The University is committed to making our websites more accessible and maintaining an optimal user experience for different members of the community, thus contributing to a more caring and inclusive society.
The University has received a total of 19 gold awards and 2 elderly-friendly awards in Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2024-25. The Scheme was organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited and co-organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, with the Equal Opportunities Commission as an independent advisor.
As part of University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing web accessibility and user-friendliness of its websites and mobile apps, the Equal Opportunity Unit carries out web accessibility audit for student‑facing websites. The audit, supported by UGC Special Grant to Enhance the Support for Students with SEN, identifies risky areas that may not fully comply with the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and to provide references for ongoing maintenance, future website revamps, or upgrades.
Web Accessibility Guidelines
Can persons with visual impairment surf freely on your websites? Making websites accessible is important. Yet, some website designers are not aware of the importance of making web accessible to persons with a disability.
Thanks to assistive software or tools, persons with visual impairment can read the content of websites. For example, persons with low vision can use screen magnifiers to read websites. Persons with blindness can read the content of websites by using screen readers that convert textual information on a website to synthesized speech or Braille.
INACCESSIBILITY COULD BE AN UNLAWFUL ACT
If a website is inaccessible to persons with a disability especially persons with visual impairment, it could be a kind of disability discrimination as it deprives their right of access to information. Under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, this could be a kind of unlawful act.
ACCESSIBILITY BENEFITS ALL
Making accessible websites can benefit persons with a disability as well as the website owners. This is because for private companies, higher accessibility means more potential customers and hence, more profits. For public bodies, making accessible websites can help to build corporate image and avoid complaints. For private users, it at least could allow more people to visit their websites.
HOW TO MAKE WEBSITES ACCESSIBLE?
Making websites accessible is not difficult. It does not require additional software or equipment. Here are seven tips for making websites accessible:
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Add alt-text to graphics
Persons with blindness cannot read graphics even with the aid of screen readers. To solve this problem, it is unnecessary to remove all graphics from the websites. Adding alt-text to graphics is a simple and effective solution. -
Avoid using different languages on the same page
Some screen readers may not be able to read Chinese/English at the same time. Avoid using different languages in the same webpage and allow readers to switch between languages. -
Use sharp colour contrast
Persons with colour-blindness may not be able to distinguish weak colour contrast. Use sharp colour contrast for content and background. -
Use simple tables
Screen readers may not be able to read complicated tables. Try to use several simple tables to substitute for a complicated table. Alternatively, use text to present the content of the table. -
Consistent page layout
The layout of each webpage should be consistent so that the users can locate the navigation links on each page at similar positions. Having consistent page layout not only benefits persons with disability, it also helps all other users to access the site more efficiently. -
Avoid using pop-up windows
Pop-up windows cause persons with visual impairment to lose direction and navigated position. Where a pop-up window must be used, provide text description of "Top of the page" and "Close" to tell persons with visual impairment that it is a new window and there is an exit.
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