{"id":2083,"date":"2025-08-18T14:56:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T13:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/?p=2083"},"modified":"2025-08-18T15:03:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:03:25","slug":"stephen-mccartney-leading-with-accessibility-a-vision-for-the-university-of-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/2025\/08\/18\/stephen-mccartney-leading-with-accessibility-a-vision-for-the-university-of-manchester\/","title":{"rendered":"Stephen Mccartney: Leading with Accessibility: A Vision for the University of Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Historic

University of Manchester<\/p><\/div>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

After completing the\u00a0Designing for Accessibility<\/strong>\u00a0course by the UX Design Institute, I\u2019ve come to see accessibility not just as a checklist, but as a mindset\u2014a way of thinking that puts people first. The course opened my eyes to how much more we can do\u2014and why we must. It\u2019s not just about compliance; it\u2019s about compassion, creativity, and leadership.<\/p>\n

Why Accessibility Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about people.<\/strong> Accessibility ensures that everyone\u2014students, staff, researchers, and visitors\u2014can participate fully in university life, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance. It\u2019s about removing barriers and building bridges.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about excellence.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about leadership.<\/strong> As a world-class institution, we should be setting the standard\u2014not just meeting it. By embedding accessibility into our digital culture, we can influence the wider sector and demonstrate what true inclusion looks like.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What I Learned<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

The course provided a comprehensive foundation in accessibility, covering:<\/p>\n

Legal frameworks<\/strong> 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\u2019t just regulations\u2014they\u2019re roadmaps for inclusive design.<\/p>\n

Design principles<\/strong> like POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), which offer a practical lens for evaluating and improving digital experiences.<\/p>\n

Research and testing methods<\/strong> that centre the lived experiences of users with disabilities, ensuring that our solutions are grounded in real-world needs.<\/p>\n

Advocacy strategies<\/strong> for gaining buy-in from stakeholders, building momentum, and fostering a culture of accessibility across teams.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, I\u2019ve learned that we don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Blue<\/p>\n

We have the talent, the tools, and the responsibility to lead. Let\u2019s turn our values into action by:<\/p>\n

Making accessibility a core part of our digital strategy.<\/strong> It should be a non-negotiable in every project brief, procurement process, and design review.<\/p>\n

Empowering teams with training and resources.<\/strong> From developers and designers to content creators and project managers, everyone has a role to play. Let\u2019s equip them with the knowledge and support they need.<\/p>\n

Collaborating across departments.<\/strong> Accessibility isn\u2019t the job of one team\u2014it\u2019s a shared commitment. Let\u2019s build cross-functional communities of practice that share insights, solve problems, and celebrate progress.<\/p>\n

Sharing our successes\u2014and learning from our challenges.<\/strong> Let\u2019s document what works, be honest about what doesn\u2019t, and create a feedback loop that drives continuous improvement.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Accessibility is not a destination\u2014it\u2019s a journey. But it\u2019s 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\u2019s be bold. Let\u2019s be better. Let\u2019s lead..<\/p>\n

Want to learn more?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Wooden<\/p>\n

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

All of the training can be found on StaffNet, using this link:\u00a0 Accessibility training<\/a><\/p>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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