University of Manchester

Introduction

After completing the Designing for Accessibility course by the UX Design Institute, I’ve come to see accessibility not just as a checklist, but as a mindset—a way of thinking that puts people first. The course opened my eyes to how much more we can do—and why we must. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about compassion, creativity, and leadership.

Why Accessibility Matters

It’s about people. Accessibility ensures that everyone—students, staff, researchers, and visitors—can participate fully in university life, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance. It’s about removing barriers and building bridges.

It’s about excellence. Inclusive design improves usability for all users, not just those with disabilities. Clearer navigation, better contrast, and more intuitive interfaces benefit everyone. Accessibility is good design.

It’s about leadership. As a world-class institution, we should be setting the standard—not just meeting it. By embedding accessibility into our digital culture, we can influence the wider sector and demonstrate what true inclusion looks like.

What I Learned

The course provided a comprehensive foundation in accessibility, covering:

Legal frameworks such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and EN 301 549. And PSBAR 2018 which extends our commitments under The Equality Act into digital experiences and systems. These aren’t just regulations—they’re roadmaps for inclusive design.

Design principles like POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), which offer a practical lens for evaluating and improving digital experiences.

Research and testing methods that centre the lived experiences of users with disabilities, ensuring that our solutions are grounded in real-world needs.

Advocacy strategies for gaining buy-in from stakeholders, building momentum, and fostering a culture of accessibility across teams.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that we don’t need to wait for perfection to begin. We can start small, act intentionally, and scale our impact over time. This is how accessibility can be embedded into every stage of design and development, from discovery and prototyping to testing and delivery.

A Call to Action

We have the talent, the tools, and the responsibility to lead. Let’s turn our values into action by:

Making accessibility a core part of our digital strategy. It should be a non-negotiable in every project brief, procurement process, and design review.

Empowering teams with training and resources. From developers and designers to content creators and project managers, everyone has a role to play. Let’s equip them with the knowledge and support they need.

Collaborating across departments. Accessibility isn’t the job of one team—it’s a shared commitment. Let’s build cross-functional communities of practice that share insights, solve problems, and celebrate progress.

Sharing our successes—and learning from our challenges. Let’s document what works, be honest about what doesn’t, and create a feedback loop that drives continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Accessibility is not a destination—it’s a journey. But it’s one we must take together, with purpose and passion. By leading with accessibility, the University of Manchester can become not just a place of learning, but a model of inclusion. Let’s be bold. Let’s be better. Let’s lead..

Want to learn more?

The University offers role-based digital accessibility training through a partnership with AbilityNet, aimed at enhancing digital inclusivity and ensuring compliance with UK accessibility standards. This training is available to all University of Manchester staff and students.

All of the training can be found on StaffNet, using this link:  Accessibility training

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