessibility testing with disabled and neurodivergent students and staff to uncover real-world barriers. 

• Automated tools and audits can only go so far. User testing brings critical human insights, revealing accessibility issues that might otherwise be missed. 
• Does the campus portal work smoothly with screen readers? Can forms be completed using only a keyboard? Only real users can answer these questions. 

4. Training and awareness 

One of the biggest barriers to accessibility in higher education is a lack of knowledge. AbilityNet provides training for staff, helping them understand: 

• How to implement accessible design principles in courses and digital services. 
• Why accessibility isn’t just a compliance issue but a core part of inclusion and equity. 

AbilityNet’s flexible training options, including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, and self-paced eLearning modules, help embed these skills. 

Taking action in Higher Education

The GDS report reminds us that improving accessibility is a journey, not a one-time fix. For universities, this journey starts with recognising the importance of accessibility at every level - administration, teaching, and student services. 

With tools like the Higher Education Maturity Model, WCAG audits, and user testing, higher education institutions can take actionable steps to address their accessibility gaps. With AbilityNet’s expertise, you don’t have to do it alone. 

AbilityNet's expert team of certified consultants have experience across many sectors and their insights and expertise help your teams deliver accessible, compliant websites and apps.   

Speak to our experts

Webinar recordings:
Higher Education PSBAR accessibility requirements webinar with UCISA and The University of Sheffield
HE/Public Sector Update: Is your Accessibility Statement ready yet?

Lucy Woodcock is an Accessibility Consultant and User Researcher at AbilityNet. 

With a background in special needs education, Lucy has also worked as a trainer for a social enterprise supporting autistic people. 
 
Prior to working in education, Lucy worked in the IT industry as a software analyst and has an MSc in Computing. Her role at AbilityNet bridges her background in working with people with diverse needs and her technical knowledge.