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Digital accessibility regulations

Digital accessibility regulations are in force for public sector websites and apps.

What do the regulations mean?

Lancaster University has to meet the requirements of the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR). This means that our websites and mobile apps need to be accessible. This includes information, applications, services and content.

We all have a responsibility to make sure the University meets them, and we may be breaking the law if our websites or apps don’t. If you use a computer as part of your role this will almost certainly have implications for the way you work.

About the accessibility regulations
Student using mobile phone

What do you do?

  • Create or manage web content

    Websites you manage e.g. CMS, WordPress, other websites, and web content you create

  • Teach online and use Moodle

    Learning materials you create for Moodle, including captioning, and more about teaching online

  • e.g. YouTube, Twitter, Facebook - see guidance on Answers

Quick links - how to create accessible content

All digital content should be me made accessible from the outset ¨C even if you aren’t intending to upload it to the Web. Go to or use the quick links below:

Member of staff using computer

Training and getting help

For a better understanding of your legal obligations for the production of accessible documents and resources, you should take our .

The course should take 1-2 hours to complete.

Tools to help you

There are a variety of tools that you can use to test accessibility:

  • Use Ally to check content on Moodle

  • Easy-to-use tool for Microsoft Office apps

  • University templates

    Word and PowerPoint - coming soon!

  • Use Colour Contrast Analyser via AppsAnywhere

  • Turn on for live events or when recording content

  • Manual checks

    Follow checklist advice to find issues that automated tools might overlook