Accessibility Statement for The Our Story 2 - iOS

The Open University is committed to making its websites and mobile applications accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This accessibility statement applies to the Our Story 2 mobile app, iOS version 2.2 (2020) which is available from the App Store (Apple).

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and mobile apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. On our Accessibility hub, you'll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you're a student or a member of staff.

To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:  

  • Increase the text size.
  • Increase the display size.  
  • Tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
  • Use zoom to magnify the screen.
  • Use the app in either portrait or landscape display.
  • Use single pointer gestures (e.g. requiring only one finger or pointer) which do not require precise movement (e.g. swiping) to activate controls.
  • Use a screen reader (e.g. VoiceOver for IOS and TalkBack for Android) to listen to the content of screens and use any functionality on the page. There is an in-built screen reader (note limitations as described below) that will read content when tapped on directly.
  • AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance Status

This mobile application is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons:

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

Orientation

The display in portrait mode has been disabled. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.4: Orientation (Level AA).  Given the nature of the app display, designers who we consulted advised that a portrait mode would be confusing for the target audience of the app (young children) and very difficult to implement given the restricted space on some mobile devices.

Target Size Minimum

Some buttons have insufficient spacing around them which can make it difficult to click these buttons. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.5.8: Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

On the Home screen and in the Preferences dialog, buttons and tick boxes are below the required target size, making them difficult to activate (Android + iOS). This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.5.5: Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

(Note: WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced) is a Level AAA criteria, and we are not required to support this as part of the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations. However, we believe that this is an important aspect of app accessibility and so we have included this in our accessibility testing for apps). 

Not all targets meet a minimum size or have sufficient space around to facilitate their activation. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.5.8: Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

Color contrast

Some text does not provide enough contrast with the background, making it more difficult to read. For example, text in buttons on the home screen ("Get Started", "Create New Story", "Use Existing Story"), and labels and instructions on the Create new story screen (e.g. “Tap to add new title”, “New Photo”). This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.. 

Some icons in buttons do not provide enough contrast with the background, making them difficult to distinguish. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criteria 1.4.11: Non-text Contrast (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

Using a screen reader

Logos on the home screen do not have alternative text that can be read by screen readers. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success criterion1.1.1: Non-text Content (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

In the App, a number of the icon buttons do not have labels that can be read by screen readers. For example, “Back”, “Settings”, “Publish” and “Help”. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context) (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

On the Create story screen, when using a screen reader, you can't select and drag an image into the story. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value (Level A) and will be resolved in August 2026.

Dragging Movement

Photographs need to be dragged to make a story there is no pointer.  This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criteria 2.5.8 Target Size (Minium) (Level AA) and will be resolved by August 2026.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

  • This statement was prepared on 24 September 2024.
  • This statement was last reviewed on 20 December 2024.
  • This mobile app was last tested on 17 May 2021.

The evaluation of compliance to WCAG 2.1 was carried out in 2021. The app has relatively few pages, so a complete review of all pages was conducted. Subsequently, the app owner, based in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS), in consultation with software developers, prepared this new statement and has evaluated the app to new requirements of WCAG 2.2 by going through each screen of the app and carrying out a visual check of the compliance.

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can’t get access to the information that you need please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form to request support and we will ensure that you are provided with the information you require. You will need to provide your contact details and Personal Identifier if you are a student so we can get back to you. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days. 

The OU is very experienced in meeting accessibility needs for our students. In many cases we are able to provide module and other study support materials in alternative formats for students who indicate a need for this when completing a Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their Student Support Team for advice.

If you are a student, or someone who has had contact with the University before, and have a complaint about the accessibility of our websites, you should raise a complaint via the complaints and appeals process.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).

If you are based in the UK, and you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

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